Kairos

The ancient Greeks observed that time can be experienced in very different ways. At times it moves in a steady, even flow; at others it suddenly contracts, with countless events rushing past in a single instant. From this came the idea of two gods who governed time.

Chronos embodied time as a continuous, linear flow, and his name gave rise to the word “chronology.” But Kairos, the god of opportunity, would sometimes break into that steady current. His moments flared up suddenly and faded just as quickly. If you manage to catch one, the course of events could veer in an unexpected direction.

Kairos was depicted with a long forelock and a smooth, shaved head at the back. The idea was simple. Catch him by the forelock as he approached, and you seized your chance. Miss the moment, and he slipped away, leaving you to scratch at his bare scalp. To the ancients, success lay in the ability to recognize the moment and seize it.

Over time, I learned to catch my own Kairos, until it became almost instinctive. I could feel the moment when time cracked open a door, and I grabbed the chance without a second thought. I caught up on knowledge and skills along the way, still clutching his forelock.