Thoreau: How we should shape our time

"As if we can kill time without harming eternity."

henry David Thoreau

Thoreau wrote the sentence "As if you could kill time without injuring eternity" in his work "Walden; or, Life in the Woods," which was published in 1854. This sentence appears in the chapter "Economy," in which Thoreau reflects on his experiences and philosophical insights during his two-year, two-month and two-day stay at Walden Pond.

Context of the quote

In "Walden", Thoreau reflects on the simple life in nature and criticizes the material and time-consuming distractions of modern society. The sentence "As if you could kill time without injuring eternity" expresses Thoreau's deep conviction that time is precious and that the conscious spending of time is of great importance. He criticizes the tendency of people to waste their time on trivial or insignificant activities without realizing that every minute wasted is a violation of the eternal possibilities of life.

Meaning and implications

Thoreau's statement is a reminder that time is a limited resource and that its use should be conscious and respectful. He encourages living life to the fullest by focusing on meaningful activities and appreciating nature and the deeper, spiritual dimension of life. Thoreau sees the "killing" of time as a form of abuse that violates the eternal and deeper aspects of human existence.

Personal reference

I have to admit that I have definitely been killing a lot of time instead of spending it consciously. I've often thrown myself into trivial activities or endless distractions without thinking about how I could use my precious time more wisely. But it's not about always being productive. Rather, it's about being conscious with our time. If we want to relax, we should do so. If we want to fool around, that's fine. But we shouldn't try to escape time. Thoreau's words are a reminder of how important it is to pause and reflect on the choices we make in order to live a more fulfilling and conscious life.

Relevance in today's world

Thoreau's criticism of wasting time is perhaps more relevant today than ever. In a world characterized by constant accessibility, digital distractions and a fast-paced lifestyle, his philosophy is a reminder to pause and use the limited time we have wisely. Thoreau's emphasis on simplicity and connection to nature offers a valuable perspective on how to live a fulfilling and conscious life without losing sight of the deeper meaning of existence.

By considering Thoreau's thoughts, we can learn to appreciate the time we have and live more consciously, to respect not only our own lives but also "eternity" in a spiritual or philosophical sense.