You know, it’s wild how many people are “waiting to start living.” They’re stuck in a holding pattern, always planning for a future that never quite arrives. It’s one of those quiet tragedies we see all the time, and Tolle just nails it.
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Meaning
The core message is brutally simple: we postpone our happiness and our real life for a future moment that never comes.
Explanation
Let me break this down for you. I’ve seen this play out so many times, both in my own life and with people I’ve coached. We create this mental story that life will *really* begin once we hit a certain goal—the promotion, the perfect relationship, the retirement fund. But here’s the kicker. That future is a fantasy. It’s a mental projection. So we end up sacrificing the only thing we ever truly have, which is this present moment, for a phantom. We’re not *in* our lives; we’re just preparing for them. And the years just slip by.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Life (320) |
| Topics | action (112), living (5) |
| Literary Style | didactic (370), minimalist (442) |
| Emotion / Mood | awakening (3), realistic (354) |
| Overall Quote Score | 86 (262) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is straight from Eckhart Tolle’s 1997 book, “The Power of Now.” It came out of his own profound personal transformation and was first published in Canada. You sometimes see this sentiment floating around attributed to others, but the specific phrasing is pure Tolle.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Eckhart Tolle (45) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment (45) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Eckhart Tolle, born in Germany in 1948, became widely known after his transformative insights at age 29 led him to teach about presence and inner stillness. He later settled in Vancouver and wrote The Power of Now and A New Earth, which topped bestseller lists and inspired millions. He collaborates with major platforms, hosts retreats, and shares teachings through his online portal. The
| Official Website | Facebook | X| Instagram | YouTube
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 1997; ISBN: 978-1577314806; Last Edition: New World Library Edition (2004); Number of Pages: 229 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 3: Moving Deeply Into the Now, Page 65 |