Quote by George Santayana, letter to Mary
There is (as I now find) no remorse for time long past, even for what may have mortified us or made us ashamed of ourselves when it was happening: there is a pleasant panoramic sense of what it all was and how it all had to be. Why, if we are not vain or snobbish, need we desire that it should have been different? The better things we missed may yet be enjoyed or attained by someone else somewhere: why isn't that just as good? And there is no regret, either, in the sense of wishing the past to return, or missing it: it is quite real enough as it is, there at its own date and place
Summary
This quote suggests that there is no need for remorse or regret over past events that may have made us feel ashamed or embarrassed. It emphasizes the idea that the past happened as it was meant to, and that there is a certain panoramic view and understanding of how it all unfolded. Rather than wishing for things to have been different, it suggests that we should focus on the present and future, knowing that the experiences we missed out on can still be enjoyed by others. There is no longing for the past to return; instead, the past is seen as real and should remain in its own time and place.
Topics
Past
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