Behinds Quote by Henry Van Dyke
“The shadow by my finger cast Divides the future from the past: Before it, sleeps the unborn hour, In darkness, and beyond thy power. Behind its unreturning line, The vanished hour, no longer thine: One hour alone is in thy hands,- The NOW on which the shadow stands.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Shadow, 1915
The present moment separates past and future; it is the only time we truly possess and can act upon.
In simple terms: Now is the only time we truly have.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the present.
Themes
time
presence
mindfulness
Mood
contemplative
urgent
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- decision making
- stress management
- creative work
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
temporal awareness
existential focus
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing the present change your priorities?
- What actions can you take now?
A Different Perspective
The past and future remain beyond our control.
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