Today’s Quote

"This too shall pass."

I’m going to hold off on attribution for this quote simply because most people are adamantly wrong about its origin. On its face, it looks and sounds biblical. Most people think this is something Jesus said or perhaps an old testament prophet like a Moses or Abraham.

Do a quick search, it’s nowhere in the Bible.

It’s actually a Persian proverb. Most people throw this phrase out as a kind of band aid to a friend or colleague who is going through a difficult time. “Yeah man I’m sorry you lost your job, your girlfriend dumped you, and your sports team continues to be horrible but this too shall pass.” But this is an incomplete picture of the proverb.

It’s really about the ephemerality of life. Nothing remains constant, both positive and negative. And yet we rarely toss out a “this too shall pass” when someone tells us of their recent engagement or that they love being a new mom/dad. “Yeah man she loves you now, but this too shall pass.” Not a great recommendation for winning or even just keeping friends.

The impermanence of the proverb isn’t supposed to relieve us of hardship or rob us of joy. It’s to remind us that whatever feeling we’re feeling won’t be around forever. The bad moments shouldn’t drown us in despair, they should be appreciated for whatever lesson they have to offer. And the reality that the good times will come and go should make us all the more grateful when we’re in them.

Whatever feeling you’re feeling, feel it.