The Substance of Life Is Time

The substance of life is time: to live is but to define the application to it, on a smaller scale, during the space of twenty-four hours, and on a larger scale, during the indefinite interval of a lifetime—and I am but a spreadsheet-man! In any case, the immediate decision is always the most important, and planning, the later it comes, the less fruitful it is. The truth is that the distribution of time involves, in the first instance, the ability to visualize the desired result which, as if it were not uncertain enough, has to fit the primary needs and the longing for the consummation of something that justifies one’s existence. Generally, these are conflicting spheres, and generally the former ends up sucking up the bulk of the vital substance. If we knew, at least, the circumstance of the last breath and if there was not such vagueness about the horizon, everything would be easier: distributing time would be an almost pleasant task and the fruits of life would be much more meritocratic. However, the plot would lose in emotion and suspense. It seems very difficult to live and not sin, on the one hand, by precipitation and, on the other, by cowardice.