Voltaire: 'We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.'

We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.

Voltaire, a renowned French Enlightenment writer, once said, "We never live; we are always in the expectation of living." This intriguing quote encapsulates the human tendency to constantly look toward the future, planning and dreaming about what is to come, rather than fully experiencing and appreciating the present moment. It serves as a reminder that life is not merely about anticipation and waiting for something better to happen, but about embracing the present and finding joy in the simple moments that make up our existence.At first glance, it may seem contradictory to acknowledge that we are always in the expectation of living. After all, aren't we living every day, going about our routines and experiencing everyday moments? However, Voltaire's observation goes deeper than our superficial experiences. It highlights the pervasive human tendency to focus on future events or milestones that we believe will bring us happiness, fulfillment, or a sense of purpose.From an early age, society ingrains in us the idea that there are certain milestones or achievements we must reach in order to consider our lives meaningful: graduating college, finding a well-paying job, getting married, having children, buying a house, and so on. Consequently, we often find ourselves in a perpetual state of anticipation, believing that real living and true happiness lie in the attainment of these future goals.Moreover, the quote implies that this mindset is not conducive to living fulfilling lives. Always being in the expectation of living can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and a constant feeling of restlessness. Instead of appreciating what we have and finding contentment in the present moment, we are constantly looking ahead, creating a perpetual cycle of unfulfilled expectations.To delve deeper into this idea, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept: stoicism. Stoicism, the ancient Greek philosophy dating back to the 3rd century BCE, encourages individuals to focus on the present moment and to accept whatever life throws at them with equanimity. This philosophy suggests that true happiness and fulfillment are not dependent on external circumstances or the attainment of specific goals, but on our inner state of mind and our ability to find contentment and peace in the present moment.In contrast to the prevailing societal view, stoicism invites us to embrace the concept of "living in the moment" and to find profound satisfaction in the present rather than constantly yearning for a future that may never come. Stoics argue that by detaching ourselves from our desires and expectations, we can cultivate a sense of tranquility and achieve a state of true inner freedom.While Voltaire's quote initially emphasizes the human tendency to live in a perpetual state of expectation, the introduction of stoicism offers an alternative perspective. Rather than perpetually anticipating the next stage of life, stoicism encourages us to find balance by acknowledging the impermanence of both the past and the future and embracing the present.In conclusion, Voltaire's quote serves as a poignant reminder of our propensity to overlook the beauty and opportunities that the present moment holds. It urges us to reflect on the potential consequences of always living in the expectation of a better future, highlighting the importance of finding peace and fulfillment in the here and now. By introducing the philosophical concept of stoicism, we find a thought-provoking contrast that encourages us to reconsider our deeply ingrained habits of anticipation and invites us to reevaluate our perspectives on what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. So, as we journey through life, let us strive to be present, to savor the present moment, and to find solace in the knowledge that true contentment lies not in the future, but in the here and now.