. . . naturally awakened every other argument in its favour; and upon summing them all up together, he saw, not merely in interest, but in honour, he was bound to do something for it;–and that now or never was the time.

This passage from Laurence Sterne's "The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman" captures the pivotal moment when Mr. Shandy must decide how to use his unexpected financial windfall. The choice between promoting his son's education through the Grand Tour or enhancing the family's estate in Oxmoor represents a broader conflict between personal ambition and familial legacy. The phrase "now or never was the time" underscores the urgency and pressure Mr. Shandy feels to make a decision honoring both his immediate interests and long-term family honor. It reflects the theme of time's fleeting nature, a recurring motif in the novel, emphasizing how decisions are often driven by the immediate circumstances rather than merely rational deliberation. This moment illustrates the complexities faced by individuals when balancing personal desires against perceived duties to family and legacy.