live in the past

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I remember,” Madsen said, “what George Mumford would always say, our team psychologist: ‘Don’t live in the past, don’t live in the future, only live in the present.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

When the time comes, these words from Ms. Antonetta will merit consideration: “Programs of euthanasia and sterilization don’t just live in the past, terrible but finished. Their aftershocks are terrible and here.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Claire begrudgingly marries Jamie, a Highland warrior and the two fall in love, embarking on an epic romance with Claire choosing to live in the past to be with the man she loves.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 15, 2023

"A season like that is something amazing and rare. Sure, I would love to do it again but it's not advantageous to live in the past."

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2023

I druther live in the past than dwell on that part of the future.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns