Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you die tomorrow.

What's the meaning of this quote?

Quote Meaning: This quote is an insightful reminder to strike a balance between living life to the fullest and preparing for the inevitable unknowns that lie ahead. On one hand, it encourages us to be fully engaged in our present lives, making the most out of every opportunity, and pursuing our passions and dreams with the belief that we have an infinite amount of time. This mindset can lead to a life filled with adventure, learning, and personal growth. On the other hand, it also emphasizes the importance of being spiritually and morally prepared for the afterlife, as if it could be just around the corner. By cultivating virtues, engaging in acts of kindness, and being introspective, we can better prepare ourselves for the uncertainties that come with death. Ultimately, the quote suggests that living a fulfilling life involves balancing worldly pursuits and spiritual growth, a harmony that helps us make the most of our limited time on earth.

Who said the quote?

The quote "Do for this life as if you live forever, do for the afterlife as if you die tomorrow." was said by Ali ibn Abi Talib (Bio / Quotes). Ali ibn Abi Talib was a cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and the fourth caliph to rule the Islamic empire.

ELEVATE
Free Resource: A step-by-step blueprint to realize your dreams
Reading is Smart. Applying is Smarter:  Apply
Subscribe on YouTube to get more wisdom:  

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.

 
Actualize Your Potential
Get my simplified process for realizing dreams (The exact process that enabled me to achieve 100 life goals in 10 years)
GET IT FREE:
Access my Start With WHY workbook for free, designed to guide you toward your purpose and the person you are meant to become
expert_advice
Align With Your Why
Elevate In Your Inbox
Get actionable insights, best practices, and wisdom you can apply — No hype, No fluff. Just practical ideas that might change your life.

Read The Art of Fully Living

There's no going back-once you embark on the journey you're meant to live, it's impossible to settle for anything less than your dreams.

Click here to learn more

Set Better Goals

Learn a better and smarter approach to setting and achieving goals. It's not just about what you want to achieve, but who you must become in the process.

Click here to learn more
Take The Free Test
Discover your areas for growth in just 5 minutes. Take the FREE self-evaluation test and pinpoint where to focus your efforts

Uplevel Your Game

Apply Best Practices

Access a self-paced online roadmap that turns big goals into realities, complete with daily study guides, actionable steps, and proven practices from the world's best minds
Apply the wisdom of the world’s most transformational books and influential minds
Master the book's teaching and apply it to your daily life—A 10-day immersive course, complete with daily study guides and practical audio lessons.
Unlock unlimited, lifetime access to a growing library of mastery programs and knowledge from the world's top minds.