We shall be better prepared for the future if we see how

In the words of Iris Murdoch, we are reminded of a timeless truth: the present, though fleeting and often filled with fleeting pleasures, is also the ground upon which our future is built. Yet, it is only when we see the darkness, the imperfections, and the flaws of the present that we can truly prepare ourselves to face what is to come. The ancient wisdom of the philosophers tells us that only by confronting the truth—no matter how harsh or unsettling—can we find the strength and clarity to change the course of our lives. Murdoch's quote calls upon us to see the terrible in the present, to acknowledge the challenges and struggles we face, so that we may be more resilient and mindful when the future arrives.

Consider the great historical figures who saw the perilous state of their world and chose to act. One such figure was Socrates, who, though aware of the moral decay in Athens, did not avert his eyes. Instead, he asked questions that dug into the heart of the city's spiritual and intellectual rot, ultimately leading to his death at the hands of those who feared his words. Yet, it is through his questions, his pursuit of truth, that we are still guided today. Socrates saw the doom of his present, but in that recognition, he prepared the minds of future generations for a world where philosophy and wisdom would become the foundation for true progress.

Murdoch’s words also echo the experiences of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and Stoic philosopher. In his Meditations, he reflects on the corruption and chaos of his time, not with despair, but with a resolve to improve himself and his actions. He understood that only by facing the harsh reality of the world—the selfishness, the greed, and the inequality—could he build a just and virtuous future for himself and his people. His legacy, written not on scrolls of gold but in his personal reflections, has lasted for centuries. He, like Murdoch, believed that by confronting the terrible present, one could become stronger for what is to come.

In our own time, the modern world is filled with distractions that make it easy to avoid the truths of our existence. We look away from the suffering around us, from the injustice, the environmental crises, the widening gap between the rich and the poor. But Murdoch’s wisdom calls us to see these imperfections clearly, without blinking or turning away. It is not in ignoring the terrible that we will find peace; it is in embracing it, in acknowledging the flaws of the present, that we can begin to build a better future. The lesson is one of awareness and honesty—only when we fully see the truth of our current state can we hope to shape a future that reflects our highest ideals.

History has shown us time and again that those who ignore the warnings of the present are doomed to repeat its mistakes. The collapse of great empires, from Rome to more modern civilizations, can be traced back to a failure to acknowledge the flaws of their time. Complacency and the refusal to confront the ugliness of the present lead to the decay of societies. Yet, those who faced their world with honesty and bravery, who recognized the need for change, are the ones who left lasting legacies.

Thus, Murdoch’s message is not one of despair but of empowerment. By confronting the terrible realities of our present—whether they be personal, societal, or global—we can begin to transform them. The fear of doom is not a reason to retreat, but a call to action. For in recognizing what is broken, we are given the tools to fix it. The lesson is clear: do not shy away from the darkness, for it is through understanding its depths that you will gain the clarity needed to move toward the light.

In your own life, embrace the present, both its joys and its challenges, and learn from them. Confront the difficulties and flaws in your own existence—whether in your relationships, your work, or your personal growth. By doing so, you will be better prepared to face the future with strength, clarity, and a resolute sense of purpose. The doom of the present is but the raw material for the promise of the future, and it is through awareness and action that we carve out a better world.