"Plus vous êtes proche de la mort, plus vous vous sentez vivant."

This idea is about how being near death can make you appreciate life more intensely. It's like when you brush up against mortality, everything seems sharper and more vivid. It's not just about the fear of dying; it's about how that fear can snap you out of the autopilot mode we often live in.

Historically, this concept has been around for ages. Soldiers in battle, people battling serious illnesses, or those who've had near-death experiences often report feeling more alive than ever. Ernest Hemingway, who lived through wars and dangerous adventures, believed this deeply. He thought that facing death head-on was the secret to really living.

Imagine a mountain climber scaling a sheer cliff. Every step is calculated, every breath measured. One slip could mean the end. But in those moments, they’re not thinking about bills to pay or petty arguments. They’re thinking about their heartbeat, the texture of the rock, the cold bite of the wind. Everything narrows down to the present moment, and that’s when they truly feel alive.

So how can you apply this wisdom without putting yourself in danger? It’s about seeking out experiences that push you out of your comfort zone. You don’t have to climb Everest. Try something that scares you a little—public speaking, asking someone out, traveling solo. These things can give you that jolt, a reminder of what it feels like to be really, genuinely present.

Think about the story of a friend who was always terrified of deep water. Finally, she decided to face her fear and go scuba diving. At first, she was petrified. But once she was underwater, surrounded by the vibrant life of the coral reef, she felt more alive than ever. She said it was like seeing the world in high definition for the first time. The fear made the experience that much more vivid.

Life can often feel like we’re just going through the motions. But when you do something that scares you, or when you have a brush with something dangerous, it’s like someone flipped a switch. Suddenly, colors are brighter, sounds are clearer, and you’re acutely aware of everything around you. It’s a rush, sure, but it’s also a reminder of what it means to be alive.

So, if you feel like life is passing you by, try shaking things up. You don’t need to seek out death, but find small ways to remind yourself of your mortality. It could be taking a risk, facing a fear, or even just doing something you’ve never done before. These moments of heightened awareness can remind you of the preciousness of life.

In essence, you don’t need to be near death to feel truly alive. But sometimes, facing your fears and pushing your limits can give you that same rush, that same clarity. It's all about breaking free from the routine and seeing the world through fresh eyes. And that, my friend, is a feeling worth chasing.