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Concern Quote by Edward Young

“Procrastination is the thief of time; year after year it steals, till all are fled, and to the mercies of a moment leaves the vast concerns of an eternal state. At thirty, man suspects himself a fool; knows it at forty, and reforms his plan; at fifty chides his infamous delay, pushes his prudent…” quote by Edward Young
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“Procrastination is the thief of time; year after year it steals, till all are fled, and to the mercies of a moment leaves the vast concerns of an eternal state. At thirty, man suspects himself a fool; knows it at forty, and reforms his plan; at fifty chides his infamous delay, pushes his prudent purpose to resolve; in all the magnanimity of thought, resolves, and re-resolves, then dies the same.”

Edward Young

About This Quote

Source Poem: "Night Thoughts", 1742

Procrastination steals time, leading to regret and missed opportunities throughout life.

In simple terms: Delaying steals time and causes regret.

Key Takeaway

Act now, avoid future regret.

Themes

time regret productivity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • academic work
  • personal goals

Key Concepts

temporal loss self‑discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • What tasks are you avoiding and why?
  • How can you break the cycle?
A Different Perspective

Procrastination can also be a symptom of deeper issues.

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