What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon

When Thomas a Kempis declared, “What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?”, he spoke of the burden that anxiety imposes on the human spirit. His words capture the timeless truth that dwelling on the future, on what we cannot control, serves only to multiply our suffering. Anxiety, that nagging feeling of impending doom, has a way of clouding the present moment, turning our thoughts toward a future that may never come to pass. In his wisdom, a Kempis reminds us that this constant worrying about what might be is nothing but a thief of peace and contentment, stealing the joy we could have in the present.

The ancients understood well the weight of anxiety and its destructive power. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, was known for his calm demeanor and his refusal to be ruled by fear. His teachings focused on the importance of self-control and living in accordance with reason. Socrates often reminded his disciples that the future was uncertain and that it was the present moment that required our full attention. Much like a Kempis, Socrates believed that fretful thoughts about what was to come only hindered a person from living a virtuous and meaningful life. To focus on the future, in his eyes, was to be distracted from the true work of living with wisdom and integrity.

Consider also the life of Alexander the Great, whose achievements were unparalleled in his time. Though he conquered vast swaths of land, Alexander faced tremendous personal and political challenges. Yet, in his campaigns, he often exhibited a remarkable ability to remain focused on his mission rather than becoming mired in the anxiety of the unknown. However, Alexander’s story also serves as a cautionary tale: his relentless pursuit of glory led to a life of constant tension and unrest, always anticipating the next battle or victory, never allowing himself to find peace. His final years were marked by uncertainty and personal torment, and in the end, his quest for perfection and control over the future proved to be his undoing. In this way, Alexander exemplified the perils of anxiety, constantly worrying about an unpredictable future, never content with the present moment.

The teachings of Buddha, too, mirror the wisdom of a Kempis. Buddhism emphasizes the impermanence of life and encourages the release of attachment to both the past and the future. Buddha’s teachings are clear: suffering arises when we cling to desires, particularly the desire for a future that we cannot control. Anxiety about what might come or what might be lost is a reflection of attachment—the root of much human suffering. Buddha urged his followers to live fully in the present, to cultivate mindfulness, and to accept the ever-changing nature of existence. When we worry about the future, we fail to live in harmony with the world as it is, and this dissonance brings sorrow, as a Kempis so poignantly reminds us.

In more modern times, the wisdom of Abraham Lincoln resonates with a Kempis' teaching. Lincoln, during the darkest years of the American Civil War, carried the weight of a nation torn apart by conflict. Yet, despite the overwhelming challenges he faced, Lincoln exhibited a remarkable ability to remain focused on the present, addressing the issues at hand without being consumed by the uncertainty of the future. His speeches often centered on hope and unity, and he understood that anxiety about what lay ahead would only prevent him from acting decisively in the present. Lincoln’s example shows that while the future is fraught with unknowns, it is in the choices we make now that we shape the world we wish to see.

The lesson we take from both Thomas a Kempis and the ancients is clear: to be consumed by anxiety about the future is to invite unnecessary sorrow into our lives. The future, though it may seem daunting, is always out of our reach, and it is only through the power of the present that we can begin to create the future we desire. Anxiety clouds our vision and saps our energy, leaving us unable to fully experience the joy and peace that the present offers. Just as Socrates lived with clarity and focus, and Lincoln faced adversity with resolve, we must train ourselves to shift our focus away from the unknown and back to the present moment, where our actions can have the greatest impact.

So, in your own life, ask yourself: What anxieties are you holding onto about the future? What fears are preventing you from truly living in the now? Like Socrates, Buddha, and Thomas a Kempis, we must cultivate the wisdom to release the grip of anxiety, to trust in the present moment, and to live with purpose and peace. The future is uncertain, but the present is where we have power, and it is here that we can act, learn, and grow. Let go of the burden of what might be, and embrace the freedom of what is. In doing so, you will free yourself from the chains of anxiety and invite a life of joy, clarity, and peace.