"Today We Lived" by Ryan Baidya and Pranab Phauzdar, from the Takshila Foundation, California, emphasizes the importance of living and creating in the present moment. It highlights how historical innovators, from Leonardo da Vinci to Steve Jobs, shaped progress by acting decisively. The article argues that creation leads to true happiness and that "tomorrow is today".
"Today We Lived" explores the profound impact of living and creating in the present moment. The article highlights that human progress—symbolized by milestones like the discovery of fire, the invention of the wheel, and the first flight—was achieved not by waiting for tomorrow but by seizing opportunities today. This mindset, embodied by historical figures like the Wright brothers, Thomas Edison, and Leonardo da Vinci, shows that creation is an act of immediacy, not postponement.
The article argues that progress is hindered by ignorance, and emotion, and those who rise above these forces, such as Subhas Chandra Bose and Narendra Modi, demonstrate leadership and innovation through bold, timely actions. Creation, not comfort, is identified as the source of true happiness, and the legacies of creators like Steve Jobs and Picasso are testament to the enduring power of what is made today.
The article emphasizes that humanity’s imperative is to innovate and create in the present moment, as the future is shaped by the actions of today. Those who understand this, from scientists like Marie Curie to writers like Shakespeare, leave lasting impacts on the world, proving that "tomorrow is today."
Today, we lived. At first glance, this may seem like a simple declaration, yet it holds profound meaning. Each day of life is a gift, a fleeting yet invaluable moment in the grand timeline of human existence. What we often forget is that tomorrow is merely a reflection of today—a continuation of our actions, decisions, and creations. In every moment, we are not just living; we are shaping the future.
At the beginning of human evolution, the very essence of progress began when early humans struck two stones together to create fire. That single act wasn’t just the birth of heat or light—it was the birth of human innovation. It illuminated not just their immediate surroundings but the path of knowledge and advancement. Soon came the invention of the wheel, which marked a literal and metaphorical turning point in history, opening up new realms of possibility. These innovations didn’t belong to a far-off "tomorrow"; they were the result of bold actions taken in the present, driven by the curiosity and persistence of the time.
This relentless pursuit of creation has not dimmed over millennia. It remains the flame that propels us forward, encouraging us to not merely wait for the future but to forge it with our own hands, today.
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Throughout history, we see this pattern of innovation happening in the present, not postponed for the future. Consider the Wright brothers and their first successful flight in 1903. This wasn’t a dream they left for tomorrow—it was realized in that very moment when their flyer lifted off the ground at Kitty Hawk, changing the course of human transportation forever. Had they waited for the perfect conditions or the certainty of success, aviation might have been delayed for decades.
The spirit of seizing the day is also evident in Thomas Edison’s development of the light bulb. After countless failed attempts, Edison famously said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." His perseverance in the face of failure, driven by the determination to act today, reshaped the way we live.
These are powerful reminders that the creators of history understood one critical truth: waiting for tomorrow is the enemy of progress. They seized the opportunities of today to shape the future.
For truly creative individuals, the future is not something to be awaited—it is something to be shaped and molded in the present. To them, the idea of postponing action is nothing less than a betrayal of their potential. They believe that to rest is to decay, that to be idle is to invite ruin. This perspective is reflected in the words of Leonardo da Vinci, who once said, "I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do." Da Vinci, one of the most prolific creators in history, did not wait for the perfect moment to invent, paint, or design; he made today the moment for creation.
In this view, the concept of "tomorrow" symbolizes not a new beginning, but an end— an endpoint where the chance for action has passed. When we think of the great minds who changed the world—scientists like Albert Einstein or writers like William Shakespeare—it becomes clear that they did not defer their work to some future point. They worked today, in the present moment, with an awareness that time is fleeting.
Life offers no geographical boundaries such as east, west, north, or south. There are only two directions: the beginning and the end. Many falter not because they lack capability, but because they start in the wrong direction. Often, this misdirection stems from two powerful forces: ignorance and emotion.
