In the annals of philosophical discourse, the Latin locution hic et nunc, translating to “here and now” in the venerable language of ancient Rome, emerges as a profound conceptualization. Originating within the Stoic philosophical tradition, this phrase encapsulates a timeless imperative—one that advocates for a conscientious immersion in the present moment. As an elemental tenet of Stoic philosophy, hic et nunc exhorts individuals to direct their focus towards the immediate and tangible, fostering a harmonious alignment with the exigencies of the current temporal sphere. Within the expansive realm of Western tradition, literature, and philosophical ruminations, this phrase has transcended linguistic boundaries to become a philosophical cornerstone, examining the transient nature of existence and imparting sagacious insights into the human condition.

The origins of hic et nunc can be traced back to the Stoic philosophers of ancient Rome, who espoused a philosophy centered on the acceptance of the present moment and a focus on what lies within one’s control. In literature, this locution has been woven into the fabric of various works, serving as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the significance of embracing the present. From the timeless wisdom of Seneca to the existential reflections of modern authors like Albert Camus, the phrase has been a guiding principle in exploring the human experience.

The implications of hic et nunc are vast. It encourages mindfulness, urging individuals to savor the richness of each moment and find fulfillment in the immediate experience. In a world often plagued by anxieties about the future or regrets from the past, this concept serves as a liberating force, allowing individuals to break free from the shackles of time and appreciate the beauty of existence in the present.

Petrarch and Góngora’s Embrace of Hic et Nunc in Early Renaissance and Baroque Poetry
During the Renaissance, a period heralded for its fervent intellectual revival and profound artistic expression, the principles encapsulated by the Latin locution hic et nunc found resonance in the works of esteemed poets, particularly in the realms of Italian and Spanish literature.

In Italy, the Renaissance witnessed the emergence of poets who eloquently embraced the ethos of hic et nunc in their verses. Notable among them is Francesco Petrarca, more commonly known as Petrarch, whose renowned sonnets encapsulate a nuanced exploration of the fleeting nature of time and the significance of the present moment. Petrarch’s poetic oeuvre, notably the “Canzoniere,” exemplifies a profound contemplation on the transitory nature of human existence, inviting readers to reflect on the immediacy of experience. In Petrarch’s “Canzoniere,” Sonnet 3 (also known as “Solo e pensoso”), he contemplates the fleeting nature of time and the significance of the present moment. Here is the original Italian:
Solo e pensoso i più deserti campi
vo mesurando a passi tardi et lenti,
et gli occhi porto per fuggire intenti
ove vestigio uman l’arena stampi.

English Translation:
Alone and thoughtful, through the loneliest fields
I go measuring my slow and hesitant steps,
And my eyes I cast down, intent on fleeing
Where the human footprint marks the sand.

Similarly, the Spanish Golden Age, a cultural zenith in Spain’s history during the 16th and 17th centuries, witnessed poets who echoed the sentiments of hic et nunc in their literary compositions. A prime example is the esteemed Spanish lyric poet Luis de Góngora. In his sonnets and other poetic works, Góngora masterfully wove intricate verses that delved into the ephemeral nature of life, urging readers to embrace the present with a heightened sense of awareness. Góngora’s works, marked by their rich linguistic complexity, serve as a testament to the profound philosophical underpinnings embedded in the Latin locution.

In the Spanish Golden Age, Luis de Góngora’s sonnet “Mientras por competir con tu cabello” exemplifies the thematic richness of hic et nunc. Here is the original Spanish:
Mientras por competir con tu cabello,
oro bruñido el sol relumbra en vano;
mientras con menosprecio en medio el llano
mira tu blanca frente el lilio bello;

English Translation:
While trying to rival your hair,
Gold burnished by the sun, shines in vain.
Disdainfully, in the midst of the plain,
Observes the lovely lily your forehead so fair;

The poetic expressions of Petrarch and Góngora stand as poignant illustrations of hic et nunc within their respective literary traditions, capturing the essence of living in the present moment and contemplating the ephemeral nature of human existence. In the Renaissance period, marked by an efflorescence of intellectual and artistic endeavors, this Latin locution found fertile ground for integration within the literary landscape. Petrarch and Góngora, among other luminaries of their respective traditions, skillfully harnessed the philosophical nuances of hic et nunc, infusing their verses with a timeless contemplation on the essence of existence and the imperative of embracing the present. Their works, emblematic of a profound engagement with the transitory nature of life, contribute to the enduring relevance of hic et nunc as a philosophical and literary motif throughout the annals of Western tradition.

Temporal Absurdities: Hic et Nunc in the Literary Works of Albert Camus
Albert Camus, a luminary of existentialist philosophy and literature, artfully incorporated the ethos of hic et nunc into his seminal works, notably exploring themes of absurdity and the quest for meaning amidst the inherent challenges of human existence. In his magnum opus, “L’Étranger” (The Stranger), the protagonist, Meursault, embodies the essence of living in the present moment, indifferent to societal norms and conventions. The novel’s opening lines encapsulate Meursault’s stoic detachment: “Aujourd’hui, maman est morte. Ou peut-être hier, je ne sais pas” (Today, mother died. Or maybe yesterday, I don’t know.) Meursault’s nonchalant acceptance of his mother’s death sets the tone for the narrative, emphasizing a pragmatic acknowledgment of the immediate reality without succumbing to conventional emotional responses.

Furthermore, Camus delves into the philosophy of hic et nunc in his essay “L’Été” (Summer), where he reflects on the Mediterranean landscape and the profound connection between nature and the human experience. In contemplating the simplicity of existence, he expresses a profound affinity for the present moment: “Le seul vrai problème de la philosophie, c’est le suicide” (The only real problem of philosophy is suicide). This poignant statement encapsulates the essence of hic et nunc in Camus’s philosophy—acknowledging the immediacy of life’s challenges and finding meaning in the face of existential uncertainties. Camus’s exploration of the present moment resonates as a profound testament to the enduring relevance of hic et nunc in existential thought, emphasizing a contemplative engagement with the present as a source of existential fulfillment and meaning.

Mindful Resonance: Navigating the Present with Hic et Nunc in our Contemporary Society
The intrinsic advantages of embracing hic et nunc extend beyond philosophical discourse, permeating the realm of mental well-being. In cultivating a mindfulness rooted in the present, individuals not only navigate the complexities of existence but also fortify their psychological resilience against the burdens of stress, anxiety, and discontent. This profound perspective shift, echoed in the wisdom of Petrarch, Góngora, and Camus, underscores the significance of acknowledging the immediacy of experience.

In our contemporary society, characterized by an incessant influx of technological stimuli and perpetual connectivity, the relevance of hic et nunc assumes heightened significance. The digital age, while affording unprecedented access to information, concurrently fosters a culture of incessant distraction. The concept of hic et nunc emerges as a vital counterbalance, urging a deliberate disconnection from the technological hum, facilitating a return to genuine engagement with our surroundings, and fostering a meaningful connection with the present moment.

In essence, the Latin locution hic et nunc transcends its linguistic origin, evolving into a profound and universal concept. Its resonance in Western tradition, literature, and philosophy serves as a testament to its enduring relevance. Embracing the philosophy of “here and now” not only enriches our understanding of the human experience, as exemplified by the intellectual legacies of Petrarca, Góngora, and Camus, but also offers practical and holistic benefits for navigating the intricacies of our contemporary world. As these philosophical insights echo through the corridors of time, they resonate not only as intellectual pursuits but as timeless guides for fostering both intellectual and emotional well-being.

© Francesc Borrull, 2023