Living in the Past, Present, and Future

In Maus, Vladek Speigelman lives in the past, unable to move past those that have died and the traumatic experiences he went through. Vladek keeps a lot of the habits that he maintained in the past such as his thriftiness and reluctance to throw away things that could have potential value in the future. While talking to Art he says "I'm tired from talking, Richieu," calling Art by the name of his dead brother. Vladek is so engulfed in the past that he mixes the two together, often living in the past instead of the present.

As Vladek lives in the past, he neglects to pay attention to things going on in the present. He is constantly haunted by his past experiences and trauma and lives his life based upon his experience in the Holocaust. He is firm and unchanging like the past, and cannot change to adapt to his present surroundings. The past consumes him and eats at him slowly, causing him to lose meaning in the present and the future. The past for Vladek is a parasite that he cannot get rid of, but for others it may be a springboard to propel them forward. While we should not live in the past like Vladek, it's beneficial to take lessons and learn from the past. While looking at the past, we can learn from our past mistakes and failures. 

As for those who live in the present, they often fail to look back upon the past or look ahead to the future. Those who are so consumed with living their fullest in the present often neglect past learnings and potential future consequences. When people claim that they only live once, I say to them, you better not screw it up then. People that are only focused on their happiness and contentment in the current moment forget that all actions have consequences that must be lived out. They also forget that people may have to suffer for a short while before experiencing greater happiness.

And for those living solely for the future, they often forget the happiness and joy that life contains. You should enjoy life, and not slave away for material goods or success. Life is like a journey; if you stay focused on your destination, you often don't notice the sights on the way there. Although preparing for the future is essential, "the journey of life is not meant to be feared and planned; it is meant to be travelled and enjoyed."

So I say to you: remember the past, enjoy the present, and dream of the future.