"But blind to former as to future fate, what mortal knows his pre-existent state?"

This quote by Alexander Pope is a reflection on the human condition and our absence of knowledge about our past and future. It recommends that we are blind to our pre-existent state, implying that we are unaware of our past lives and our future fate. This quote suggests that we are not able to understand the complete scope of our presence, which our lives are limited by our lack of knowledge. It suggests that we are unable to comprehend the complete degree of our lives, which our lives are predetermined by forces beyond our control. This quote functions as a pointer that we should not take our lives for given, and that we must strive to maximize our time here in the world. It likewise serves as a pointer that we ought to not be too worried about our past or future, however instead focus on today and make the most of the opportunities that come our method.