Jean de la Bruyere: 'Children enjoy the present because they have neither a past nor a future.'

Children enjoy the present because they have neither a past nor a future.

Children enjoy the present because they have neither a past nor a future. This quote by Jean de la Bruyere captures a profound truth about the essence of childhood. In its straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that children are able to fully embrace the present moment and find joy in it precisely because they lack the burden of a past and the weight of a future to distract them. They are unencumbered by memories or regrets, and they have not yet been exposed to the concept of time and all the anxieties it can bring. This ability to live in the present is a quality we often admire and seek to cultivate in our adult lives.However, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that sheds an intriguing light on this matter: the concept of eternal recurrence. Coined by Friedrich Nietzsche, the idea of eternal recurrence suggests that time is circular rather than linear. According to this perspective, every event and experience that has ever happened will happen again, infinitely repeating in exactly the same way. If this were true, then everything we have done or will do has been done an infinite number of times before and will be done an infinite number of times in the future.Now, how does this concept relate to the quote by Jean de la Bruyere? If we consider the possibility of eternal recurrence, we realize that while children may not have a personal past or future in their current form, they are not devoid of a past or future altogether. In the eternal cycle of recurrence, they may have already experienced countless versions of the present, just as they will experience countless versions in the future.Yet, this doesn't negate the essence of the quote but rather enriches our understanding of it. Even if children exist within this eternal recurrence, their innocence and ability to live in the present moment remain untouched. They are not burdened by the knowledge and memory of past iterations, nor are they anxious about future repetitions. It is in their very nature to fully immerse themselves in the here and now, finding pure joy and devoid of worries or expectations.What, then, can we learn from the children's ability to live in the present? In a world overwhelmed by constant distractions and pressures, it becomes increasingly difficult for adults to find solace in the present moment. We are haunted by our past mistakes and regrets, and we are anxiously planning for an uncertain future. Yet, if we embrace the wisdom inherent in Jean de la Bruyere's quote, we can strive to shed the weight of our past and future, even if they persist in some form through eternal recurrence.This is not to suggest that we should become like children in our entirety, oblivious to the lessons and growth that come from reflecting on the past and planning for the future. Rather, we should strive to find a balance between the childlike purity of living in the present and the wisdom gained from our experiences. By learning to appreciate the present moment and its beauty, we become more fully attuned to our surroundings, our relationships, and ourselves.In conclusion, Jean de la Bruyere's quote reminds us of the inherent ability of children to enjoy the present because they lack a past or future. However, when contemplating the concept of eternal recurrence, we realize that children are not truly devoid of a past or future but instead embody a profound state of presence and innocence. As adults, we can learn from this childlike quality and strive to embrace the present moment, finding a balance between learning from our past and planning for our future. By doing so, we can cultivate a deeper sense of joy and authenticity in our lives, even within the circularity of time.