“Time is the least thing we have of.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“Time is the least thing we have of.”
Explanation
This quote by Hemingway reflects a philosophical view on the fleeting nature of time. By stating that “time is the least thing we have of,” he conveys the idea that time is a scarce and valuable resource, one that often slips away unnoticed, yet becomes more precious as we grow older or face hardship. The brevity of time underscores the urgency to make the most of it, as it is always in limited supply. Hemingway’s style, which often portrays characters who live with a sense of impermanence, mirrors this view, as many of his protagonists struggle to find meaning or redemption in lives marked by conflict, loss, and war.
Hemingway’s own life, filled with both personal and professional turmoil, shaped his perspective on time. His experiences during World War I, his long periods of travel, and his battles with mental health and personal loss all contributed to a sense of urgency in his writing. In works such as A Farewell to Arms and The Old Man and the Sea, time is depicted as a force that drives human actions, often in the form of a countdown or a looming deadline that shapes the characters’ decisions and outlook on life. This understanding of time as both a gift and a limitation is central to Hemingway’s exploration of the human condition.
In modern society, this quote resonates with the pressure people often feel to make the most of their time in an age where the pace of life is accelerating. In a world filled with distractions, time can feel increasingly scarce, prompting individuals to reflect on how they allocate it. Whether it’s the constant demands of work, technology, or social obligations, the message remains clear: time is one of our most limited resources, and once it’s gone, we cannot get it back. Hemingway’s statement serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate and make the best use of the time we have.
