Not yesterday, not tomorrow, only today can be given form. Only

Opening Scene – Narrated by Host

The room was quiet, the soft hum of the outside world barely noticeable. Jack sat at his desk, pondering a quote that had captured his attention. It was from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His words, "Not yesterday, not tomorrow, only today can be given form. Only this architecture creates.", spoke to Jack about the importance of the present moment in creation—whether in architecture, art, or life. It was a reminder that we can’t dwell on the past or endlessly plan for the future; true creation happens in the here and now.

Jeeny walked into the room, noticing Jack's focused expression. She sat down across from him, sensing that something significant had captured his thoughts.

Jeeny: “You look deep in thought. What’s on your mind?”

Jack looked up from the desk, still reflecting on the quote, and shared it with her.

Jack: “I was thinking about something Mies van der Rohe said: ‘Not yesterday, not tomorrow, only today can be given form. Only this architecture creates.’ It really hit me. It’s a powerful reminder that creation, whether it’s in architecture or any other field, only happens in the present moment. The past is gone, the future isn’t here yet—but today, right now, is the time to build, to create, to make something real.”

Jeeny nodded, considering the depth of Mies van der Rohe’s words.

Jeeny: “That’s such a profound perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about what happened in the past or worrying about the future, but what we do today is the only thing that can actually be shaped and molded. The past is just a memory, and the future is just a possibility. But right now is where the action happens. In architecture, sure, but also in everything we do.”

Jack: “Exactly. Mies van der Rohe’s point is that creation isn’t a process that’s confined to an idealized past or a planned future. It’s a process that happens in real-time. Whether it’s a building, a piece of art, a project, or even a relationship, we can’t shape anything unless we engage with the present moment and take action right now.”

Host: Their conversation deepened as Jack and Jeeny reflected on the power of the present moment. Mies van der Rohe’s words weren’t just about architecture—they were a reminder that true creation, in any form, is only possible when we engage with today. The future may hold possibilities, and the past may have shaped us, but it’s in the present that we have the power to create, to act, and to make things happen.

Jeeny: “It also makes me think about how often we get distracted by the future or the past. We plan for tomorrow, we regret yesterday, and in doing so, we forget to act in the present. But real progress happens when we embrace what’s in front of us right now and use this moment to create something meaningful. That’s where the power is.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s easy to get lost in the idea of someday or what could have been, but the only real opportunity we have is today. Whether we’re building something physical, like a house or a business, or something intangible, like a relationship or a new skill, it all starts in the present. The future is just a continuation of today, and the past is already written.”

Jeeny: “That’s such an empowering thought. It means that we have control over today, and in that control lies our ability to create. We’re not waiting for the perfect moment—we’re in it. And every decision we make now is shaping our future.”

Host: Jack smiled, feeling the clarity of their conversation settling in. Mies van der Rohe’s words were a reminder that creation isn’t something that happens at some distant point in the future or in the reflection of the past. It happens right here, right now. The present is where all the power lies, and it’s in how we engage with it that we shape our lives and our world.

Jack: “So, maybe the lesson here is that the key to creating anything is to focus on the present. Whether we’re building something tangible or intangible, it all begins with what we do today. The future will come, but it’s only shaped by the actions we take now.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s not about waiting for the right time—it’s about making the time we have right now work for us. When we embrace the present, we realize that creation doesn’t happen somewhere in the future. It happens in the choices we make today.”

Climax and Reconciliation

The room felt more grounded now, as Jack and Jeeny reflected on the deeper meaning behind Mies van der Rohe’s words. Outside, the world continued its steady rhythm, but inside, they had uncovered something important: creation, in all its forms, only happens in the present. The past is done, and the future is a potential that will never come without the action we take today. The moment to act is now, and it’s through the choices we make in the present that we truly shape our lives.

Jack: “So, maybe the key is to stop waiting for the perfect moment. The perfect moment is now. We have to create in the present, engage with what’s in front of us, and let that action shape our future.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. The present is where everything happens. We create, we build, we shape, and we grow in the now.”

Host: The conversation settled into a quiet understanding. Creation is not a distant dream or a product of the past—it is something that happens today. By focusing on the present moment, we unlock our power to shape our world, to create meaning, and to take action in ways that make a real difference.