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"Find what you love and let it kill you. Let it drain you"

Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski Author
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Quote meaning
The quote speaks to the idea of diving headfirst into your passions, even if it consumes you entirely. It's about embracing what you love with such fervor that it becomes the very essence of your being, even if it means sacrifice and struggle.

Let's break it down. When we do something we truly love, it can be all-consuming. Imagine an artist who paints through the night, losing track of time because every stroke on the canvas brings them alive. The exhaustion they feel afterward is a testament to their dedication. It's not about actual death, of course, but rather allowing yourself to be wholly and utterly absorbed by what you love.

Historically, this mindset isn't new. It echoes the sentiments of countless creators and innovators throughout time. Think of Vincent van Gogh, who painted starry nights and sunflowers with such passion that it often came at the expense of his own well-being. His love for art was overwhelming, so much so that it 'drained' him.

Consider a modern-day example: Elon Musk. Love him or hate him, the man lives and breathes his work. From Tesla to SpaceX, Musk's relentless pursuit of his passions has undoubtedly taken a toll on his personal life. He once said, “Work like hell. I mean you just have to put in 80 to 100 hour weeks every week. This improves the odds of success.” You can almost see the love for what he does eating away at him, yet he keeps going because that’s what he loves.

For you, applying this wisdom means finding what sets your soul on fire. It might be writing, coding, cooking, teaching, or anything else. Once you find it, dive deep. Don't just dip your toes in—immerse yourself. But remember, this isn't about reckless abandonment of everything else in your life. It's about commitment and passion.

Think about a relatable scenario: you love playing the guitar. It started as a hobby, but soon you find yourself playing for hours, losing sleep because you’re caught up in learning that new riff. Your fingers hurt, your back aches from sitting too long, but you feel alive. That’s what the quote is getting at. It’s about that unfiltered joy and dedication.

Now, some advice. Don’t shy away from what you love because it’s hard. Embrace the challenges. They’re part of the journey. But also, take care of yourself—body and mind. Balance is key. The idea isn't to literally let it kill you, but to let it drive you so intensely that it shapes who you are.

Imagine this: you're at a coffee shop with a friend, and they’re talking about their dull 9-to-5 job. They ask you what you've been up to. You tell them about your late-night guitar sessions, and their eyes light up. “Wow, that sounds exhausting!” they say. And you smile because, yes, it is. But it’s the kind of exhaustion that feeds your soul. And that’s what makes it all worth it.
Related tags
Commitment Dedication Drive Inspiration Life Love Motivation Passion Philosophy Purpose
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