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Life is for Living

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Is there any disparity?

While scientifically, existence and life is the exact same thing, they are two very different concepts. As humans, we are on a higher intellectual plane than all the other mammals and living organisms on the planet. For most regular living things, evolution has provided only one purpose for existence, and that is the furthering of your race. Thus, if you a tree, the reason that you are a tree are so you can create more trees and ensure that your species survives o this planet. For many lower animals, it is the same case. Looking for nourishment and reproducing to ensure species lineage is why animals are here on the planet, and they do not question or seek more than this basic tenet.

Happy Woman

What makes us different?

However, our advanced mental faculties enable humans to think beyond this basic principle of eat, sleep and reproduce. As humans, we have many facets, many varied goals and objectives. Even as a child, you learn that although you are part of the human race, you are different, you are unique and you have a purpose in this world that extends beyond just being here until you die.

The constant struggle to make life meaningful has driven some of the most important breakthroughs of the modern world. People who have constantly looked for a purpose in life have found their calling, and found what they are best at, and persevering in their field of interest creates inspired, educated individuals who can take on the world and take it by storm. Those who aspire for more are the ones who blaze a trail and chart their own course instead of following the same old boring path as their predecessors.

While there is nothing wrong with tradition and doing things in the set, prescribed way, the difference between existing and living manifests itself as the presence or absence of ambition. Contentment and indulgence may sound similar but are actually very different concepts in this context. One might think that constantly trying to achieve higher will lead to strain, tension and ultimate dissatisfaction no matter what the circumstance, but if considered in a more objective light, you can say that people who are always driven are in fact, always happy. People who have a purpose have something to do with their lives, they aspire to make a difference and make a mark on this world, and it is this exact attitude that demarcates existing from living.

Man Walking Alone

Does it Really Matter?

It is all too easy to get lost in the drudgery of a daily routine. As children we have big dreams but as we grow older and are subjected to time tables, not just at school but at home and in our everyday life, we slowly lose sight of our long term goals and begin trying to just get through life one day at a time. This is extremely dangerous because at this point we tend to end up devaluing and disrespecting life, which is in fact, a precious gift to be cherished and enjoyed to the fullest.

What Does Living Mean?

One might think that indulgent talk like this is just for people who have the money and time at their disposal to consider the difference between existing and living, and such abstract concepts do not apply to regular people who work daily jobs and have families to support. This is again a pitfall for such thinkers. Living life is not a concept that solely revolves around jet setting adventure and partying all night long. Living life certainly does not mean you take a year off from all your responsibilities and do what you want with reckless abandon. To an extent, media has manipulated society to believe that living is only valid when you are having wild, raucous parties and burning cash to do insane things that one would normally not dream of. Living life is not this.

The idea of living as opposed to just existing can mean different things to different people. If you are a very social and outgoing person, then yes, partying, traveling and meeting new people might be your idea of living, but it is not the only way that one can lead a fulfilled life. Some people might want to travel to far off places, learn a new language, or simply, learn something new every day. For some, the concept of living over existing can be to become the best in their chosen field of profession. Some might want to know something about everything, and this thirst for knowledge can lead them to lots of reading and learning. Others might want to become an expert in their field of choice, and this may lead again, to great discoveries and a lifetime of learning. For those who love the simple life, living can be just having a set of close friends and a loving family and a place to call their own.

Happy Family

What Does Living Mean to You?

Living is a personal concept, but it is a global idea. No matter what circumstances life throws at you, it is important to not lose sight of your goals and aspirations. It is also worthwhile to remember that the idea of living life never fades away, and it shouldn’t fade away. If, at the age of 50, you realize you want to learn about astrophysics, then there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t learn about astrophysics. It all depends on how badly you want to indulge your interest.

To want to do something you have always wanted is never outdated and it is never a whim. Life is all about growing up and changing, and while you may not have the same ambitions you did as a child, you always have ambitions, and it is important to never lose sight of this as you grow older. At the far end of your life, you should be able to look back with contentment and not regret. You should be able to say that you did all that you wanted to and saw all that you wanted to see. In the end, it is about the chances you dared to take, to go ahead, and start living life today.

 

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