How did it happen that now he could see everything so clearly. Something had given him leave to live in the present. Not once in his entire life had he come to rest in the quiet center of himself but had forever cast himself from some dark past he could not remember to a future that did not exist. Not once had he been present for his life. So his life had passed like a dream. Is it possible for people to miss their lives the way one can miss a plane?
by Walker Percy
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The protagonist reflects on an unexpected clarity that allows him to perceive his life in the present moment. For the first time, he finds a sense of peace and recognizes how he has been trapped in a cycle of escaping his obscure past and an uncertain future. This realization highlights a profound sense of loss, as he acknowledges that he has never truly experienced his own life, watching it slip away like a fleeting dream.

This moment of self-awareness raises a poignant question about existence: Can individuals truly miss out on their own lives, similar to how one can miss a flight? The idea suggests that many people go through life in a daze, disconnected from their reality, ultimately failing to live fully. It poses a challenge to embrace the present and be mindful of one’s experiences before they fade into mere memories.

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March 01, 2025

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