Chasing Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““Life, if you keep chasing it so hard, will drive you to death. Time—when pursued like a bandit—will behave like one; always remaining one county or one room ahead of you, changing its name and hair color to elude you, slipping out the back door of the motel just as you’re banging through the lobby with your newest search warrant, leaving only a burning cigarette in the ashtray to taunt you. At some point you have to stop because it won’t. You have to admit that you can’t catch it. That you’re not supposed to catch it.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Time and Pursuit, Elizabeth Gilbert, 2019
Chasing time obsessively leads to exhaustion; recognizing its elusiveness helps us accept limits and find peace.
In simple terms: Time is elusive; stop chasing it.
Key Takeaway
Accept time’s limits.
Themes
philosophy
time
acceptance
Mood
reflective
calm
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- goal setting
- stress management
- life planning
- meditation
Key Concepts
impermanence
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “catching time” mean to you?
- How can you live fully without obsessing over time?
A Different Perspective
Time will always move; balance is key.
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