Behinds Quote by Harry Mulisch
“Besides, whoever keeps the future in front of him and the past at his back is doing something else that's hard to imagine. For the image implies that events somehow already exist in the future, reach the present at a determined moment, and finally come to rest in the past. But nothing exists in the future; it is empty; one might die at any minute. Therefore such a person has his face toward the void, whereas it is the past behind him that is visible, stored in the memory.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Darkroom of Damocles by Harry Mulisch, 1958
He suggests that focusing on a non‑existent future and a fixed past distracts from acting in the present.
In simple terms: Living in the present is essential.
Key Takeaway
Act now, don’t dwell on imagined futures.
Themes
presence
time
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- personal relationships
- creative projects
- health choices
Key Concepts
existentialism
temporal perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on the present change your decisions?
- What does “the void” represent for you?
A Different Perspective
Future is uncertain; over‑planning can cause paralysis.
