"Tant que tu es en vie, il n'y a pas de temps pour de petites merveilles."

Life is short, and we shouldn’t waste it on things that don’t truly matter. That’s the essence of this quote. It’s a call to focus on the big, meaningful experiences that make our hearts race and our spirits soar, rather than getting bogged down by trivial, fleeting distractions.

Historically, such sentiments have been echoed through the ages. Think of the ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, who urged us to focus on what’s important, or more contemporary voices like Steve Jobs, who famously said: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” The quote you’re reflecting on fits right into this tradition, reminding us that life is too precious to be spent on minor things that don’t add real value to our existence.

Now, let’s bring this into a real-life context. Imagine you’re at a concert of your favorite band. The energy’s electric, the music is flowing through you, and you’re having the time of your life. But then, someone in front of you starts filming the entire thing on their phone, watching the concert through a tiny screen. They’re missing the magic of the moment because they’re focused on capturing every second instead of living it. That’s what we mean by not getting lost in minor amazements. The concert-goer is so caught up in preserving the memory that they forget to actually experience it.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying what truly matters to you. Is it connections with loved ones, pursuing a passion, exploring the world, or something else? Once you know what it is, prioritize it. Don’t let minor distractions—like endlessly scrolling social media or obsessing over small inconveniences—take up your valuable time. Think about how you can fill your days with moments that leave a lasting impact rather than those that provide short-term pleasure.

Let’s put this into a relatable scenario. Imagine you’ve got a free weekend. Option A: binge-watch a new series that everyone’s talking about. Option B: take a spontaneous road trip with friends to a place you’ve never been. Sure, chilling on the couch is easy and comfortable, but which option will you remember in a year, or even a month? That road trip’s going to be filled with laughter, unexpected adventures, and stories you’ll tell for years. That’s the kind of stuff that matters, the experiences that enrich your life.

In essence, life’s too short for minor amazements. Focus on what brings you joy, fulfillment, and genuine excitement. Don’t let the small stuff steal time away from what’s really important. Think about it this way—when you look back on your life, you want it to be a tapestry of vivid, meaningful experiences, not a series of forgettable moments. So, go out there and live fully, deeply, and purposefully.