Quote of the day by Tom Hanks: ‘This too shall pass’

When it comes to Tom Hanks, it’s hard to find someone who needs an introduction. The man who ran miles as Forrest Gump is widely recognized as a significant public figure and cultural icon for his ‘everyman’ roles and his contribution to the world of cinema. With an acting career spanning almost five decades, the iconic American personality has an array of accolades and awards in his store. So, it’s no wonder that the multiple Academy Award-winning actor has some wisdom under his belt, too.In fact, recently, Hanks shared some advice that’s really stuck with a lot of people: “I wish I had known that this too shall pass… Time is your ally and if nothing else, just wait.”Want to know more about the quote and what he meant by it? Read on.During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks was asked what he’d tell his younger self, and he didn’t go for anything flashy. Instead, he got real about patience and resilience.The 69-year-old actor said, “I wish I had known that this too shall pass. You feel bad right now? You feel pissed off? You feel angry? This too shall pass. You feel great? You feel like you know all the answers? You feel like that everybody finally gets you and there you are? This too shall pass. Time is your ally and if nothing else, just wait.”So, what did Tom Hanks mean by that?Well, at the core, Hanks was saying nothing lasts forever. When you’re hurting or furious or totally lost, it won’t last. But the same thing goes for the highs—the moments when you feel unstoppable, confident, or on top of the world. Those fade too. So what do you do with that? You try to keep your balance. Be patient when things get tough. Stay humble when everything’s going your way. And trust time to do its work. Hanks calls time an “ally” for a reason: sometimes you just have to let things play out.This idea isn’t new; you’ll find it in old philosophy and spiritual teachings. But hearing it from Hanks, in such plain, honest words, really hits home—especially in a world where everything feels urgent and overwhelming. His advice helps you step back, breathe, and accept that change is part of life. The highs and lows both pass. Time helps you heal, learn, and grow.In essence, Hanks reflected on the kind of wisdom he’d give his younger self. Instead of talking about fame or career choices, he went deeper—reminding us that every moment, good or bad, is temporary.Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, and honestly, one of its most likable. He’s been around for more than forty years, with a career that’s touched just about every genre. People remember him from early comedies like ‘Splash’ and ‘Bachelor Party’, but it was ‘Big’ that really launched him into stardom.He won his first Oscar for ‘Philadelphia’, playing a lawyer facing AIDS and discrimination. Right after that, he picked up a second Academy Award for ‘Forrest Gump’, where he played the gentle, wise Forrest who accidentally witnesses history. He’s also unforgettable as Captain John Miller in ‘Saving Private Ryan’. Apart from these films, kids and adults both know him as Woody from ‘Toy Story’. Hank has done everything from goofy comedies (‘Turner & Hooch’) to serious dramas (‘Bridge of Spies’). But don’t mistake Hanks for just an actor. He has also produced, directed, and written projects like ‘From the Earth to the Moon’ and ‘That Thing You Do!’.