--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The present is always unsettled, no one…" description: "\"The present is always unsettled, no one has had time to contemplate it in tranquillity . I was a painter before I was a writer and a painter never want..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/727/isak-dinesen-3174_closed-eyes_the-present-is-always-unsettled-no-one-h_2122988.jpg" --- # The present is always unsettled, no one has had time to… ![“The present is always unsettled, no one has had time to contemplate it in tranquillity . I was a painter before I was a writer and a painter never wants the subject right under his nose; he wants to stand back and study a landscape with half-closed eyes.” quote by Isak Dinesen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/727/isak-dinesen-3174_closed-eyes_the-present-is-always-unsettled-no-one-h_2122988.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/727/isak-dinesen-3174_closed-eyes_the-present-is-always-unsettled-no-one-h_2122988.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/727/isak-dinesen-3174_closed-eyes_the-present-is-always-unsettled-no-one-h_2122988.jpg) > “The present is always unsettled, no one has had time to contemplate it in tranquillity . I was a painter before I was a writer and a painter never wants the subject right under his nose; he wants to stand back and study a landscape with half-closed eyes.” [Isak Dinesen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isak-dinesen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker reflects on the unsettled nature of the present, preferring distance to contemplate rather than immediate focus. **In simple terms:** Present is always in flux; step back to see clearly. Key Takeaway Take time to observe before acting. Themes philosophy creativity mindfulness Mood thoughtful introspective Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - painting sessions - writing retreats - strategic planning Key Concepts temporal perception artistic process reflection Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance observation and action? - When is it best to step back? A Different Perspective Over‑analysis can stall progress. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Artist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/artist/) [Closed eyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/closed-eyes/) [Contemplate Tranquillity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemplate-tranquillity-4339094/) [Contemplating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/contemplating/) [Eye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eye/) [Half](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/half/) [Landscape](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/landscape/) [Noses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/noses/) [Painter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painter/) [Painting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/painting/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Present Unsettled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/present-unsettled-4339093/) [Study](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/study/) [Subjects](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjects/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Time Contemplate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time-contemplate-1910820/) [Tranquillity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tranquillity/) [Unsettled Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/unsettled-time-4339095/) [Want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/want/) ## Related quotes > [“Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we eliminate is the thing we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/usually-when-the-distractions-of-daily-life-deplete-our-energy-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [In this world, where everything happens so fast, it's hard to sit back, take the time and contemplate.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/juliana-hatfield/in-this-world-where-everything-happens-so-fast-it-s-hard-to-sit-back/) [Juliana Hatfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/juliana-hatfield/) > [Free time is my enemy. 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