I am simply what I am, or I begin to be that. I live in the present. I only remember the past—and anticipate the future.

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), U.S. philosopher, author, naturalist. Letter, March 27, 1848, to Harrison Blake, in The Writings of Henry David Thoreau, vol. 6, p. 163, Houghton Mifflin (1906).

Meditation focusing on the present moment and Buddhist studies emphasizing living in the present are nice reminders of ancient philosophy. Today’s Thoughtful Thursday is another simple yet beautiful way to say it.