In the movie, Kung Fu Panda, Master Oogway says, “Yesterday is History. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”
According to one source I found, The full quote was originally in the 1902 book, “Sun Dials and Roses of Yesterday: Garden Delights…” by Alice Morse Earle, and is as follows:
“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”
Note that the words “Time Waits for No Man” is a play on words or punning device of “gnomon” that has been used on sun dials. A gnomon is a pointer on a sun dial. Many believe the phrase has its root in “Time and Tide wait for No Man,” meaning no one is so powerful that he can stop the march of time.
Another source believed that it was said by Eleanor Roosevelt…
Many people will walk in and out of your life, But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. To handle yourself, use your head; To handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; If he betrays you twice, it is your fault. Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. He who loses money, loses much; He, who loses a friend, loses much more; He, who loses faith, loses all. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, But beautiful old people are works of art. Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself. Friends, you and me…. You brought another friend…. And then there were 3…. We started our group…. Our circle of friends…. And like that circle…. There is no beginning or end…. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. (Eleanor Roosevelt)