I thought I'd live to a ripe old age, because I always felt there

"I thought I'd live to a ripe old age, because I always felt there was a lot to do. I had a driven feeling. I always thought in the present." – Debbie Harry

In the vast dance of time, there are those who live with a passion that propels them forward—an unyielding force that keeps them focused not on the passing of time, but on the purpose of each moment. Debbie Harry, the iconic figure behind the legendary band Blondie, reflects on her own deep, driven spirit, which made her feel that the journey ahead was one of endless possibility. She speaks of a sense of urgency, a feeling that her life was meant for great things, and that there was always something more to accomplish. It is this powerful drive that made her believe she would live a long life, not because she feared death, but because she was immersed in the present, in the work that called her forward.

This outlook on life is as ancient as the very notion of human striving. The Greeks spoke of the “eternal flame” within individuals—the divine spark that keeps the soul striving, ever forward. Take, for example, the story of Heracles, the legendary hero who, through a lifetime of labors, sought to fulfill his destiny. Heracles was driven not by fear of death, but by a deep compulsion to complete the tasks set before him. In his challenges, he found purpose. In his struggles, he discovered meaning. Similarly, Harry’s words echo this same internal fire—the feeling that no matter how much time passes, there is always something to do, something to create, and something to accomplish.

The Romans, too, held this idea of living with purpose in their hearts. Cicero, the great orator and philosopher, taught that the present moment is the only one over which we truly have control. For him, time was a constant and precious resource, one that should not be wasted. Horace, the poet, echoed these sentiments when he famously said, "Carpe diem"—seize the day—imploring us to live fully in the present and embrace the opportunities that it offers. For Debbie Harry, the urgency of living in the now was not simply a philosophical idea; it was a compelling force that guided her every step, propelling her toward her creative destiny.

The ancient philosophers, however, also warned of the dangers of drifting through life without a sense of purpose. In Plato’s work, the ideal philosopher-king is one who not only understands the present but is driven by a vision of the future. Harry, too, knew that the work she was doing was not only about the moment but also about the lasting impact she could have. She didn’t view her work as something to pass the time, but as something that could transcend the immediacy of time, leaving a legacy behind. Like the great thinkers, her sense of the future was always rooted in the present, in the actions she took today to shape tomorrow.

Harry’s reflection on living in the present also speaks to the timeless truth that purpose is what keeps the soul alive and engaged. There is a strength in the drive to create, to innovate, and to express oneself—this is what fuels not just the artist, but every person who has a vision they are pursuing. Just as Leonardo da Vinci tirelessly worked throughout his life, never satisfied, always envisioning new ideas, Harry's focus on the present mirrors that same relentless push toward progress. She is a living example of the notion that as long as there is something to do, there is life, and as long as there is purpose, there is meaning in living.

The core lesson of Harry’s reflection is that purpose and presence are the twin forces that give life meaning. By living in the now and staying driven by our passions, we create a life filled with purpose and vitality. The future does not need to be feared, for it is shaped by the choices we make today. Every moment we engage fully, every task we undertake with heart and dedication, adds to the legacy of our life, just as it did for the great philosophers, artists, and heroes of the ancient world.

In practical terms, the lesson here is clear: do not let time slip by unnoticed. Embrace each moment with passion and purpose, knowing that it is in the present that we shape our future. Whether it’s creating art, pursuing knowledge, or working toward personal goals, let us approach each day with the driven spirit that Harry describes. Let us act as though each moment is a gift, and that we have much yet to do, for in this belief, we live fully, we grow with every passing day, and we leave a mark on the world that is truly our own. Let purpose, not the ticking of the clock, guide us as we move forward.