“At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought but what we built; not what we got but what we shared; not our accolades but our character; and not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love.”
This quote highlights the importance of living a life that is meaningful and impactful, rather than one focused solely on material acquisition and grand accomplishments. At the end of our lives, when we look back in review, we are likely to find that our sense of what is important has shifted. Our attachment to physical items fades and what matters is not the things we’ve acquired or the accolades we’ve received, but the relationships we’ve built and the love we’ve shared.
One of the key elements mentioned in this quote is the importance of love. Love is a powerful force that brings people together and creates meaningful connections. When we show love and kindness to others, we not only improve their lives, but we also improve our own. Giving love can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as well as a sense of belonging and connection to something greater than ourselves.
Moreover, love is not only important for those who receive it but also for those who give it. Studies have shown that people who give love and support to others have lower rates of depression, anxiety and stress. They also tend to have better physical health, as well as greater life satisfaction and well-being. Additionally, love and connection can help us overcome difficult circumstances and challenges, by giving us a sense of support and belonging.
Furthermore, building relationships and connections with others is essential to developing our character and significance. When we build strong and meaningful relationships, we learn about ourselves and others, and we learn to communicate, empathize, and understand, how to be vulnerable, and how to be resilient.
True success and significance in life come from building meaningful relationships, sharing love, and developing our character. It’s important to strive to live a life that matters, one that is filled with love and connection. By making the conscious choice to focus on these inner qualities, we can experience a life that is rich and fulfilling, both for ourselves and for others.
Five further quotes in a similar vein:
“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” – Charles Spurgeon
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” – Plato
“The things you own end up owning you.” – Chuck Palahniuk
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama XIV