This Chinese proverb offers a graceful and practical philosophy for dealing with regret and seizing the present moment. The first sentence acknowledges that we often have ideal timing for our goals, and we may have missed it, leading to feelings of regret.

However, the profound wisdom lies in the second sentence. It completely negates the paralysis of regret by declaring that "now" is always the next best option. It dismisses all excuses about it being "too late" and emphasizes the immense value of present initiative.

This quote teaches us to stop mourning lost opportunities and to immediately start building the future we want. It's a powerful reminder that action in the present is the only true antidote to the regrets of the past, making now the most important and timely moment we have.