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QUOTE

“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the now.”
The Consciousness Now
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Mike's Takeaway:

Quote context: Commonly attributed to the Buddha, though it doesn’t appear verbatim in early Buddhist scriptures.
Source: Aligns closely with themes in Buddhist texts, such as the Dhammapada.
Current Reference: Used in chapter 5 of “30 Philosophers.”

This timeless Buddhist teaching encourages us to let go of regrets and anxieties about the past and future. By focusing solely on the present moment, we can cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. This approach allows us to fully experience life as it unfolds, leading to greater contentment and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

This Buddhist teaching reminds us that our experience of time is a delicate balance. In my writing, I write about consciousness as our minds constantly pulling from the past, anticipating the future, and processing the present moment. In truth, our “now” is an intricate weaving of memory, sensation, and expectation, all filtered through perception. When we focus on the present, we learn to quiet the mind’s natural tendencies, to let go of the stories from our past and the worries of what’s to come. In doing so, we create space to fully engage with what is, finding peace in the stillness and allowing each moment to reveal itself in its fullness, unburdened and alive with possibility.

Analysis By Michael Alan Prestwood
01 Jan 2026
Published 1 year ago.
Updated 4 weeks ago.
Michael Alan Prestwood
Author & Natural Philosopher
Prestwood writes on science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Framework, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
TST Weekly Column
January 21, 2026
This Week:
»Edition Archive
The column…
Copernicus, Societal Blindness, and Worldview
WWB Research….
1. Story of the Week
Nicolas Copernicus
2. Quote of the Week
“The movement of the planets agrees best with actual observations.”
3. Science FAQ »
Did Copernicus prove that Earth moves around the Sun?
4. Philosophy FAQ »
Did Copernicus remove humanity from the center of the universe?
5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
Why do intelligent people defend bad ideas?
6. History FAQ!
Was Copernicus famous during his life?
Bonus Deep-Dive Article
The Universe Before the Telescope

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