We live in an age where everything is based on the short term.

In the ever-advancing flow of human history, where the tides of time rush forward with increasing speed, we find ourselves living in an age where the pursuit of immediacy has become all-consuming. Howard Schultz speaks to this reality when he states, "We live in an age where everything is based on the short term." His words are a call to recognize the profound shift in the way we live—where instant gratification and temporary gains have replaced the enduring wisdom of long-term vision. In the rush to see results today, we have forgotten the value of planting seeds for a future that is not immediately visible to us.

In the ancient world, there was an understanding that true success required patience and foresight. The Romans, with their vision of empire, did not build their civilization overnight. It was through years of dedication, planning, and the ability to endure hardships that they laid the foundations for what would become one of the most powerful empires in history. Leaders like Julius Caesar and Augustus understood that the greatest achievements were not found in quick triumphs, but in the ability to make sacrifices in the present to ensure lasting prosperity. The Roman idea of imperium, or sovereignty, required the long view, the patience to nurture what might only come to fruition generations later. In this sense, the Romans understood the importance of the long-term vision, something that Schultz’s quote draws our attention to in our own time, where everything seems to revolve around the immediate.

The same truth was echoed by the Greek philosophers, particularly Aristotle, who spoke of virtue and wisdom as paths that required time, experience, and reflection. For Aristotle, the pursuit of a good life was not found in the quick rewards of fleeting pleasure, but in the steady, sustained effort toward moral excellence and intellectual growth. Short-term thinking—the rush to instant pleasure or momentary success—was not a path to true happiness. Instead, it was through a commitment to the long road, to the development of character and intellect over time, that one would reach fulfillment. Today, Schultz’s words serve as a reminder of how far we have strayed from this ancient wisdom, where so much of our energy is spent chasing immediate desires rather than enduring, sustained efforts.

In our modern age, this obsession with the short term is not just a personal flaw but a societal phenomenon. Corporate culture, in particular, has embraced the quick return, the quarterly profits, the immediate growth that can be measured and celebrated. Schultz's own company, Starbucks, grew rapidly by adapting to the fast-paced world, but even he acknowledged that true success is not solely measured in numbers, but in the ability to create lasting impact. His words reflect a deeper truth—that in the pursuit of immediate rewards, we often overlook the importance of long-term sustainability. The desire for quick success often leads to shallow foundations, and in the end, the structures we build will not stand firm against the storms of time.

The ancient wisdom is clear: true growth comes from the slow, steady work of building something that will last. Consider the example of Confucius, whose teachings on virtue and governance were not just about momentary results but about creating a society based on moral integrity and long-term harmony. Confucius understood that peace and prosperity were not achieved by quick fixes, but by cultivating goodness over time, through education, reflection, and ethical leadership. Short-term thinking, in contrast, disrupts the natural order of society, creating instability and chaos. To lead, then, is to have the vision to see beyond the moment, to act with the long-term good in mind.

The lesson we take from Schultz’s words is one of reflection and patience. We must resist the temptation of the quick fix, the instant reward, and instead, cultivate a mindset that values endurance and planning for the future. Short-term thinking may bring temporary results, but it is the steady, thoughtful actions taken with an eye toward the future that will ultimately lead to success, fulfillment, and lasting impact. In our personal lives, in our work, and in our relationships, we must recognize that the greatest achievements are not often the loudest or most immediate, but those that require time, effort, and a commitment to a greater purpose.

Thus, practical action calls us to take a longer view in all that we do. Resist the urge to seek instant gratification in every decision. Instead, ask yourself: What will the results of today’s actions look like in the years to come? Whether it’s in your personal growth, your career, or the way you shape your relationships, consider the long-term benefits of your choices. Invest in that which endures, build foundations that will hold strong over time, and allow the journey of life to be one of steadfast progress. For it is in this slow, deliberate pace that we truly find meaning, and it is in the long-term that true success resides.