Dreaming of a tomorrow, which tomorrow, will be as distant then as 'tis today.

The quote "Dreaming of a tomorrow, which tomorrow, will be as distant then as 'tis today" by Lope de Vega speaks to the elusive nature of time and the perpetual delay of our goals or desires. Vega, a Spanish playwright and poet, reflects on how we often imagine a better future—a "tomorrow"—that will bring fulfillment or change, but in reality, that tomorrow always seems just out of reach. No matter how much we look forward to it, tomorrow remains distant, perpetually shifting and never fully arriving. This speaks to the human tendency to focus on an ideal future rather than living fully in the present.

The quote highlights the illusion of waiting for a perfect future or external circumstances to change. Procrastination, in a sense, is built into this vision of tomorrow, where we often delay action or personal fulfillment in the belief that it will come at some later time. Lope de Vega’s words remind us that time is constantly moving forward, but the future remains as intangible as ever, and waiting for it to "arrive" can keep us from seizing the opportunities that are available right now.

The origin of this quote can be tied to Vega’s reflections on the human condition in his numerous works, which often explored themes of love, ambition, and time. His portrayal of human desires and the frustration that arises from chasing unattainable futures was part of his broader commentary on the complexity and futility of human longing. He was acutely aware of the gap between human expectations and reality, which is central to much of his writing.

Ultimately, Vega’s quote serves as a reminder that living in the present is just as important, if not more so, than constantly dreaming of a distant future. It challenges us to stop putting off happiness or fulfillment for a tomorrow that may never come and instead to focus on making the most of the opportunities and moments available to us today.