The Diary

Summary

The article "The Diary" reflects on the metaphorical value of time as a currency we spend in life, emphasizing the irretrievable nature of time once it's gone.

Abstract

"The Diary" is an introspective piece that likens the act of keeping a diary to a financial transaction with the future. It suggests that each entry in a diary represents a commitment of one's time, akin to spending currency. The author, Ivan Yong, posits that while the future is flexible and allows for freedom in how we choose to spend our time, there is a significant caveat: time spent cannot be reclaimed. Yong uses the metaphor to remind readers of the precious and finite nature of time, urging them to consider their choices and commitments wisely.

Opinions

The diary is seen as a promissory note to the future, where time is the currency being negotiated.
The future is described as accommodating, granting individuals the autonomy to decide how to allocate their time.
There is a warning inherent in the metaphor: time, once spent, is irrecoverable, much like a financial transaction that cannot be undone.
The author, Ivan Yong, is presented as an expert in organizational psychology, engineering, and startup investment, which lends credibility to his reflections on time management and future planning.

A Lamentation!

The diary is a promissory note, a debt owed to the future where its currency is time.

Every time one opens up the diary, he negotiates with the future on how to spend his time and where to spend it.

Future is always obliging; you are free to decide how and when to spend your currency of life.

There is only one caveat, once spent, you can’t retrieve, the currency of that transaction.

Ivan Yong is an organizational psychologist, engineer, author, and startup angel investor. He is the Head of the Global Social Responsibility Initiative Workgroup for European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC), the Founding Vice President of SRI (Social Projects) for EMCC, Asia, and a published author with the book titled, “Department of Startup: Why Every Fortune 500 Needs One” by BEP New York.