Learning from the 19th Century

I write a lot about being present and taking advantage of opportunities and I found a great quote that really sums up what I try to say. It's from the novel, "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne (which by the way, it OUTSTANDING and worth a look...or two)

The future is yet full of trial and success. There is happiness to be enjoyed! There is good to be done! Exchange the false life of thine for a true one. […] Preach! Write! Act! Do anything, save to lie down and die. […] Why shouldst thou tarry so much as one other day in the torments that have so gnawed thy life!—that have made thee feeble to will and to do!—that will leave thee powerless even to repent! Up, and away!

I like this quote because, in a more eloquent way than I ever could, it says, "Get off your seat and start living!" Hopefully, Hawthorne can reach through the internet to inspire you.