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"No pasas ni fracasas en ser una persona."

Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman Author
Translations
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Quote meaning
The core idea of the quote is pretty straightforward: being human isn't something you can mess up or succeed at—it's just something you are. There isn't a report card for your existence. You can't be graded on "being a person" because it's not a test or competition. You're just living, doing your best, and that's enough.

Historically, this concept taps into a long-standing philosophical debate about the nature of humanity and worth. Think back to ancient times when philosophers like Socrates or Confucius pondered what it means to live a good life. They explored virtue, ethics, and how to treat others, but none suggested that the essence of being human was something you could fail at. More recently, this idea counters the pervasive notion in modern society that success and failure define our worth. With social media and relentless comparisons, sometimes we feel like we're not measuring up. But this quote reminds us that the essence of humanity isn't about achieving certain milestones—it's about simply being.

Imagine a real-life example: a person named Jamie. Jamie’s life is filled with ups and downs. Sometimes, Jamie aces work projects, feels on top of the world, and sometimes, Jamie struggles with relationships or personal goals. There are days when Jamie feels like a total failure. But then Jamie remembers this quote: "You don't pass or fail at being a person." It's not about Jamie’s performance or achievements; it's about their existence. Jamie realizes that the value lies in being present, in trying, in the capacity to feel and experience life. Suddenly, the pressure eases. Jamie doesn't have to 'pass' at life. Jamie just gets to live it.

So how do you apply this wisdom? Start by letting go of the idea that your worth is tied to accomplishments or failures. Seriously, stop grading yourself. Instead, focus on accepting yourself as you are, right now. If you can do that, you'll find a lot of the pressure and anxiety you carry starts to disappear. It's not about being perfect—it's about being you. When those nagging thoughts of not being good enough creep in, remind yourself of this quote. You’re not a project with deadlines and benchmarks. You're a person, inherently valuable just by existing.

Picture this scenario: You're at a coffee shop with a friend. You're spilling your guts about how you messed up a big presentation at work, how you feel like you’re never going to get it right. Your friend listens patiently, nods empathetically. Then, they lean in and say, “Hey, remember that quote? ‘You don't pass or fail at being a person.’” You pause, take a sip of your coffee, and think about it. It's not about the presentation. It's not about getting it right every single time. It's about being there, trying, feeling, and experiencing the highs and lows. You relax a little. The weight lifts. You laugh with your friend and realize that in the grand scheme of things, you're doing just fine.

So, next time you’re feeling the pressure to be perfect or worrying you’ve failed at life, remember—being human isn’t something you can fail at. You’re here, you’re trying, and that’s enough. Life’s messy, and that’s part of its beauty.
Related tags
Empathy Human condition Human experience Identity Life philosophy Mental health Personal growth Self-acceptance Self-reflection Self-worth
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