There is a season for everything, and we do not notice a given phenomenon except at that season, if, indeed, it can be called the same phenomenon at any other season. There is a time to watch the ripples on Ripple Lake, to look for arrowheads, to study the rocks and lichens, a time to walk on sandy deserts; and the observer of nature must improve these seasons as much as the farmer his. So boys fly kites and play ball or hawkie at particular times all over the State. A wise man will know what game to play to-day, and play it. We must not be governed by rigid rules, as by the almanac, but let the season rule us. The moods and thoughts of man are revolving just as steadily and incessantly as nature’s. Nothing must be postponed. Take time by the forelock. Now or never! You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this, or the like of this. Where the good husbandman is, there is the good soil. Take any other course, and life will be a succession of regrets. Let us see vessels sailing prosperously before the wind, and not simply stranded barks. There is no world for the penitent and regretful.
~ Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862)
Thank you Rob Firchau @ The Hammock Papers for quote. Thank you madamescherzo for the Joaquim Mir (Barcelona 1873-1940) painting titled Paisatge.
“….find eternity in each moment…this is no other life but this, or like this.” Fantastic quote paired with the perfect painting. Thanks David..
Thanks Mimi. And imagine, this man, making these statements over 150 years ago. Genius.
Truly
I’m with Mimi, David–a perfect duet of image and word…
Thanks Lori.
Every moment is precious for we are not promised tomorrow.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Yes!
Ditto previous comments. Beautiful water color to go along with such thought provoking words.
Thank you!
Just do it!
Nike and Thoreau. What a duo!
What a brilliant quote… I can’t believe I’ve never seen it. Thanks so much for sharing this bit of inspiration. (And, THANKS Henry!!)
Is it (brilliant)! I too, had never heard of it. I come across a number of Gems at Rob Firchau’s blog. Thank you…
Everyone has already said it. Sorry to repeat, but first I loved that painting. So I read the words and they were just as beautiful. It’s like a good wine and food pairing.
So, I finally got it right, is what you are saying Anneli? 🙂
Not finally. You get it right lots of times. I just have fun picking on you.;-)
Laughing. As they say, he (me)who dishes it out, has to eat it on the return.
Thank you David, wonderful quote and painting to began my Sunday! Enjoy yours…every moment of it
Thanks Tina. You too!
Loved reading this! 🙂
Bx
Thanks! Me too…