Age Quod Agis
The Latin phrase meaning 'do what you are doing' - be fully present in your actions.
Also known as: Do what you are doing, Be present in action, Full engagement
Category: Concepts
Tags: philosophies, wisdom, presence, mindfulness, focus
Explanation
Age quod agis (Latin for 'do what you are doing') is a maxim emphasizing complete presence and engagement in current activity. The concept involves: giving full attention to present tasks, not letting mind wander to past or future, and performing each action with complete awareness. The wisdom addresses: divided attention (being physically present but mentally elsewhere), half-hearted effort (going through motions without engagement), and the quality loss from fragmented focus. The phrase encourages: single-minded engagement, bringing your whole self to each activity, and treating every action as worthy of full attention. It connects to mindfulness but emphasizes: action and engagement rather than observation, doing fully rather than watching, and practical application in work and daily life. The principle applies to: work tasks, conversations, daily activities, and even rest. For knowledge workers, age quod agis means: being fully present in meetings, giving complete attention to deep work, engaging wholly in conversations, and recognizing that presence is the foundation of quality.
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