A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between her work and her play; her labor and her leisure; her mind and her body; her education and her recreation. She hardly knows which is which she simply pursues her vision of excellence through whatever she is doing, and leaves others to determine whether she is working or playing. To herself, she always appears to be doing both.
― James A. Michener
I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it difficult to plan the day.
― E.B. White
Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses – especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else.
― Leonardo Da Vinci
This is the true joy of life: the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clot of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
― George Bernard Shaw
It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live
- Albus Dumbledore.
We're not really taught how to recreate constructively. We need to do more than find diversions; we need to restore and expand ourselves. Our idea of relaxing is all too often to plop down in front of the television set and let its pandering idiocy liquefy our brains. Shutting off the thought process is not rejuvenating; the mind is like a car battery-it recharges by running. You may be surprised to find how quickly daily routine and the demands of "just getting by: absorb your waking hours. You may be surprised matters of habit rather than thought and inquiry. You may be surprised to find how quickly you start to see your life in terms of other people's expectations rather than issues. You may be surprised to find out how quickly reading a good book sounds like a luxury.
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To invent your own life's meaning is not easy, but it's still allowed, and I think you'll be happier for the trouble.