Time is the measure of all things.
Meaning
Time defines existence and value. This quote reflects the importance of time in life and decision-making.
Share image
Preview of the image used when this quote is shared on social networks.
About the author
(1620–1706) was an English writer, diarist, and gardener known for his detailed diaries and contributions to literature and environmental thought. His writings provide valuable insight into 17th-century English society, politics, and culture. Evelyn also wrote about forestry and conservation, showing early awareness of environmental issues. His work reflects curiosity, discipline, and intellectual engagement. John Evelyn’s legacy continues to be important for historians and scholars studying early modern England.
Why This Quote Matters
There’s a quiet confidence in how John Evelyn addresses Life, Time, Value in this line. Read twice, the point sharpens: Time defines existence and value.
This quote reflects the importance of time in life and decision-making. That’s a small shift in attention, not a grand overhaul, and it tends to hold. Nothing here needs to be complicated to be useful.
How to Apply This Quote in Life
In conflict, name Life aloud; it lowers heat and raises shared standards. Build consistency before intensity—Time defines existence and value. This quote reflects the importance of time in life and decision-making.
is easier to live when the pace is honest. It’s fine to start smaller than feels impressive; smaller tends to last longer. One step, repeated, is the entire strategy.
Related quotes
-
“The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty.”
Meaning: Le Guin suggests that uncertainty is not a flaw but a fundamental part of existence. It creates possibilities, growth, and change, making life dynamic and meaningful. -
“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
Meaning: It highlights influence of behavior. -
“The place in which I'll fit will not exist until I make it.”
Meaning: This emphasizes self-creation. -
“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without.”
Meaning: It highlights vulnerability in love. -
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Meaning: Le Guin highlights that experiences along the way are more important than the destination itself. Growth happens during the process. -
“Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.”
Meaning: True freedom lies in how individuals respond to circumstances. Even when situations are imposed, one still has the power to choose their reaction. -
“I can't believe what you say, because I see what you do.”
Meaning: This emphasizes actions over words. -
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
Meaning: This highlights the true cost of things in terms of time and effort. -
“Some people go to priests, others to poetry, I to my friends.”
Meaning: Friends often serve as our source of comfort, guidance, and emotional support. This quote highlights the role of friendship in providing strength and understanding during life’s challenges.
