Dede Rahmat strolled along the cobblestone path, the vibrant chatter of his fellow students serving as the backdrop to his thoughts. His mind was a whirl of ideas, spurred by a recent conversation with his philosophy professor. The concept of time, so often relegated to the mundane tick of a clock, now seemed a profound mystery to unravel. He recalled the stoic wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, and existential musings of Sartre, each urging a deeper introspection of time's true nature.
As Dede approached, his attention was drawn to a familiar face among the group. Maya, a fellow student known for her philosophical insight, caught his eye. Her laughter was infectious, a melody that seemed to pause time itself. He hesitated, then decided to join the conversation, drawn by an invisible thread of shared curiosity.
"Dede, just the person we need!" Maya exclaimed, motioning him over. "We were just debating the nature of time and how it affects our perception of reality."
"It’s fascinating, isn’t it?" Dede replied, taking a seat beside Maya. "Time is both a constant and a variable, shaping our lives while remaining elusive. I've been pondering how Stoicism and Existentialism view it so differently."
"Exactly," Maya nodded, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. "Stoicism teaches us to focus on the present, to live wisely with what we can control. Meanwhile, Existentialism pushes us to create meaning within time, to actively mold our existence."
Dede leaned back, contemplating Maya's words. He realized how often he was caught between the past and future, rarely pausing to live in the moment. The words of Seneca echoed in his mind, urging him to value each fleeting second. "It's like we’re so busy chasing moments, we forget to live them," he mused aloud.
"True," Maya agreed, her voice softening. "Perhaps we should challenge ourselves, and others, to find meaning in our everyday actions, to appreciate the time we have now."
Dede stood, feeling a newfound clarity. "Let's start with ourselves, Maya. Let’s make our moments count, and maybe inspire others to do the same," he said with determination.
"I’m with you," Maya replied, her smile reflecting the last rays of sunlight. Together, they began walking towards the dormitories, their steps in sync with the rhythm of time they now cherished.
As they parted ways, Dede felt a renewed purpose. He knew that each day, each moment, held potential for meaning and growth. Time, he realized, was not just a measure but a canvas, one he was ready to fill with intention and joy. With a final glance at the starry sky, he whispered a silent promise to himself—to live fully, to live now.
