"Todos nacemos locos. Algunos continúan siéndolo."

The quote gets to the heart of the human condition, suggesting that madness is an inherent part of being human—something we all start with at birth. The core idea here is that while everyone enters the world with a certain kind of 'madness', the journey of life either diminishes it or allows it to persist.

Historically, this notion comes from Samuel Beckett’s play "Waiting for Godot," and like much of Beckett’s work, it’s steeped in existentialism. Beckett was all about exploring human nature and the absurdities of life. In the post-World War II era when this was written, people were grappling with the meaning of existence and the apparent madness of the world.

To bring this to life, let’s think about a real-life example. Take Vincent van Gogh. When he started painting, people thought he was completely mad. His wild, swirling canvases didn’t fit into the neat categories of art at the time. Yet, he continued to paint his passions and visions, and today, van Gogh is celebrated as one of the greatest artists ever. His so-called 'madness' didn’t diminish but instead became a testament to his genius and a source of inspiration for millions.

So, how can you apply this insight? Embrace your ‘madness’. It's those quirks, those seemingly crazy ideas or impulses that can lead you to extraordinary places. Don't be too quick to conform or suppress what feels different or weird about you. Those are often the seeds of originality and innovation.

Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your career. You’ve got a safe, sensible job offer, but there's this wacky startup idea you've been toying with. It’s risky, people might call you crazy—but think of van Gogh. Sometimes, leaning into that madness can lead to something incredible. Sure, it’s a gamble, but great things rarely come from playing it safe.

Here’s a relatable story that might resonate: Think about a kid you knew in school who was always daydreaming, sketching wild pictures in their notebook instead of paying attention in math class. Teachers probably scolded them for not focusing, for not fitting the mold. But what if that daydreaming kid grew up to become a renowned animator at Pixar, creating beloved films that touch millions of hearts? That’s the kind of 'madness' we’re talking about—seemingly nonsensical at first but filled with potential.

So next time you’re feeling a bit out of sync with the world, remember: we all start off a little mad. It’s what we do with that madness that defines us. Embrace it, nurture it, and see where it leads. Life’s too short to be anything but authentically, unabashedly you.