The Most Squandered Thing On Earth

I hate being late. It’s one of those things I actively try to avoid. That’s not to say I’ve never been late—after all, I’m human, and imperfections are part of the package. But lateness is rare for me, so rare that I honestly can’t recall the last time I was late for a social or official engagement.

However, I’ve come to realize that simply being on time doesn’t necessarily mean I truly value time. When I strive to be punctual, my primary motivation isn’t always the inherent worth of time itself. Rather, it’s about maintaining my personal standard and, more importantly, respecting others by not making them wait. In essence, it’s the principle of reciprocity at work.

The Principle of Reciprocity

"The ethic of reciprocity (also known as the Golden Rule) is an ethical code that states one has a right to just treatment and a responsibility to ensure justice for others. Reciprocity is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights, though it has its critics." — [Wikipedia]

As the ancient Greek philosopher Isocrates put it:

"Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others."

I don’t like being made to wait unnecessarily, so why would I do that to others? This mindset keeps me accountable for being on time. However, I’ve realized that valuing time extends beyond punctuality—it’s also about managing time well and truly appreciating its significance in our lives.

Why Time Is Our Most Valuable Asset

Many would agree that time is the most valuable resource we have. You can accumulate wealth, own luxurious homes, wear designer clothes, and indulge in the finest cuisines. Yet, without time, none of it means anything. Time is the currency of life—once spent, it’s gone forever.

Perhaps what makes time so precious is that it’s non-renewable. When we waste it, we don’t just lose minutes or hours; we forgo opportunities, memories, and possibilities that could have shaped our lives for the better. The tragic reality is that time is also the most squandered resource on earth. How often do we let distractions steal our hours? How often do we procrastinate, thinking we have unlimited tomorrows?

But time doesn’t wait for anyone.

A Powerful Reminder of Time’s Worth

Consider this thought-provoking passage I came across:

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer with children to feed.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed their train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the athlete who won a silver medal at the Olympics.

Make Every Moment Count

Each moment we have is a gift, and how we use it shapes our future. Instead of spending our time mindlessly, let’s be intentional with it. Let’s invest in relationships, pursue personal growth, and chase the dreams that set our hearts on fire.

Treasure every second, and treasure it even more when shared with someone special. After all, yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift—that’s why it’s called the present.

What will you do with your time today?