"We can experience nothing but the present moment, live in no other second of time, and to understand this is as close as we can get to eternal life."

P. D. James Literature See all quotes by P. D. James →

React to this quote

More by P. D. James

“The Man Penal settlement. Do you know whats happening there? The murders, the starvation, the complete breakdown of law and order.”

“Darling, you can't promise that...but I like to hear you say it.”

“When my turn comes I propose to take my lethal capsule comfortably in bed at home and preferably on my own.”

“It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life.”

“We all die alone. We shall endure death as once we enjoyed birth. You can't share either experience.”

“I believe that political correctness can be a form of linguistic fascism, and it sends shivers down the spine of my generation who went to war against fascism.”

Resonant Thoughts

"Even in 1864 it certainly cost us much trouble to loosen the threads by which the King, with the co-operation of the Liberalising influence of his consort, remained attached to that camp. Without havi…"

— Otto von Bismarck

Politics

#time

"A man may be reputed an able man this year, and yet be a beggar the next; it is a misfortune that happens to many men, and his former reputation will signify nothing."

— John Holt (Lord Chief Justice)

Law1689–1710

#time

"There were times when I wished I had been 'prenticed to a different trade. I was putting in seven hours a day on it. It was an odd life I was always hoping that the end of one thriller would not overt…"

— Margery Allingham

Literature1904–1966

#time

"Before you go to sleepSay a little prayerEvery day in every way, it's getting better and betterBeautiful, beautiful, beautiful Beautiful boy...Out on the ocean sailing awayI can hardly wait to see you…"

— John Lennon

Music1768–1846

#time