In his 'Art of Worldly Wisdom,' 17th-century Spanish philosopher Baltasar Gracian wrote, 'All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that.' Time may be the one thing we all share, but it's what we choose to do with it that makes each of our lives unique. Whether it means devoting hours a day to practising a sport or years to building a successful business, every one of us has the power to use time to improve our lives and the world around us. In this issue of XXIV, we meet 24 exceptional people who have done just that. These leaders of arts, industry and more share their secrets of time management and getting the most out of every moment. Oscar-winning actor and producer Kevin Spacey talks about how taking time out for himself has allowed him to pursue his passion for the theatre. Cosmetics queen and television personality Yue-Sai Kan shares the importance of devoting time and effort to every endeavour. Renowned violinist Lu Siqing reveals how timing can make the difference between a maestro and an ordinary musician, while investment guru Mark Mobius talks about the importance of a long-term view in both business and life. There are those who thrive on speed and action, such as Hong Kong horse racing legend Tony Cruz and celebrated auctioneer Francois Curiel. And others, such as image consultant Tina Liu, who have learned the value of slowing down - at least occasionally - to pursue interests and passions outside of work. We hope their stories and those of our other Timekeepers inspire you to make the most of your time as well. In our features section, fashion journalist Divia Harilela looks at iconic styles from the past and how they continue to influence designers and how we dress today. Carl Cunanan takes us inside the world's oldest endurance car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and shows us how machines and drivers stand up to the sport's ultimate test of time. Throughout the issue, we also introduce the latest in luxury timepieces from simplistic designs to stunning high jewellery creations. In the end, our time will be what we make of it. And we hope XXIV helps you discover new ways to use, enjoy and keep track of life's most precious asset.