Ignorance can be paralyzing. Consider the example of explorers during the Age of Discovery, such as Christopher Columbus. While many at that time believed the world was flat, Columbus ventured into the unknown, guided by the knowledge he possessed and a daring willingness to act. His success was not guaranteed, but he refused to be paralyzed by the ignorance of his time.
Emotion, too, can mislead. Many individuals are swept away by unbridled passions, mistaking fleeting desires for true purpose. The consequences of this are evident in the lives of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte, whose unchecked ambition eventually led to his downfall.
However, those who learn to balance knowledge and emotion, such as True father of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Damodardas Modi, channel their energies into productive and lasting endeavors.
Bose's approach to India's independence was not one of passive waiting but one of bold and decisive action. His formation of the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British rule showed immense courage, strategic insight, and emotional strength. For Bose, the fight for freedom was not something to be deferred to "tomorrow"; it was a mission that demanded action in the present, driven by his belief in India's right to self-determination.
Similarly, Narendra Modi’s journey from the son of a tea seller to a global leader encapsulates the power of determination, discipline, and vision. Starting as a pracharak (campaigner) with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Modi dedicated his life to public service, eventually becoming the Chief Minister of Gujarat. His tenure as Chief Minister was marked by economic reforms and a focus on development. Yet, Modi did not stop there. His journey continued as he ascended to become the Prime Minister of India, leading the nation on the global stage.
For Modi, leadership was not something to be postponed for "tomorrow"; his transformative policies and bold initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and Digital India, are rooted in his commitment to action in the present. From domestic reforms to playing a key role in international diplomacy, Modi’s trajectory shows that true leadership is born from consistent effort and a vision that transcends today.
Both leaders, though from different times and contexts, embody the idea that leadership is born from immediate and determined action. Their legacies, from Bose’s fight for India’s freedom to Modi’s transformative governance, show that shaping the future starts with what we do today.
The individuals who rise above ignorance and emotion are those who, despite facing challenges and hardships, never compromise their pursuit of true happiness. For them, joy lies not in fleeting comforts but in creation itself. Their legacy is measured not by what they own, but by what they bring into the world. Consider the example of Steve Jobs, who famously stated, "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." Jobs’ relentless drive to innovate shaped the future of technology and continues to impact millions today.
It is this unyielding drive for creation that defies the conventional boundaries of life and death. As Pablo Picasso once declared, "You will die because you are false—but I, Picasso, will live forever." This is the mantra of every creator: their mortality is transcended by the works they leave behind. Picasso's paintings, much like Beethoven’s symphonies or Shakespeare’s plays, continue to inspire, long after their creators have passed. In this sense, their "tomorrow" is eternal, realized through the impact of their creations on the world.
On a broader level, this ideology speaks to the very essence of what it means to be human. To be human is to create, to evolve, and to innovate without waiting for a better time or a clearer path. Every day presents a chance to ignite a spark, to move the wheel of progress forward, and to refuse to leave tomorrow in the hands of fate. The achievements of figures like Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking work in radioactivity changed the face of science, exemplify this truth. Curie did not wait for the right moment to pursue her research; she acted in the present, despite societal challenges, and her contributions reshaped the world.
The future is not something to be feared or idolized—it is a product of our present actions. Those who understand this live in a state of constant creation, never waiting, never resting. They believe, as Picasso did, that the only real death is in the absence of truth and creation. So long as they continue to innovate, they will never truly die.
Life offers no guarantee of tomorrow. The world continues to advance because of what we create today. From the invention of fire to the wheel, from the works of Shakespeare to the discoveries of modern science, progress is driven by those who seize the present moment. The lesson is simple yet profound: those who understand the importance of acting today are the ones who, like the first humans who discovered fire or those who built the foundations of modern society, will change the course of history. Their tomorrow is today.
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Invention of Fire and the Wheel
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Marie Curie and Radioactivity
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