"すべての欲望が蒸留されると、あなたはただ2つの投票をするでしょう それはもっと愛することと幸せであることです"

At its heart, this quote boils down to something beautifully simple: when you strip away all the layers of what you think you want, you'll find that it all comes down to two things—love and happiness. It's like saying, no matter how complicated life seems, our deepest longings are actually quite straightforward.

Historically, this idea isn't exactly new. Think about ancient philosophers. They often boiled the purpose of life down to seeking happiness or living a virtuous life, which often included love in some form. Whether it was Aristotle talking about eudaimonia (a life well-lived) or the teachings of Buddha emphasizing compassion and inner peace, the core idea has resonated through the ages. Different words, same essence.

Picture this: Jane, a high-powered executive, working 80-hour weeks, chasing promotions, bigger bonuses, and company accolades. It's exhausting, but she tells herself it'll all be worth it. Then, one day, she hits a wall—burnout. Forced to slow down, she starts to reflect on what truly brings her joy. It's not the corner office or the hefty paycheck. It's the quiet moments at home with her kids, the laughter shared with friends, the simple contentment of a Sunday morning walk with her partner. She realizes that deep down, her real 'votes' are for love and happiness.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by taking a step back. Grab a notebook, or just sit quietly for a few minutes each day. Reflect on what truly makes you happy and who you love spending time with. Often, we get caught up in the grind—working harder, striving for more. But ask yourself, is this pursuit really adding to your well-being or taking away from it? By focusing on nurturing relationships and doing things that genuinely make you happy, you'll find more fulfillment.

Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. One path leads to a high-paying but high-stress job, while the other offers less money but more time for family and hobbies. On the surface, it might seem like a tough choice. But if you distill your desires, it becomes clearer. Maybe the high-stress job appeals to your ego or societal expectations, but the other path aligns with your deeper needs for love and happiness. Choosing the latter, you might not buy a sports car, but you get to be there for your kid’s soccer games, or actually enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch.

Think about someone who always seems genuinely content. They're not necessarily the richest or the most successful by societal standards, but they radiate a kind of peace and joy. Chances are, they've figured out this little secret. They invest their time and energy into relationships and activities that nurture their heart and soul. They vote for love and happiness every day.

So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed by life's demands or caught in the rat race, remember to distill your desires. Ask yourself: Does this serve my happiness? Does this help me love more? If the answer is no, maybe it’s time for a re-evaluation. After all, it’s your life. Cast your votes wisely.