“The long time to come when I shall not exist has more effect on me than this short present time, which nevertheless seems endless.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The long time to come when I shall not exist has more effect on me than this short present time, which nevertheless seems endless.”
Explanation
This quote reflects a deeply philosophical and personal meditation on mortality and the nature of time. Cicero confesses that the vast expanse of time after his death weighs on him more heavily than the fleeting, though often burdensome, experience of the present moment. There is a paradox here: while the present can feel endless in its intensity or suffering, it is the eternal absence that death represents which evokes greater awe or anxiety. The thought of nonexistence stretches beyond comprehension, influencing how we value life.
In line with Cicero’s reflections in works like Tusculan Disputations, this quote reveals his engagement with existential questions—particularly those related to the fear of death and the limits of human understanding. Influenced by Stoicism and Academic skepticism, Cicero often explored whether death should be feared or accepted as a return to nature. Here, he admits that the sheer scale of time beyond death provokes a more profound emotional response than the immediate burdens of life.
In modern existential thought, this sentiment remains familiar. The fear or contemplation of nonexistence often shapes how people live, make decisions, and seek meaning. Cicero’s words remind us that while the present may feel overwhelming, it is often our awareness of death and the infinite unknown that most deeply stirs the human soul—prompting reflection, humility, and sometimes the urgency to live more meaningfully.
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