Behave Quote by Erving Polster
“The paradox is that, while a concern with past and future is obviously central to psychological functioning, to behave as though one were indeed in the past or future, as many do, pollutes the lively possibilities of existence.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Psychotherapy of Everyday Life, Erving Polster, 1975
Focusing on past or future limits present awareness, reducing the richness of lived experience.
In simple terms: Living in past/future narrows life.
Key Takeaway
Embrace present moment.
Themes
mindfulness
psychology
presence
Mood
contemplative
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- daily meditation
- creative work
- decision making
Key Concepts
temporal focus
existential richness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance reflection with present engagement?
- What practices help you stay present?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on present can ignore valuable lessons from past or future planning.
![“Stories people told themselves were biased by the availability of the material used to construct them...what people remember about the past, [Kahneman and Tversky] suggested, is likely to warp their judgement of the future. "We often decide that an outcome is extremely unlikely or impossible…” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fb5/michael-lewis-705_bias_stories-people-told-themselves-were-bias_2757027.jpg)
