'Movement is life;' and it is well to be able to forget the past, and kill the present by continual change.

The quote "'Movement is life;' and it is well to be able to forget the past, and kill the present by continual change." by Jules Verne explores the theme of restlessness, transformation, and the human desire for progress. By stating "Movement is life," Verne connects motion—both physical and metaphorical—with vitality. In his view, to keep moving is to stay alive, engaged, and evolving. This movement represents not just literal travel, but also the ongoing pursuit of new experiences and personal reinvention.

The second part of the quote—"forget the past, and kill the present by continual change"—suggests that stagnation leads to decay, while constant renewal keeps life meaningful. To "kill the present" means not to destroy it, but to transform it continuously, refusing to be trapped by routine or comfort. Likewise, forgetting the past implies letting go of what no longer serves us. Verne seems to be advocating for a mindset of reinvention, where we are not bound by past mistakes or present limitations.

Jules Verne, a 19th-century French author best known for pioneering science fiction through novels like Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas and Around the World in Eighty Days, frequently explored the themes of exploration, adventure, and the power of human curiosity. This quote reflects his deep belief in change and discovery as essential parts of life. For Verne, staying in motion—whether across oceans, into the future, or within one’s own mindset—was key to remaining fully alive.

Ultimately, this quote serves as a celebration of dynamic living. It challenges us to avoid clinging too tightly to what is familiar, and instead to embrace the uncertainty and opportunity that come with continuous change. Verne’s vision of life is one of perpetual movement, where vitality and meaning are found not in stillness, but in the willingness to evolve, explore, and let go.