Future Quote by Tom Robbins
““Information about time cannot be imparted in a straightforward way. Like furniture, it has to be tipped and tilted to get it through the door. If the past is a solid oak buffet whose legs must be unscrewed and whose drawers must be removed before, in an altered state, it can be upended into the entryway of our minds, then the future is a king-size waterbed that hardly stands a chance, especially if it needs to be brought up in an elevator. Those billions who persist in perceiving time as the pursuit of the future are continually buying waterbeds that will never make it beyond the front porch or the lobby. And if man's mission is to reside in the fullness of the present, then he's got no space for the waterbed, anyhow, not even if he could lower it through a skylight.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Another Roadside Attraction, Tom Robbins, 1971
Time is hard to grasp directly; we must shift perspectives to understand past and future, but focusing on the future often leads to futile pursuits, while living fully in the present avoids such traps.
In simple terms: Time must be viewed from different angles; chasing the future can be pointless, focus on now.
Key Takeaway
Shift perspective, live in the present.
Themes
time
perception
present
future
focus
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
contemplative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
metaphorical
When to use this quote
- daily decision making
- goal setting
- mindfulness practice
- creative problem solving
Key Concepts
philosophy
metaphor
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your view of time affect your daily choices?
- What would change if you prioritized present moments?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on future can cause anxiety and missed present moments.
