I think of the past and the future as well as the present to

In the words of Tadao Ando, we are invited into a deep reflection on the relationship between past, present, and future. Ando suggests that understanding where we are in life requires a contemplation of not only the present moment but also a mindful acknowledgment of what has come before and what lies ahead. By considering the history that has shaped us and the future that beckons, we gain insight into our current position and can move forward with purpose and awareness. Ando’s philosophy teaches that we should not live solely in the present, nor be chained to the past, but rather, we should find our place in the flow of time, moving forward with both reflection and vision.

This understanding of time and movement is deeply rooted in the wisdom of the ancients. In ancient Greece, Heraclitus, the philosopher, famously said, "You cannot step into the same river twice." He recognized that time is in constant flux, and that understanding our place in the world requires us to acknowledge that both past and future shape our experiences. For Heraclitus, the ability to move forward with wisdom came not from ignoring the past or ignoring the future, but by embracing the continuous flow of life—a constant interplay between what was, what is, and what will be. Tadao Ando's reflection on time echoes this understanding, suggesting that our journey through life requires us to acknowledge these forces as we move forward.

Similarly, the ancient Romans understood that to live a fulfilled life, one must not simply react to the present moment but also cultivate a sense of reflection and purpose. Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor, often wrote in his Meditations about the importance of recognizing the transient nature of life. He saw the present as a brief moment in time, part of a much larger cosmic order. To him, wisdom lay in understanding the past as a lesson and the future as a responsibility. Aurelius urged us to live in accordance with the virtues that transcend time, such as wisdom, courage, and justice, which guide us in our actions and in our movement through time. Ando’s reflection aligns with this philosophy—seeing the present not in isolation, but as part of a greater journey.

Consider the example of Confucius, who taught that the past holds the wisdom of tradition and ancient knowledge, while the future is a canvas that we must shape through our actions. In his writings, particularly in the Analects, Confucius emphasized the importance of learning from the past and planning for the future. He believed that understanding the history of one’s culture and heritage was essential for moral development, and that each step forward should be taken with care and awareness. Confucius’ teachings are a testament to the idea that the present moment is always connected to the unfolding of the future, shaped by our actions and the wisdom passed down from those who came before us. Like Ando, Confucius understood the value of looking backward to move forward with purpose.

In modern history, Nelson Mandela offers another powerful example of this balanced approach to time. During his 27 years of imprisonment, Mandela never lost sight of his vision for a free and unified South Africa. He was deeply aware of the past—the history of apartheid and the struggles of his people—and he used that history as a guide for the future. Yet, Mandela did not allow the pain of the past to anchor him; instead, he looked forward with hope and the desire to create a new, more just society. His ability to move on while thinking of both the past and the future shows how reflection on history, combined with a vision for what is possible, can lead to transformative change.

The lesson here is one of balance and awareness. Just as Heraclitus and Marcus Aurelius understood, and Confucius taught, it is not enough to live solely in the present moment without acknowledging the influence of the past and the potential of the future. To truly navigate life with purpose, we must allow ourselves to learn from what has been, while simultaneously preparing ourselves for what is to come. Like Mandela, who bridged the past and the future in his leadership, we too must adopt a mindset that integrates our experiences and aspirations, using them as a foundation for meaningful progress.

In practical terms, this means that we must reflect on our own history—our personal experiences, the lessons we’ve learned—and use that wisdom as a guide for shaping our future. This is not a call to dwell on past mistakes, but rather to learn from them, and use them to move forward with awareness. Similarly, we must look to the future not with fear, but with a vision of possibility. By understanding the present as a moment in time shaped by both the past and the future, we can make choices that are aligned with our deepest values and aspirations. Like Tadao Ando, we can move forward while thinking of these things—our past, our present, and our future—as interconnected, creating a life that is purposeful, intentional, and full of promise.