“Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy.”
— W. Somerset Maugham
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Life moves quickly, and nothing stays the same forever—which makes every single moment infinitely precious. As W. Somerset Maugham beautifully noted, “Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy.” What is one simple joy in your life today that you are taking time to truly appreciate? Share your thoughts below! ✨
About this quote
We spend so much of our lives desperately trying to anchor fleeting moments—clinging to youth, perfect relationships, and comfortable seasons, dreading the inevitable tides of change. Yet, Somerset Maugham’s profound words remind us that impermanence isn't life's cruelty; it is the very reason every moment carries such breathtaking value. A sunset is only unforgettable because it fades into twilight, and a blooming flower moves our hearts precisely because its petals will one day fall. When we resist change, we invite suffering, but when we accept it as the foundational rhythm of existence, our hearts become free. True peace arrives the moment we stop asking the world to stay still and instead choose to dive headfirst into the wonder of the here and now. Loving deeply, laughing freely, and cherishing the ordinary magic of today becomes effortless when we realize this exact second will never come again. Let this wisdom become your daily anchor: release the need to control what lasts, and pour all your energy into delighting in what is right in front of you. Embrace every chapter as a gift, knowing that the beauty of life lies not in its permanence, but in how courageously and wholeheartedly we experience it while it's here.
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Photo by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash
