Saying: It is not the length of life, but the depth of life

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• Title: It is not the length of life, but the depth of life
• Type: Sayings
• Category: { Wisdom and Insights }
• Print: Download as PDF for printing

The American philosopher and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson coined the phrase "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." Emerson is regarded as one of the most significant representatives of transcendentalism in the 19th century. His quote emphasizes that the quality and intensity of life are more important than its duration.

Herkunft und Verwendung des Spruches

The author of the quote is the American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. The original text in English reads: "It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." Emerson included this quote in his essay "Experience," published in 1844. Since then, this statement has been frequently cited in literature, speeches, and at events as a philosophical reflection on the meaning of life.

Bedeutung und Interpretation des Spruches

Emerson's quote contrasts two aspects of life: quantity and quality. It underscores that the intensity and conscious perception of life matter more than the mere number of years lived.

In this sense, the depth of life is characterized by emotional connections, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences. A profoundly lived life is marked less by material success than by inner fulfillment and authentic interactions.

• Depth of life signifies intense and meaningful experiences.
• Emotional and intellectual development is more important than longevity.
• Conscious living and awareness are core elements of a fulfilled life.

The quote also highlights the importance of mindfulness and reflection, suggesting that life's worth is not measured by its length but by how one utilizes their lifetime.

Philosophically, Emerson thereby points to human finitude, asserting it gains true significance only when life is filled with content and not merely measured in length.

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