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"Es evidente que todo está en un flujo continuo y es tan imposible encontrar a cualquier individuo cierto en el mundo como lo es tomar una cantidad definida de agua en el océano."

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Philosopher
Translations
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Quote meaning
Life never stops moving. This idea, that everything is always changing and nothing remains constant, is at the heart of the quote. Imagine trying to scoop up a handful of water from the ocean—it slips through your fingers, and you can never hold the same water twice. In the same way, you can’t pin down any particular moment or person because everyone and everything is always in a state of flux.

Historically, this notion has been around for centuries. Philosophers like Heraclitus, who famously said, “You can't step into the same river twice,” have long contemplated the ever-changing nature of life. The idea is that by the time you step into the river again, both you and the river have changed. This wisdom reminds us that stability is often an illusion, and change is the only constant.

Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Think about Steve Jobs. He co-founded Apple in his garage, got fired from his own company, then came back to turn it into one of the most successful businesses on the planet. His journey exemplifies change and unpredictability. If he had stayed stuck in the past or tried to cling to his initial vision without adapting, he might never have achieved what he did.

Applying this concept to your own life means embracing change rather than resisting it. Consider your career. Maybe you’ve been working in the same job for years and feel both secure and trapped. It’s comfortable, but is it fulfilling? Embrace the flux. Update your skills, network with new people, explore other opportunities. The moment you think you’ve got everything sorted, life will throw something new at you—so why not be proactive about it?

Now, picture this: You’re sitting in a cozy coffee shop, chatting with a friend about how everything just seems to be shifting constantly. Your friend mentions feeling stuck in a rut, unable to make a decision about their future. You tell them about the ocean metaphor, explaining that trying to hold onto a fixed idea of life is like trying to grab a specific cup of water from the sea—it’s just not going to happen.

You share a story from your own life. Remember that time you were dead set on becoming a lawyer? You spent years studying, passed the bar, and then one day realized you hated it. It was a harsh realization, but it led you to take a leap into a completely different field. Now, you’re much happier, even if the path was windy and uncertain. That’s flux for you.

In essence, don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it. Life’s uncertainties are what make the journey interesting and fulfilling. If you can accept that nothing is permanent, you might find it easier to adapt and thrive—no matter what comes your way. So next time you feel stuck, remember the ocean and the water slipping through your fingers. Let it remind you that life’s constant motion is what gives it its beauty and its challenges.
Related tags
Change Constant change Ephemeral Flux Identity Impermanence Metaphor Philosophy Transience Uncertainty
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