"私にとって詩は目的ではなく情熱でした"

Some people find themselves drawn to certain pursuits not because they have a specific goal in mind, but because the activity itself brings them joy and fulfillment. That’s the essence of what our quote is getting at. The author didn’t write poetry with the intention of achieving fame or success. Instead, they wrote because they loved the act of creating poetry.

Now, let’s think about when this might have been said. It’s easy to imagine a poet sharing this sentiment in an interview or a personal letter to a friend. Maybe they were responding to a question about why they write—emphasizing that their motivation stems from a deep, intrinsic love for the craft, rather than any external rewards.

Imagine a chef who cooks not because they want to open a Michelin-starred restaurant, but because they love the smell of fresh ingredients and the satisfaction of seeing others enjoy their food. There’s one example of this idea in real life. Think about Massimo Bottura, the Italian chef renowned for his Osteria Francescana. He’s mentioned in interviews that his passion for cooking comes from a genuine love for the culinary arts, not from a desire to earn accolades. His restaurant is a byproduct of his passion, not the purpose.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? It’s all about finding what you’re passionate about and diving in without worrying about where it will lead. If you love painting, then paint. Don’t worry if you never sell a piece. If you’re passionate about playing the guitar, play it just for the joy it brings you, even if you never perform in front of an audience. Let the passion itself be the reward.

Think about a friend who fell in love with gardening. Maybe she started with just a few pots on her apartment balcony. Watching those plants grow and thrive gave her a sense of peace and happiness that had nothing to do with winning a gardening competition or having the most Instagram-worthy garden. Over time, her balcony became a lush, green sanctuary where she could unwind after a long day. Her passion for plants grew naturally, without any pressure to achieve something.

Here’s a simple story to illustrate this idea. Picture a young boy named Sam. He discovers a dusty old piano in his grandmother’s attic. He starts to tinker with it, and soon, he’s completely lost in the sound of the notes he’s making. Sam doesn’t care if he’ll ever play in a concert hall or if he’ll be able to read sheet music perfectly. He plays because the music makes him feel alive. Years down the road, maybe Sam becomes a great pianist—but that’s just a bonus.

So, whatever it is that lights you up, just go for it. Don’t stress about where it might lead or if it’ll make you successful. Let the joy of the moment be enough. Because when we engage in something purely out of passion, that’s when we often do our best work—and who knows, maybe the rest will follow.