Away Quote by A.S. Byatt
““What is it my dear?" Ah, how can we bear it?" Bear what?" This. For so short a time. How can we sleep this time away?" We can be quiet together, and pretend - since it is only the beginning - that we have all the time in the world." And every day we shall have less. And then none." Would you rather, therefore, have had nothing at all?" No. This is where I have always been coming to. Since my time began. And when I go away from here, this will be the mid-point, to which everything ran, before, and from which everything will run. But now, my love, we are here, we are now, and those other times are running elsewhere.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Possession by A.S. Byatt, 1990
The passage reflects on the fleeting nature of time, love, and existence, urging acceptance of impermanence and the present moment.
In simple terms: Life is brief; cherish now.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the present.
Themes
time
love
impermanence
existence
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal reflection
- mindfulness
- grief
- legacy
Key Concepts
philosophy
existentialism
romanticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance present joy with future planning?
- What does “mid-point” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
The quote idealizes the present, overlooking practical responsibilities.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
