Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do

Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do

Jean de La Bruyère, a 17th-century French philosopher and moralist, once said, "Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do." This statement holds a profound truth that is often overlooked in our fast-paced, modern society. La Bruyère's observation highlights the innocence and simplicity of childhood, contrasting it with the complexities and anxieties that come with adulthood.

Children live in the moment, fully immersed in whatever they are doing at any given time. They do not dwell on the past or worry about the future; instead, they focus on the here and now. This ability to be present and fully engaged in the present moment is a quality that many adults struggle to cultivate. In our hectic lives filled with responsibilities and distractions, we often find ourselves preoccupied with thoughts of the past or concerns about the future, missing out on the joy and beauty of the present moment.

La Bruyère's words remind us of the importance of embracing the present and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. Children have a natural curiosity and sense of wonder that allows them to appreciate the world around them in a way that many adults have forgotten. They find joy in the simplest of things – a butterfly fluttering by, a puddle to splash in, or a new toy to play with. As we grow older, we tend to lose this sense of wonder and become jaded by the demands and pressures of adulthood.