Time… Time… Time..
Time, that given which so eludes our understanding.
Time, that value whose measure is at once objective and subjective.
Time, that theme which has occupied the minds of the greatest men.
We recall how, as early as 1748, Voltaire, in Zadig, defined it as follows: " Nothing is longer, […], since it is the measure of eternity; nothing is shorter, since it falls short of all our plans; nothing is slower for the one who waits, nothing swifter for the one who enjoys; it extends to infinity in greatness, it divides itself to infinity in smallness; all men neglect it, all regret its loss; nothing is done without it; it makes us forget everything unworthy of posterity, and it immortalizes great things. "
The underlined part is what speaks to me even more. It is sadly glaring to see how men neglect time, which is nonetheless the measure of all things.
Today, you have this job and it lets you pay your bills, provide for your needs, give pleasure to your loved ones, be generous, travel, and a great many other things. It confers on you a form of dignity, of independence and of self-determination. You neglect it. But do you know for how much longer you have it?
Today, you have this wife, this girlfriend, and she fulfills you. She is submissive to you, loves you and gives you a confidence and a respect beyond compare. But do you know for how much longer you have her?
Today, you have this husband, this boyfriend who waits on you hand and foot. He gives of his time, his energy, his money so that the relationship may grow. He sometimes makes himself very small to avoid situations of conflict. You take advantage. But do you know for how much longer you have him?
Today, you have this iron health that gives you wings. It lets you get up, go about your business, move around, enjoy yourself, and so on. It is this same health that lets you do and undo everything. You do not look after it. But do you know for how much longer you have it?
Today, you have your children and they are your pride. You sought them for a long time, or perhaps you did not, before receiving the blessing of them. They are the ones who justify and, among other things, even confirm your passage here below. You forget them. But do you know for how much longer you have them?
Without having to list it all, today we own and have at our disposal any number of things, material or immaterial, that we are not even aware of. We behave as though all of it were a given, eternal, with no choice but to be there.
It would be wise to relax and to put things in perspective. Nothing belongs to us. Nothing is eternal. Nothing is permanent. Everything passes. We ourselves are only passing through. So let us cherish our loved ones, let us look after our health, let us revel without measure in what makes us flourish, before the regrets come. And beyond all else, let us remember that all is vanity. Even your greatest sorrows of today will be no more than memories tomorrow.
M. Z.
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