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We took such care of tomorrow, but died on the way there.
Warsan Shire
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the futility of over-planning for the future at the expense of living in the present.

Warsan Shire's quote illustrates the irony and tragedy of focusing excessively on future aspirations while neglecting the present moment. It serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable, and putting off living fully today in anticipation of tomorrow can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. In essence, it encourages us to cherish the present, as the future is uncertain.

Themes

PresentFutureLifePlanningIrony

In practice

Example use cases

Using this quote in a motivational speech to encourage people to focus on their current actions rather than over-analyzing future plans.

More from Warsan Shire

I’m not sad, but the boys who are looking for sad girls always find me. I’m not a girl anymore and I’m not sad anymore. You want me to be a tragic backdrop so that you can appear to be illuminated, so that people can say ‘Wow, isn't he so terribly brave to love a girl who is so obviously sad?’ You think I’ll be the dark sky so you can be the star? I’ll swallow you whole.
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Document the moments you feel most in love with yourself - what you're wearing, who you're around, what you're doing. Recreate and repeat.
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Every mouth you’ve ever kissed was just practice. All the bodies you’ve ever undressed and ploughed in to were preparing you for me. I don’t mind tasting them in the memory of your mouth. _x000D_ Was it a long journey? Did it take you long to find me? _x000D_ You’re here now, welcome home.
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Make peace with your body, it's not manmade, there are no flaws, there are no mistakes.
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You can't make homes out of human beings.
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Make love like you have no secrets like you've never been left never been hurt like the world don't owe you a single wretched thing.
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