The quote reflects a paradoxical approach to life, where individuals act with both permanence and urgency. It suggests that some people engage in grand endeavors and projects, creating legacies as if they will thrive forever, while simultaneously indulging in immediate pleasures as if they might not have a tomorrow. This duality illustrates the complexity of human existence, balancing long-term aspirations with the fleeting nature of life.

In "The Dante Club," Matthew Pearl explores the intersection of these themes, presenting characters who are deeply invested in their ambitions, yet must confront their mortality. This mindset can be seen as a driving force in their actions, creating a tension between their dreams for the future and the realities of their present. Ultimately, it highlights the human struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in both the short term and the long term.