"生きることは世の中で最も稀なことだ。ほとんどの人は存在しているだけだ。"

Many people go through life on autopilot, just sort of drifting from one day to the next. They wake up, go to work, come home, eat, sleep, and do it all over again. That's existing. But living—truly living—is something different altogether. It's about being present, making meaningful choices, and savoring each moment. It’s about actively participating in your own life instead of just watching it pass by.

This idea has been around for a long time. It’s not just a modern concern. Oscar Wilde, a brilliant playwright and poet from the 19th century, is the one who said this. He lived during the Victorian era, a time when societal norms were rigid, and people often followed set paths without question. Wilde was all about challenging those norms, pushing boundaries, and encouraging people to embrace their individuality.

Imagine this scenario: You’ve got a friend, let’s call him Jack. Jack works a nine-to-five job that he doesn’t particularly enjoy. He spends his weekends binge-watching the latest shows and scrolling through social media. He’s existing. Now, think about another friend, Lisa. Lisa also works a regular job, but she’s passionate about photography. Every weekend, she’s out exploring new places, capturing moments with her camera, and meeting new people. She’s not just existing—she’s living.

So, how do we apply this idea to our own lives? Start by identifying what truly brings you joy. What makes you lose track of time? Is it painting, gardening, writing, playing a musical instrument, or something else? Make room for that in your life. Even if it’s just an hour a week, it’s a start. Next, be present. When you’re with friends or family, put your phone away and really listen to them. Engage in conversations, laugh, share stories. Living is about connection, not just going through the motions.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture a man named Joe, who works as an accountant. Joe’s life is pretty routine—work, home, TV, sleep. But one day, Joe decides he wants more. He’s always been fascinated by cooking but never really pursued it. So, he signs up for a cooking class. At first, he’s nervous and out of his comfort zone, but as he learns and experiments, he finds a passion he didn’t know existed. Joe starts hosting dinner parties, sharing his new culinary creations with friends and family. His life, once monotonous, becomes vibrant and full of flavor—literally and figuratively.

In essence, the difference between living and existing is about choice. It’s about choosing to engage with the world and with your own passions. It’s about not settling for a life that’s “fine” but striving for one that’s exciting and fulfilling. So, think about what makes you feel alive and chase it. Break the routine. Try something new. After all, to live is the rarest thing in the world. Make sure you’re doing it.