Anticipation Quote by Samuel Johnson
“In proportion as our cares are employed upon the future, they are abstracted from the present, from the only time which we can call our own, and of which, if we neglect the apparent duties to make provision against visionary attacks, we shall certainly counteract our own purpose.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Idler, 1750
Focusing on future worries steals present time, undermining purpose if we ignore immediate duties.
In simple terms: Future worries steal present time.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize present duties.
Themes
time management
mindfulness
purpose
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- daily planning
- stress reduction
- goal setting
Key Concepts
psychology
philosophy
temporal focus
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance future planning with present living?
- What immediate actions honor your purpose?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting present duties can cause long‑term regret.
![“[It is hard to know what is good luck and what isn't and therefore whether we should be happy or sad about it. Only time will tell. For example...] The Talmud relates a story about two people who wanted to travel by boat. One broke his foot and was unable to make the trip, while his friend got on…” quote by Zelig Pliskin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/68d/zelig-pliskin-22951_anticipation_it-is-hard-to-know-what-is-good-luck-and_34545.jpg)
![“The only thing is that ordinarily when I do dance with [women] they think I am suddenly going to throw them over a table or twist them all around. All I want to do is one-two, one-two-three - a simple fox trot. But they're shaking with anticipation at the thought that I'm about to whip them around…” quote by Gene Kelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/073/gene-kelly-11878_anticipation_the-only-thing-is-that-ordinarily-when-i_44100.jpg)
