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"たとえ意味がなくても、物事をやらなければならないと思います。"

Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami Novelist
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Quote meaning
Sometimes, life throws us into situations where the reasons are unclear and the purposes are fuzzy. Yet, it’s often in these moments that true growth and understanding happen. The essence of the quote is about embracing the seemingly pointless tasks and experiences because they can still hold value in unexpected ways.

Think back to when you were a kid. Remember those endless hours spent doodling in the margins of your notebook or building elaborate forts out of pillows and blankets? On the surface, these activities didn’t have a clear purpose. They didn’t contribute to your grades or directly shape your future career. But, they were crucial in developing your creativity, problem-solving skills, and sense of imagination.

Consider the historical context of this idea. During the Renaissance, many artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, engaged in activities that seemed irrelevant to their main work. Da Vinci often got lost in his sketches of inventions and anatomical studies, which, at first glance, had no clear point in the grand scheme of painting the Mona Lisa. But these "pointless" pursuits contributed to his overall genius, influencing his art and innovations in ways that were not immediately obvious.

Let’s dive into a real-life example to see this in action. Imagine a software engineer who spends hours on end playing with a seemingly useless piece of code. It doesn’t get into the final product; it’s not part of a project. It’s just there—an experiment. But through this "pointless" tinkering, they stumble upon a unique solution to a problem they’ve been scratching their head over for weeks. This random, unplanned bit of coding, originally seen as a waste of time, becomes the key to a breakthrough.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by letting go of the need for everything to have a direct, immediate point. Give yourself permission to explore, to experiment, to play. Take up a hobby that doesn’t align with your career goals. Spend an afternoon wandering in a new part of town without a destination in mind. Trust that these activities, while they might seem aimless now, could spark something meaningful down the line.

Picture this: You're at a coffee shop with a friend, sharing stories. They tell you about their recent foray into baking. They’re not planning to become a chef or open a bakery. They just bake for fun. At first, it seemed pointless—just another way to pass the time. But then, they realized it was the perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. It brought them joy, a sense of accomplishment, and a way to connect with others by sharing their baked goods. What started as a "pointless" activity became a valuable part of their life.

In essence, doing things without a clear point can enrich your life in ways you don't expect. They can lead to personal growth, unexpected discoveries, and new joys. So next time you catch yourself questioning the purpose of something you're drawn to, remember: not everything needs to have an obvious point. Sometimes, the point is simply to experience, to learn, and to enjoy the journey.
Related tags
Action Determination Effort Existentialism Life Meaning Motivation Perseverance Philosophy Purpose
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