Full Idea
Philosophy is perfectly right in saying that life must be understood backwards. But then it forgets the other side - that it must be lived forwards.
Gist of Idea
Life may be understood backwards, but it has to be lived forwards
Source
Søren Kierkegaard (The Journals of Kierkegaard [1850], JP-III, 635)
Book Reference
Kierkegaard,Søren: 'Journals and Papers Vol. 1', ed/tr. Hong,Howard/Edna [Princeton ], p.450
A Reaction
Some of the best philosophers dwell too much on philosophy, history and the past, while forgetting to actually live and enjoy their lives. [SY]