"كلما مال الشيء إلى الديمومة كلما مال إلى انعدام الحياة."

When we think about permanence, we often equate it with stability and long-lasting value. But there's a twist to this idea. The essence of the quote is that the things which strive to remain unchanged often end up lacking vitality and dynamism. Imagine a statue in a park. It's designed to last for centuries, but it doesn’t change, grow, or adapt. It's static—unmoving and unresponsive to the world around it.

Historically, this concept can be traced back to various philosophical thoughts. Change and impermanence have been central themes in Buddhism, Heraclitus’ doctrines, and even modern existentialism. These philosophies argue that life is defined by continuous change and transformation. Clinging to permanence, therefore, can lead to stagnation.

Consider the example of a business. Think about Kodak—an industry giant in film photography. Kodak had a chance to embrace digital photography, but it clung to its traditional film business model, believing in the permanence of film. This attachment to what they thought would always be relevant made them lifeless in the world of innovation. When the digital wave hit, Kodak was left behind, a shadow of its former self, while companies like Canon and Sony, which adapted to the changes, thrived.

But what about us? How can we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Embrace change. Be open to new experiences. If you're stuck in a job that doesn’t excite you anymore, it might be time to explore new opportunities. If a relationship feels stagnant, perhaps it needs fresh perspectives and shared new experiences to revive its spirit. Permanence can feel safe, but it can also be a trap that keeps you from living fully.

Picture this: You've been living in the same town, doing the same job, hanging out with the same friends for years. It's comfortable. But deep down, you feel a bit lifeless. One day, you decide to take a painting class—something entirely out of your routine. You meet new people, discover a hidden talent, and feel more alive than you have in years. That’s the power of embracing change.

Imagine if you never took that class. You'd remain in the same cycle, feeling secure but unfulfilled. Breaking out of permanence doesn't mean you need to overhaul your entire life. It’s about finding little pockets of change to infuse energy and excitement into your daily existence.

In short, seeking permanence can often lead to a lack of vibrancy in life. We must balance the comfort of stability with the excitement of change. By allowing ourselves to evolve and adapt, we inject life and meaning into our everyday experiences. So, go ahead—take that class, change that job, or even just try a new route to work. You might find that in the impermanent, the ever-changing, you truly come alive.