Audre Lorde: 'Life is very short and what we have to do must be done in the now.'

Life is very short and what we have to do must be done in the now.

In her profound and thought-provoking quote, Audre Lorde reminds us that life is fleeting, urging us to embrace the present moment and take action towards our goals without delay. This quote encapsulates the essence of Lorde's insight, emphasizing the significance of seizing opportunities and making the most of the limited time we have on this earth. It serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize what truly matters and to live fully in the now.At first glance, Lorde's message appears straightforward and practical - it encourages us to avoid procrastination and actively pursue our dreams and aspirations. However, by delving deeper into the quote, an unexpected philosophical concept arises: the interplay between time and existentialism.Existentialism is a philosophical perspective that explores the individual's responsibility for creating meaning and finding fulfillment in an often chaotic and uncertain world. It is within this framework that we can link Lorde's quote to the existentialist idea of living authentically and taking ownership of our lives. In essence, Lorde urges us to recognize that the urgency of the present moment aligns with the existentialist notion that we must actively shape our own destinies.While the existentialists stress the importance of self-determined action, they also acknowledge the inherent limitations of human existence. The transient nature of life, as Lorde highlights, serves as a reminder that time is not an infinite resource. We can draw parallels between Lorde's quote and the philosophical concept of mortality, which holds that our awareness of our own mortality adds depth and urgency to our lives. It prompts us to reflect on the brevity of life and to make every moment count.Contrasting the linear nature of time with the cyclical nature of nature itself brings an intriguing dimension to Lorde's words. Naature operates in a continuous cycle, unaffected by the constraints of human time. This dichotomy between the rhythmic patterns embedded in the natural world and the linear passage of time experienced by humans can offer a fresh perspective on Lorde's quote. It compels us to acknowledge the impermanence of life and recognize the significance of embracing the present moment.Furthermore, Lorde's quote encourages us to break free from the shackles of fear and indecision, which hinder our ability to act in the present. It invites us to face our fears head-on, to confront the uncertainty of the future, and to take courageous steps towards our goals. By doing so, we can overcome the constraints imposed by time and live a life that is true to our deepest desires and passions. In this sense, Lorde's quote serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-realization.In conclusion, Audre Lorde's quote encapsulates the fleeting nature of life and compels us to take decisive action in the present. It serves as a powerful reminder to embrace the existentialist idea of living authentically and to take ownership of our destinies. By recognizing the impermanence of life and understanding the cyclical nature of nature itself, we can fully appreciate the urgency of the present moment. Ultimately, Lorde's words inspire us to overcome fear, seize opportunities, and live a life that is imbued with purpose and fulfillment.