Living vs Existing

The difference between living and existing can be explored through several perspectives from various podcasts.

1. Self-Expression and Authenticity:

   • On The Danny Miranda Show, Danny Miranda discusses with Sherry Ning how merely existing involves self-expression inherently, much like how sweating is a natural outcome of exercising. They emphasize that living is about authentic self-expression and creating content naturally without forcing it 1.

2. Adapting to Circumstances:

   • In Horrific Vietnamese Refugee Boat Experience, Why We Are Not Our Thoughts, and How to Improve Your Mental Health, Trang Hoang reflects on how the meaning of being alive changes with circumstances. While she now appreciates being alive due to a privileged life, her perspective would be drastically different if she were in adverse conditions. This conversation highlights that living is about adapting and finding meaning in our current situations, whereas existing might just be about going through the motions 2.

3. Living in the Present:

   • On EconTalk, Margaret Heffernan and Russ Roberts discuss living in the present while taking lessons from the past and planning for the future. They argue that truly living involves paying attention to our surroundings and being engaged with the real world, unlike merely existing, which might involve being preoccupied with the virtual world 3.
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       1

       The Power of Self-Expression

       00:24:23
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       2

       Defining Existence

       00:28:36
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       3

       Living in the Present

       00:15:48

These insights collectively suggest that living encompasses authentic self-expression, adapting meaningfully to changing circumstances, and being present and engaged in one's reality, while existing may lack these deeper elements.