Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die… Still you wait and will not try – A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This poetic quote underscores the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing opportunities in life. It serves as a reminder that time passes quickly, and opportunities come and go, making it crucial to take action and pursue one's aspirations.
At its core, this quote encourages us to recognize the transitory nature of life and the potential consequences of hesitation or inaction. It likens a person who waits and does not act to a bird with wings that remains grounded and does not soar into the sky.
The quote invites us to reflect on the idea that life's opportunities are not infinite and that we should not squander precious moments by passively waiting or hesitating to pursue our dreams and ambitions. It emphasizes the importance of courage and taking risks in order to fully embrace the possibilities that life offers.
Moreover, this quote carries a sense of urgency, urging us to embrace the present and make the most of the time we have. It encourages us to break free from the constraints of fear or indecision and to seize the opportunities that come our way.
In summary, "Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die..." serves as a poignant reminder of the swift passage of time and the necessity of taking action in life. It inspires us to be proactive, to embrace opportunities, and to pursue our aspirations with courage and determination.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die... Still you wait and will not try - A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly." is often attributed to A. A. Milne (Bio / Quotes). A. A. Milne was a British author and playwright best known for creating the beloved children's character Winnie-the-Pooh.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
Consider the story of the American inventor and entrepreneur Thomas Edison. Edison was famous for his numerous inventions, including the phonograph and the practical electric light bulb. One historical moment that vividly illustrates the message of the quote—"Time is swift, it races by; Opportunities are born and die... Still you wait and will not try - A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly"—is his relentless pursuit of the light bulb.
Edison faced numerous failures and setbacks before he achieved success. The process of inventing the light bulb took thousands of experiments and nearly as many failed prototypes. Each failure was a fleeting opportunity that could have discouraged him. Yet, Edison did not wait idly or let time slip away without action. Instead, he embraced each failure as a stepping stone to success. His perseverance exemplifies how seizing opportunities and daring to rise above failures can lead to monumental breakthroughs.
Had Edison hesitated or succumbed to the fear of failure, the world might have waited much longer for the practical electric light bulb. His story demonstrates the importance of acting on opportunities and not letting time pass by without making an effort.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
Applying this quote to a real-life scenario involves recognizing and acting on the opportunities that come your way, rather than letting them slip through your fingers due to hesitation or fear of failure. For example, imagine someone who has a passion for cooking and dreams of opening their own restaurant. They may have a brilliant concept, a unique culinary style, and a clear vision for their business. However, the fear of financial risk, potential failure, or simply the vast amount of work involved might cause them to postpone or abandon their dream.
In this scenario, the quote serves as a powerful reminder: time moves quickly, and opportunities—whether they are financial, professional, or personal—can quickly disappear if not seized. By hesitating or waiting for the "perfect" moment, this individual risks never realizing their dream.
To overcome this, they should take incremental steps toward their goal, such as starting a small-scale catering business or a food blog to test the waters and gain experience. This proactive approach allows them to build their confidence, gather valuable feedback, and eventually take the leap into opening their own restaurant. The key is to act despite fears and uncertainties, recognizing that opportunities are fleeting and require action to be realized.
In essence, the quote encourages us to embrace our potential and take decisive actions, rather than allowing opportunities to pass by while we remain stagnant or hesitant.
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.
