Faust Quote by Annie Dillard
““Goethe’s Faust risks all if he should cry to the moment, the 'augenblick', “Verweile doch!” “Last forever!” Who hasn’t prayed that prayer? But the 'augenblick' isn’t going to 'verweile'. You were lucky to get it in the first place. The present is a freely given canvas. That it is constantly being ripped apart and washed downstream goes without saying; it is a canvas, nevertheless.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Freedom of the Human Spirit” (1995)
The quote reflects on the fleeting nature of moments, urging us to seize the present as a canvas despite its transience.
In simple terms: Moments are brief; treat them as a canvas.
Key Takeaway
Live fully in each moment.
Themes
impermanence
presence
creativity
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- creative work
- daily decision making
Key Concepts
existentialism
temporal awareness
artistic metaphor
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you honor the present without clinging?
- What does treating life as a canvas change your actions?
A Different Perspective
The present cannot be held forever; it changes despite our wishes.
![“In fact a favourite problem of [John Tyndall] is—Given the molecular forces in a mutton chop, deduce Hamlet or Faust therefrom. He is confident that the Physics of the Future will solve this easily.” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/552/anonymous-1_facts_in-fact-a-favourite-problem-of-john-tynd_545785.jpg)