"ترجیح می‌دهم از شور و اشتیاق بمیرم تا از بی‌علاقگی."

Vincent van Gogh, the famous Dutch painter, once said that he would rather die of passion than of boredom. Boiled down, he’s saying that living a life filled with intense enthusiasm and dedication—even if it's risky—is far more fulfilling than a mundane existence. For van Gogh, and for many of us, passion fuels creativity and gives our lives meaning.

Let's look at the context. Van Gogh lived a tormented life. He struggled with mental illness and only sold one painting during his lifetime. Despite these hardships, he painted over 2,000 pieces, driven by an insatiable passion for his art. His statement reflects his worldview—that even though his life was fraught with pain, it was his passionate pursuit of art that made it worthwhile.

Now, think about someone like Elon Musk. He’s a real-life example of this idea in action. Musk has poured his heart and soul into ventures like Tesla and SpaceX. Imagine the sleepless nights, constant stress, and huge risks involved. Yet, he continues to push boundaries because he’s passionate about technology and space exploration. Sure, he could’ve lived a safe, low-key life, but he chose the turbulent path. And look where it’s led him—redefining industries and inspiring millions.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by identifying what excites you. What makes you lose track of time? Once you pinpoint your passion, immerse yourself in it. It doesn’t have to be a job—it could be a hobby or a side project. The key is to let that passion guide you. And remember, it won’t always be easy. You’ll face obstacles and doubts. But pushing through these challenges is where the magic happens.

Let me share a story. Picture Sarah, a graphic designer stuck in a monotonous 9-to-5 job. She’s good at her work but, honestly, she's bored out of her mind. One day, she decides to start a small side project—illustrating children’s books. She’s always loved drawing, especially whimsical pictures. At first, it’s tough balancing her day job and this new passion project. But she keeps at it, working late into the night, fueled by her love for drawing. Fast forward a couple of years, and Sarah’s little side project turns into a successful business. She’s left her old job and now spends her days doing what she loves. She’s not just living—she’s thriving.

In the end, embracing passion over boredom means taking risks. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and diving headfirst into what makes you feel alive. Sure, it might be scary, and you might fail. But what’s the alternative? A life where you’re just going through the motions? That’s not really living.

So, next time you’re faced with a choice between the safe route and the passionate one, remember van Gogh’s words. Ask yourself, which path will make your heart race? Which one will make you feel like you’re truly living? Choose passion. Always.