"人生の悲劇は、生きている間に人の中で死ぬものです。"

The essence of this quote is that the true tragedy in life is not death itself, but the loss of passion, dreams, and the sense of purpose while we are still alive. It’s about the internal death we experience when we lose hope and let our ambitions fade away.

Historically, this sentiment has echoed through many eras, particularly during times of great social or economic hardship. It reflects the idea that external circumstances can greatly affect our internal world, leading to a kind of living death where we go through the motions but have lost the spark that makes life meaningful.

Take, for example, John, who once had a burning passion for painting. In his twenties, he painted every day, finding joy and fulfillment in each stroke of his brush. But life got in the way. He had bills to pay, so he took a job that consumed most of his time and energy. Slowly, the paints gathered dust, and John found himself stuck in the monotony of a 9-to-5 job. The artist within him, once vibrant and alive, had died years before John himself would.

How can we avoid this tragedy? It starts with small, conscious choices. Make time for what you love, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Reflect on what truly matters to you and find ways to incorporate it into your life. If you love writing, keep a journal. If you’re passionate about helping others, look for volunteer opportunities, even if they’re small. Life’s obligations can’t always be sidestepped, but our dreams don’t have to be the sacrifice.

Let’s consider a relatable scenario. Think about Lucy. She’s a software engineer—a good one, at that. But her true love has always been gardening. After long days at the office, she feels too tired to pursue it, and the weekends seem to slip by without much time spent among her plants. One day, she decides enough is enough. She starts small: 15 minutes in the garden after work. Those 15 minutes grow longer as she rediscovers her joy. Over time, she finds herself more energized and starts taking larger steps, like joining a local community garden. Lucy's career doesn’t change, but her life does—because she made the decision to nurture what she loves.

The key takeaway? Don't let the necessities of life extinguish the flames of your passions. It’s about finding a balance, making room for what makes you come alive, even if it’s just in small doses. Embrace the hobbies, the dreams, the little projects that bring a sparkle to your eye.

Imagine we’re catching up over coffee—life can get exhausting, right? But think about what used to ignite your enthusiasm. You don’t have to overhaul your whole life to reclaim that fire. Just start with a tiny ember, a small step. Keep that part of you alive. Because the real tragedy is not in the final closing of the curtain, but in letting the show end long before it has to.