I will live this day as if it is my last. …I will waste not a moment mourning yesterday’s misfortunes, Yesterday’s defeats, yesterday’s aches of the heart, for why should I throw good after bad?”I will live this day as if it is my last. This day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity. I greet this sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner who is reprieved from death. I lift mine arms with thanks for this priceless gift of a new day. So too, I will beat upon my heart with gratitude as I consider all who greeted yesterday’s sunrise who are no longer with the living today. I am indeed a fortunate man and today’s hours are but a bonus, undeserved. Why have I been allowed to live this extra day when others, far better than I, have departed? Is it that they have accomplished their purpose while mine is yet to be achieved? Is this another opportunity for me to become the man I know I can be?
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present moment. It suggests that we should let go of past regrets and sorrows, and instead approach each day with gratitude and joy, as if it were our last. It emphasizes the preciousness of life and the opportunity to make the most of each day, to fulfill our purpose and become the best version of ourselves. It encourages a mindset of gratitude, optimism, and self-reflection in the pursuit of a meaningful and purposeful life.
Who said the quote?
The quote “I will live this day as if it is my last. …I will waste not a moment mourning yesterday’s misfortunes, Yesterday’s defeats, yesterday’s aches of the heart, for why should I throw good after bad?”I will live this day as if it is my last. This day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity. I greet this sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner who is reprieved from death. I lift mine arms with thanks for this priceless gift of a new day. So too, I will beat upon my heart with gratitude as I consider all who greeted yesterday’s sunrise who are no longer with the living today. I am indeed a fortunate man and today’s hours are but a bonus, undeserved. Why have I been allowed to live this extra day when others, far better than I, have departed? Is it that they have accomplished their purpose while mine is yet to be achieved? Is this another opportunity for me to become the man I know I can be?” was said in the book The Greatest Salesman in the World (Summary) by Og Mandino. Og Mandino was an American author and speaker who wrote extensively on the topics of motivation, self-help, and personal development.
What's the quote's message?
The message behind the quote is a profound shift in perspective and a call to embrace the present moment with gratitude and purpose. Instead of dwelling on past misfortunes, defeats, and heartaches, the author chooses to live each day as if it were their last. They recognize that this day is all they have, and the hours ahead are treated as an eternity.
Welcoming the sunrise with cries of joy, the author compares themselves to a prisoner spared from death, finding liberation in the gift of a new day. They raise their arms in thanks for this priceless opportunity to experience life once more. In contrast, they also reflect on those who, despite greeting yesterday's sunrise, are no longer alive today. This realization instills a deep sense of gratitude within them, for they understand that every additional day they are granted is an undeserved bonus.
The author questions why they have been allowed to live this extra day while others, who were perhaps more deserving, have departed. They contemplate the purpose of their continued existence, pondering whether they still have a destiny to fulfill. This introspection presents itself as an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, urging them to strive towards becoming the person they know they can be.
In essence, this quote encourages us to let go of past regrets and focus on embracing the present moment. It invites us to cultivate gratitude for each new day we are given, recognizing it as an invaluable gift. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on the purpose and potential within us, inspiring us to live with intention and make the most of the opportunities that come our way. By adopting this mindset, we can truly appreciate the beauty and possibilities that each day holds.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One historical example that illustrates the message of the quote can be found in the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement against British rule.
Gandhi lived his life with a strong sense of purpose and urgency, constantly striving to make a positive impact on the world. He embraced the philosophy of nonviolence and dedicated himself to achieving freedom and justice for the Indian people.
Throughout his life, Gandhi faced numerous challenges, setbacks, and personal tragedies. However, he did not allow these difficulties to consume him or hinder his progress. Instead, he approached each day with a renewed sense of purpose, focusing on the present moment and the opportunities it presented.
Gandhi believed in the power of the individual to make a difference and emphasized the importance of taking action in the present rather than dwelling on past failures or regrets. He encouraged people to live each day to its fullest potential, recognizing the preciousness of life and the need to seize every opportunity to create positive change.
By embodying the principles of the quote, Gandhi inspired millions of people and became a symbol of hope and resilience. He showed that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to maintain a positive outlook, appreciate the gift of life, and strive towards personal growth and the betterment of society.
* The editor of this interpretation made every effort to maintain information accuracy. This includes the source and any key ideas or meanings conveyed in it.
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.
