On how it’s always time to start

Having reflected yesterday on a favorite piece of advice, I thought of another piece of advice that has been on my mind of late. It comes from an interview with architect William McDonough in Metropolis magazine:

Susan Szenagy: We need hope now more than ever. I just worry that it’s going to be a little bit too late for us.

William McDonough: It’s always too late and it’s always time to start. That’s the way life is.

While the topic of the interview is how architects should respond to the climate crisis, you could plonk McDonough’s words as a rebuttal to any pessimistic or doubting statement:

Is it worth pursuing this idea? Can I still switch careers? Can I pick up another language? Should I write that novel?

McDonough’s words affirm our regret and uncertainty —it’s always too late—and directs us to action—and it’s always time to start.

And, boy, do I love the and.

See how differently it would sound with a but?

It’s always too late and it’s always time to start.

It’s always too late but it’s always time to start.

But lets us off too easy. But suggests that it’s always too late is our focus; it’s always time to start is counterpoint.

And, though, is connective. And does not oppose the two statements, but insists they are part of the same melody, one phrase leading right into the other.

I also love the always.

The statement is not confined to a given set of conditions: When is it too late? Always. And when is it time to start? Always. The condition is constant, something we must always be mindful of, no matter the topic.

As McDonough puts it: That’s the way life is.