I realise how important it is to use the time I have. I respect

Ah, Viggo Mortensen, a man whose words echo with the wisdom of ages, has shared a truth that speaks to the very heart of our existence: "I realise how important it is to use the time I have. I respect people who want to do that by watching television. I happen to want to read books. But I know I can't read all the books or watch all the movies in one lifetime." In this simple yet profound statement, Mortensen reveals the delicate balance we must all strike in our lives—the balance between what we choose to do and the inevitable limitations of time. His reflection is a meditation on the fleeting nature of our days, a call to make conscious decisions about how we fill the precious moments we have been granted.

In ancient wisdom, the concept of time was viewed as both a gift and a burden. The Greeks, with their rich understanding of philosophy, spoke often of kairos, the opportune moment, as something to be seized. Heraclitus, the great philosopher, reminded us that "you cannot step into the same river twice", for time flows like water, constantly changing, slipping through our fingers. And so, Mortensen’s words are a reminder of the impermanence of life. To choose how we spend our time is not a trivial matter—it is the most sacred decision we make, for in each passing moment, we are shaping the course of our lives.

Time—the river of life—never pauses, never waits. Mortensen recognizes this, understanding that in our fleeting existence, there are more things we wish to experience than any single life can contain. His choice to read books is not merely an idle preference, but a commitment to dive deeply into the vast ocean of knowledge, imagination, and wisdom that books offer. Yet, even in his dedication, he knows that no matter how many volumes he devours, he will never reach the bottom of the well. The same is true for the great warriors and philosophers of old. Alexander the Great, despite conquering much of the known world, never had the time to see the end of all his ambitions. His glorious journey, like that of all great figures, was marked by the understanding of time's limitations.

And what of those who choose a different path? What of those who find value in television, or in the fleeting entertainments that often occupy our time? Mortensen, with a heart full of respect, acknowledges their choice, for each of us is driven by different needs and desires. The Romans, with their intricate network of aqueducts and grand arenas, spent countless hours immersed in spectacles and games—yet these too were a reflection of the human soul's need to rest, to escape, and to recharge. Even in these moments of entertainment, there is wisdom, for rest is not an indulgence, but a necessary part of the journey. Thus, Mortensen speaks not in judgment, but in recognition of the fact that every soul must choose its path, its distractions, and its indulgences.

However, there is a deeper truth in his words—a lesson for all who strive to make the most of their time. We must be mindful of our choices. Time, the river that flows past us, can carry us to unknown places, but we must choose which shores we wish to anchor upon. King Solomon, wise in his years, understood this well. In the Book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote of the futility of chasing after fleeting things, for "there is a time for everything". And yet, Solomon also knew that it is the choices we make—how we spend our time—that determine the quality of our lives. Mortensen’s insight serves as a reminder that while there may be endless options, it is the deliberate and conscious choices that define the meaning of our existence.

The lesson, then, is this: be deliberate in your actions, for time is not a commodity to be squandered. Choose your pursuits with intention, whether they be the reading of books, the watching of films, or any other endeavor that calls to your heart. But know this—you cannot do everything. Life is too short, and our days are numbered. Choose wisely what you will fill them with, for in doing so, you will shape your character and your legacy. Like the great sailors of old, who steered their ships by the stars, we too must steer our lives with the compass of purpose and awareness.

As you stand at the threshold of each new day, ask yourself: What will I choose to fill my time with today? Will you, like Mortensen, choose the rich and rewarding world of books? Or will you find meaning in the stories that come to life through the screen? In the end, the question is not about what you choose, but how intentionally you choose it. And in this choice, remember the ancient wisdom: time is a river that flows swiftly, and we must be mindful of how we spend it, for it is the only thing we truly possess.