“There are few treasures of more lasting worth than the experience of a way of life that is in itself wholly satisfying. Such, after all, are the only possessions of which no fate, no cosmic catastrophe can deprive us; nothing can alter the fact, if for one moment in eternity, however brief, we have really lived.”
– Eric Shipton, Upon That Mountain
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“Every man dies, not every man really lives.”
– William Wallace, Braveheart (screenplay by Randall Wallace).
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The above quote was on a poster for the film Braveheart, blu-tacked to the wall of my teenage bedroom.
I can’t say that I rededicated myself to a life of purpose every time I passed it.
But it has remained in my mind as a mantra that returns from time to time.
How do we define really living for ourselves?
Of course, it will be different for everyone.
That sense of freedom, or flow, or joy.
Creating every day is one way I have found to really live.
Writing and expressing and sharing.
Thinking on the page (or screen).
I’m not prepared to die for my words.
But by sharing my inspirations and influences I am re- energised.
I have the treasure of satisfaction.
Conversations With Quotations 