As I recall, my life as a child was so all-consuming that I

David Johansen’s words, “As I recall, my life as a child was so all-consuming that I barely had time to consider the future,” capture a universal truth about the intensity and immediacy of youth. In this simple reflection, Johansen reveals the deeply immersive nature of childhood, where every moment feels urgent, filled with discovery, wonder, and experiences that demand one's full attention. As children, the future is something far off, an abstraction that can wait—what matters most is the present, the unfolding of life in its most immediate and visceral form. The future, with its promises and uncertainties, often pales in comparison to the joys and trials of the now.

In the ancient world, youth was similarly understood to be a time of growth and exploration, where the mind and body were not yet burdened by the weight of responsibility or the pressures of the future. The Greeks viewed childhood as a stage in life that was to be lived fully, without excessive concern for what lay ahead. The great philosopher Plato, in his Republic, emphasized the importance of the playful spirit of childhood, where learning occurred through experience and observation, rather than through rigid instruction. Similarly, Johansen’s quote reveals that in youth, there is a natural inclination to live in the moment, to be consumed by the present, and to trust that the future will reveal itself in time. The future is not something to fear or control, but something to allow to unfold as part of the natural course of life.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, who, as a young boy, was far more concerned with the joys of youth than the grandeur of his destiny. Aristotle, his tutor, did not merely teach Alexander the art of warfare, but also the wisdom of philosophy and science. Yet, even as a student of great depth, Alexander's early years were spent immersed in the present, exploring his own potential, before ever contemplating the great empire he would eventually rule. Alexander’s childhood, like many of the ancients, was filled with play, curiosity, and a growing understanding of self—the foundation for what would become an extraordinary legacy. It was only later, when the weight of leadership and empire-building pressed upon him, that Alexander would come to understand the immense responsibility of the future.

Youth, as Johansen reflects, is a time when the present holds sway. The future is a distant echo, a possibility, but not yet a pressing reality. In the ancient societies, youth was viewed as the vibrant spring from which wisdom and virtue would emerge. The Roman poet Horace famously wrote, “Carpe diem”—seize the day. He urged his readers to embrace the present moment, not to be overly concerned with what was to come, for the future, as Johansen notes, would come in its own time. Youth—with its natural energy, curiosity, and vibrancy—was not to be rushed or burdened with worries of the future. It was a time to absorb the world around you, and to grow into the person you were destined to become.

Yet, as time moves forward, adulthood often brings the inevitability of facing the future, whether we are prepared for it or not. The lessons of childhood, the intensity of the present, must eventually give way to the realities of responsibility, planning, and anticipation. This shift is not always comfortable, but it is a necessary part of the human experience. Just as Socrates reminded us that the pursuit of wisdom requires self-reflection and deliberation, so must we eventually turn our attention to the future. We must balance the energy of the present with the foresight needed to build a meaningful future. Living in the present—as Johansen describes—can provide us with the foundation of experiences, but it is the knowledge and decisions we make today that shape the path ahead.

The transition from childhood to adulthood is a profound one. Johansen's reflection underscores the preciousness of the moments of youth, and the wisdom of not rushing them. There is a value in being fully present, in allowing time for play, creativity, and exploration—for it is within these moments that the foundation of the future is built. However, the lesson here is that while we must honor the present, we must also be prepared for the future when it arrives. The future is shaped by the choices we make in the present, and it is our actions and decisions that will eventually lead us to the destiny we seek.

Lesson for the ages:

Youth is a time to be immersed in the present, to learn through experience and to grow in ways that cannot always be predicted. Yet, the future will come, and it is shaped by the decisions and wisdom we cultivate in the present. While we must enjoy the vibrancy of youth, we must also take care to prepare ourselves, so that when the future arrives, we are ready to embrace it with purpose and strength. As the ancients knew, the key to a meaningful life is not just in living fully in the now, but in understanding how the present moment leads to the unfolding future.

Practical Action:

In your own life, strive to embrace the present moment with the fullness of your being. Allow yourself to experience the joys and challenges of today, and understand that these moments are building blocks for the future. However, also remember that as you grow, so too must you prepare for what lies ahead. Don’t let the worries of the future rob you of today, but don’t forget that each moment is a seed that will one day bear fruit. Live with intent, balancing the exuberance of youth with the foresight and planning needed for the future. In this way, you will walk the path of the ancients, living fully in the present while keeping an eye on the promise of tomorrow.