"To know what life is worth you have to risk it once in a while."
Quote meaning
Taking risks is central to truly understanding the value of life. Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend. You both have safe, predictable jobs, but your friend keeps talking about this dream they’ve always had—to start a small bakery. They’re scared, though. What if it fails? What if they end up losing money? What if people don’t like their pastries? But, in not taking the leap, they’re missing something crucial: the chance to discover just how meaningful and rewarding life can be when you take that big, scary step.
This idea has deep roots in history. Think about explorers like Columbus or innovators like the Wright brothers. They ventured into the unknown, risking their lives and reputations. Why? Because they understood that the essence of life isn't in playing it safe but in daring to see what’s beyond the horizon. They knew that to grasp life’s full value, you sometimes have to gamble with the steady and secure in pursuit of the extraordinary.
Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Picture a software engineer named Sarah. She’s got a cushy job, good pay, stable work—everything society tells us to aim for. But she’s always had a passion for painting. One day, she decides to take a leap. She quits her job and opens an art studio. It’s terrifying. She might fail. She might not sell a single painting. But she’s willing to risk her stable life to find out.
Months go by. The initial excitement turns into doubt as her savings dwindle. But then—slowly—people start to notice her work. A local gallery offers to showcase her paintings. Sales begin to trickle in. Sarah’s on an emotional rollercoaster, but she’s never felt more alive. She’s discovered a side of life she would never have known if she hadn’t taken that risk. She finds out what life is worth by stepping out of her comfort zone.
So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Take a calculated risk in an area that excites you. Maybe it’s asking for that promotion or starting a side hustle. The key is to push your boundaries just a bit. Feel that rush of uncertainty. Embrace the possibility of failure. It’s not about being reckless, but about being brave enough to step into the unknown.
Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, looking out at an incredible view. The only way to truly appreciate it is to inch closer to the edge, feel that adrenaline rush, and acknowledge the drop below. Life’s value isn’t found in the safe distance from the edge, but in the moments where we dare to get a little too close for comfort.
Think about the last time you felt truly alive. Was it during a mundane, predictable day? Or was it when you tried something new, something that scared you a bit? Those are the moments that make up the tapestry of a life well-lived. So, next time you find yourself hesitating, remember Sarah, the explorers, and the innovators. And ask yourself: what’s life really worth if you never take a chance?
This idea has deep roots in history. Think about explorers like Columbus or innovators like the Wright brothers. They ventured into the unknown, risking their lives and reputations. Why? Because they understood that the essence of life isn't in playing it safe but in daring to see what’s beyond the horizon. They knew that to grasp life’s full value, you sometimes have to gamble with the steady and secure in pursuit of the extraordinary.
Let’s bring this down to earth with a real-life example. Picture a software engineer named Sarah. She’s got a cushy job, good pay, stable work—everything society tells us to aim for. But she’s always had a passion for painting. One day, she decides to take a leap. She quits her job and opens an art studio. It’s terrifying. She might fail. She might not sell a single painting. But she’s willing to risk her stable life to find out.
Months go by. The initial excitement turns into doubt as her savings dwindle. But then—slowly—people start to notice her work. A local gallery offers to showcase her paintings. Sales begin to trickle in. Sarah’s on an emotional rollercoaster, but she’s never felt more alive. She’s discovered a side of life she would never have known if she hadn’t taken that risk. She finds out what life is worth by stepping out of her comfort zone.
So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Take a calculated risk in an area that excites you. Maybe it’s asking for that promotion or starting a side hustle. The key is to push your boundaries just a bit. Feel that rush of uncertainty. Embrace the possibility of failure. It’s not about being reckless, but about being brave enough to step into the unknown.
Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, looking out at an incredible view. The only way to truly appreciate it is to inch closer to the edge, feel that adrenaline rush, and acknowledge the drop below. Life’s value isn’t found in the safe distance from the edge, but in the moments where we dare to get a little too close for comfort.
Think about the last time you felt truly alive. Was it during a mundane, predictable day? Or was it when you tried something new, something that scared you a bit? Those are the moments that make up the tapestry of a life well-lived. So, next time you find yourself hesitating, remember Sarah, the explorers, and the innovators. And ask yourself: what’s life really worth if you never take a chance?
MORE QUOTES BY Jean Paul Sartre
FEATURED QUOTES
