Henry David Thoreau: 'There is always a present and extant life, be it better or worse, which all combine to uphold.'

There is always a present and extant life, be it better or worse, which all combine to uphold.

Henry David Thoreau once said, "There is always a present and extant life, be it better or worse, which all combine to uphold." This quote encapsulates the idea that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, there is always a current reality that exists and influences our existence. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and the role we play in upholding the world we live in.At its core, Thoreau's quote carries a message of acceptance and acknowledgement of the present moment. It reminds us that life unfolds continuously, and it is our duty to embrace and uphold the life that exists around us. In doing so, we recognize that our actions, no matter how big or small, have an impact on the overall state of the world and all living beings within it.This idea becomes even more thought-provoking when we introduce the concept of existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that delves into the individual's experience and meaning-making in a seemingly random and indifferent universe. It explores the idea that we are responsible for creating our own purpose in life and that we are the architects of our own existence.In contrast to Thoreau's quote, existentialism challenges the notion of an inherent extant life. It suggests that life's meaning is not predetermined but rather constructed by each individual through their choices and actions. According to existentialism, there is no overarching "better or worse" present life that all beings combine to uphold, but rather a collection of personal realities created by each person's perception and experiences.However, despite this philosophical divergence, Thoreau's quote and existentialism share a common thread—the recognition of human agency. Both perspectives emphasize the importance of individual actions in shaping the world around us. Thoreau asserts that we are all interconnected and, by upholding the present life, we contribute to its betterment or worsening. Existentialism, on the other hand, places the responsibility firmly on the individual to create their own purpose and actively participate in the world's unfolding.In combining Thoreau's quote with existentialism, we find an intriguing synthesis. It suggests that while there may not be a predetermined best or worst present life, we still have the power to influence and shape the world we inhabit. The interconnectedness highlighted by Thoreau can be seen as an existential reminder that our choices and actions reverberate beyond our immediate existence and impact the lives of others.Ultimately, Thoreau's quote calls us to recognize the responsibility we hold as individuals within a larger ecosystem of life. It reminds us that our actions matter and that our choices can contribute to the betterment or deterioration of the present and extant life we all uphold. By embracing this interconnectedness and realizing the power we possess, we can strive to create a more harmonious and compassionate existence for ourselves and those with whom we share this world.