Wasting Time

"Therefore, waste your time and waste of your life, or master time and
master your life." (Alan Lakein)

The phrase "a waste of time" has made its way into common usage, and few would question its meaning. And yet, it is an expression filled with implications and significance that not many people routinely consider. For example, it implies that time is limited, for one cannot really speak of "wasting" something that is limited. Even more, it implies that time has value, for again we do not speak of wasting that which has no value. Finally, the phrase suggests that if time can be wasted, the opposite must also be true, that time can be well spent and that there is a "non-wasteful" use of time.

As the phrase has these various implications, it also raises a number of questions. If time has value, then the question arises whether the value of time is constant or is some time more valuable than other time? Can the value of time be measured? Is the value of time subjective or objective? Are there some uses of time that are better than others? If so, are they objectively or subjectively better? We might also ask whether the value of time can be compared with the value of other things. Can the value of time be compared to material good? Or to other abstract things such as love or enjoyment?

Below we have included a number of quotes from thinkers of the past who have commented on these issues. We invite your thoughts and comments on this topic.

"If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be, as Poor Richard says, the greatest prodigality! Since, as he elsewhere tells us,Lost time is never found again; and what we call time enough always proves little enough." Let us then be up and doing and doing to purpose: so by diligence shall we do more with less perplexity." Franklin's Way to Wealth or Poor Richard Improved

"But dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." Franklin's Way to Wealth or Poor Richard Improved

"Remember that time is money. he that can earn 10s a day by his labour and goes abroad or sits idle one half of that day, though he spend but 6d during his diversion or idleness, ought not to reckon that the only expense; he has really spent, or rather thrown away 5s besides." Advice to a Young Tradesman from an Old One