Gone Quote by Augusten Burroughs
“Time moves only forward, never back. We look forward to a moment and then it arrives and an instant later it is gone. Like something on the surface of a river that we reached for but did not touch in time and it carried on, away. You cannot be a prisoner of your past against your will. Because you can only live in the past inside your mind.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Running with Scissors, 2002
Time is irreversible; we chase moments that slip away, and living in the past confines us to mental constructs.
In simple terms: Time moves forward; don’t dwell on past.
Key Takeaway
Focus on present actions.
Themes
time
impermanence
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- goal setting
- grieving loss
- daily planning
- mindful meditation
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
temporal awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- What present actions can you take now?
- How do you release past regrets?
A Different Perspective
Past cannot be changed; acceptance is needed.
