Learn from the past, look to the future, but live in the present.

"Learn from the past, look to the future, but live in the present." These wise words spoken by Petra Nemcova echo the timeless truth that, while the past and future hold valuable lessons and promise, it is in the present moment that life truly unfolds. To live in the present is to be fully engaged with the world as it is right now, not burdened by the weight of what has been or distracted by the uncertainty of what will come. This is not to say we should disregard the past or fail to prepare for the future; rather, it is a call to recognize that the present is the only time we truly possess—the only time in which we have the power to act, to grow, and to truly live.

The ancients understood the delicate balance between the past, present, and future. Socrates, the great philosopher, believed that wisdom came from understanding the present through the lens of self-examination. He famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." In examining our present state—our actions, our thoughts, and our relationships—we gain insight into who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. Yet, Socrates also recognized the importance of learning from the past, for it is through reflection that we grow wiser. Petra Nemcova’s words align with this ancient wisdom, reminding us that while we must acknowledge the lessons of the past and have visions for the future, it is only in living fully in the present that we can truly embody the wisdom of both.

Consider the story of Alexander the Great, whose ambition to conquer the known world was guided by an ever-present awareness of both the past and the future. Alexander studied the works of Homer, seeking wisdom from the tales of ancient heroes, understanding that the past held the keys to strategic brilliance and courage. Yet, Alexander was also acutely aware of the future, envisioning a world united under his rule. But in his quest for greatness, Alexander’s true strength lay in his ability to act in the present—to make decisions in the heat of battle, to inspire loyalty among his men, and to adapt swiftly to ever-changing circumstances. Alexander's story teaches us that while we must draw from the past and look forward to the future, it is in the decisions we make today, in the actions we take right now, that our true power lies.

Similarly, Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor, embodied the principle of living fully in the present. In his Meditations, he reflected on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of being present. He famously wrote, "You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think." In this reflection, Marcus Aurelius reminds us that the only time we truly control is the present. His life, marked by responsibility, leadership, and self-discipline, demonstrates how the past and future are useful only insofar as they inform our actions in the present. Marcus Aurelius teaches us to embrace the present moment with purpose, for it is in the now that we have the power to shape our world.

The lesson in Nemcova's words is not to deny the value of the past or the potential of the future, but to live fully in the present. The past is a treasure trove of experiences and lessons, but it is not a place where we should dwell. The future is a realm of possibilities, but it is not a destination that can be reached without first acting in the present. As we strive for growth, we must remember that the present is the canvas on which we paint our lives. It is the moment in which we have the ability to make choices, to build relationships, and to take the steps that will shape our futures.

In practical terms, this means that we must learn to balance reflection with action. We should spend time reflecting on the lessons of the past, not as a means to live there, but as a way to better understand how to navigate the present. Similarly, while it is important to have plans and goals for the future, we must recognize that the future is shaped by what we do today. In each action we take, we should strive to be present, to engage fully with the task at hand, whether it is in our work, our relationships, or our personal growth. The present moment is the only time in which we can act—it is here that we hold the power to shape who we are and who we will become.

So, let us take Petra Nemcova’s wisdom to heart. Let us not be consumed by regret over the past or anxiety about the future, but instead focus on making the most of the time we have right now. By living in the present, we honor the lessons of the past and the possibilities of the future, but we do so with the awareness that the only true moment we control is the one in which we currently reside. Let us live today with purpose, with intention, and with gratitude, for in doing so, we shape the future while honoring the wisdom of the past.