I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by

"I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present. That's where the fun is." These words, spoken by Donald Trump, echo a timeless piece of wisdom that has been embraced by many great minds throughout history. In this reflection, Trump reveals a profound truth about the nature of success, the power of the present moment, and the balance between learning from the past and planning for the future. He acknowledges the importance of understanding history, yet he emphasizes that action, growth, and the joy of life are rooted in the here and now. The key to success is not to become bogged down by what has been or what is to come, but to engage fully with the present—for it is in this moment that life unfolds and opportunities arise.

This philosophy is not foreign to ancient wisdom. The great Greek philosopher Socrates famously said, "Know thyself," a statement that calls us to be aware of our current actions, thoughts, and emotions. Socrates understood that the path to wisdom and happiness could not be found in endless regret over the past or worry about the future. The only way to truly live was to focus on what was before us, in the present. Similarly, the Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius believed that one’s response to the present moment was key to achieving inner peace. They taught that control over one’s thoughts and actions in the present—free from the burden of what could not be changed or what might happen—was the ultimate form of personal freedom.

The importance of focusing on the present is also seen in the life of Leonardo da Vinci, who did not dwell too much on the failures of his past or the uncertainties of his future. Instead, Da Vinci was fully engaged in the work before him, whether in his art, his scientific investigations, or his engineering pursuits. He embraced the joy of creation in the moment, allowing his curiosity and passion to guide him through the present. Through this mindset, Da Vinci was able to transcend the pressures of time, achieving greatness not by worrying about what might be, but by diving into the work at hand, moment by moment. His commitment to the present allowed him to carve out a legacy that remains influential today.

Similarly, Thomas Edison focused his energy on the present, believing that the key to invention and progress was not in dwelling on past failures or waiting for the perfect moment in the future, but in persistent effort in the here and now. Edison famously said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” implying that the fun, the true reward, comes not from waiting for perfect conditions or relying on past knowledge, but from actively engaging with the work at hand. His focus on the present moment led to countless innovations, and his mindset was one that placed a premium on the joy of discovery.

Trump’s philosophy about the present is also reflected in the ancient Chinese concept of "Wu Wei", or "effortless action." Laozi, the founder of Taoism, wrote in the Tao Te Ching that the key to living a fulfilled life is to act in harmony with the present moment, without forcing or resisting it. To focus on the present, as Trump advocates, is to align oneself with the natural flow of life, engaging with what is in front of us rather than being bound by the weight of past decisions or future anxieties. This approach brings a sense of ease, a flow that invites success without the need for constant striving against the current.

The lesson in Trump’s statement is clear: while we should learn from the past and plan for the future, our true power lies in the present moment. The past is a teacher, and the future a vision, but it is in the present that we act. This present moment is where life happens—where we create, interact, and enjoy the fruits of our labor. If we are constantly looking back at what could have been or forward to what might be, we miss the opportunity to shape the now, to craft the future with the tools we possess today.

In practical terms, we must focus on the task at hand—whether it’s a project, a conversation, or a personal goal. By engaging with the present, we free ourselves from the anxiety of future uncertainties and the regret of past mistakes. The true beauty of life lies in the experiences we have right now, and by embracing the present, we open ourselves up to greater creativity, better relationships, and more effective action. This focus does not mean ignoring the past or the future, but rather understanding that the past has already been written, and the future has yet to be shaped. It is the present that holds the brush, and only through our actions today can we paint the picture of tomorrow.

Let us remember that in every moment, there is an opportunity for growth, joy, and action. As Socrates and the Stoics taught, true peace comes not from chasing after an idealized future or lamenting the past, but from embracing the now with clarity and purpose. Just as Edison found the fun in the process of creation, and Da Vinci in the moment of discovery, so too must we find joy in the simple act of living fully, deeply, and authentically in the present.