So I came across this publication on a friend's blog where the differnce between 'existing' and 'living' is being contemplated. That just reminded me of something I had experienced about 2 years ago  (you seem to be my biggest source of ideas TJ).

 

All through my life, I remember my dad quoting this example "even donkeys wake up in the morning, eat, walk around, bray, and go back to sleep... what do you do that makes you justify yourslef as a human?". And even though I'm not entirely proud of being related to a donkey all this time, the example keeps me thinking about what I do.

 

I always thought that because I have studied from great institutions, have gotten a college degree and practice in a very (supposedly) 'intelelctual' field, I have truly achieved the stamp of a human. I don't just exist... but live.

 

One fine day, I was walking back from work (was in the US at the time), and I saw this homeless person sitting on a bench in a park that I used to cross. I remember the thought that crossed my mind at that time, and I am ashamed of it. I thought "How similar is his life to what my father used to say about donkeys? he lives on the streets... scampers around for food all day... whiles away extra time in the park... and goes back to sleep!" (now this guy was truly existing, right?).

 

As soon as this thought was over, I was hit by another, rather shocking one. What do I do all day? Yes I have an education on the basis of which I have a highly paid job. But I wake up in the morning... he lives on the street, and I live in an apartment... his work includes going through garbage cans to get food, while I work in an office to get food... he passes free time in the park, whereas I might watch TV or go to the gym... and then we both go back to sleep! How different am I really? And the answer... not much!

 

That is when I realized it is considerably hard to live rather than exist. Reading all day, writing, making money, driving a nice car, thats not it! Life requires a lot more. What... I'm not entirely sure... but you can be sure that (IA) my stab at it will be published here in the near future.