We are not free to use today, or to promise tomorrow, because we are already mortgaged to yesterday

We are not free to use today, or to promise tomorrow, because we are already mortgaged to yesterday

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned American essayist, lecturer, and poet, was a firm believer in the power of self-reliance and living in the present moment. His works often emphasized the importance of individualism, intuition, and the pursuit of one's own truth. In the context of the quote "We are not free to use today, or to promise tomorrow, because we are already mortgaged to yesterday," Emerson's philosophy can shed light on the idea of living in the present and not being burdened by the past.

Emerson believed that each individual has the power to shape their own destiny and should not be constrained by societal norms or past experiences. He encouraged people to trust their own instincts and follow their own path, rather than conforming to the expectations of others. In this sense, being "mortgaged to yesterday" can be seen as being weighed down by past mistakes, regrets, or expectations that prevent us from fully embracing the present moment.

Emerson's concept of self-reliance also ties into the idea of not being bound by the past. He believed that true freedom comes from trusting oneself and living authentically, rather than relying on external sources of validation or approval. By letting go of past grievances or limitations, individuals can fully embrace the opportunities and possibilities of the present moment.