Come Future Quote by Jacques Derrida
![“In general, I try and distinguish between what one calls the Future and “l’avenir” [the ‘to come]. The future is that which – tomorrow, later, next century – will be. There is a future which is predictable, programmed, scheduled, foreseeable. But there is a future, l’avenir (to come) which refers…” quote by Jacques Derrida](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1c6/jacques-derrida-3948_quote_in-general-i-try-and-distinguish-between_2212403.jpg)
““In general, I try and distinguish between what one calls the Future and “l’avenir” [the ‘to come]. The future is that which – tomorrow, later, next century – will be. There is a future which is predictable, programmed, scheduled, foreseeable. But there is a future, l’avenir (to come) which refers to someone who comes whose arrival is totally unexpected. For me, that is the real future. That which is totally unpredictable. The Other who comes without my being able to anticipate their arrival. So if there is a real future, beyond the other known future, it is l’avenir in that it is the coming of the Other when I am completely unable to foresee their arrival.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Time, Jacques Derrida, 1995
The "future" splits into a predictable, scheduled timeline and an unforeseeable arrival of the Other, which is the true future.
In simple terms: Two futures: one planned, one unexpected.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to the unexpected.
Themes
philosophy
time
existentialism
Mood
reflective
provocative
Type
philosophical
existential
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- planning
- spiritual practice
- psychology
- teaching
Key Concepts
predictability
the Other
uncertainty
ontological
future
Questions to Reflect On
- What does "the Other" mean to you?
- How can you prepare for unpredictable change?
A Different Perspective
The unexpected may be dismissed as irrational.
