“Be brave. Be wild. And stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge and adventure.”
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— Erin Van Vuren
This powerful call to action from author Erin Van Vuren is more than just an inspiring quote. It is a complete philosophy for living a vibrant and fulfilling life. The words challenge us to step outside our comfort zones. They encourage a passionate pursuit of everything that makes life rich and meaningful. Ultimately, this quote serves as a compass, guiding us toward a more authentic and exhilarating existence.
Let’s break down this profound statement. We can explore how each component offers a piece of a larger puzzle for a life well-lived. By understanding its parts, we can better embrace its whole message.
The Courage to “Be Brave”
Bravery isn’t always about grand, heroic gestures. More often, it is found in the quiet, everyday moments. It is the courage to be vulnerable with someone you care about. It is the strength to say “no” to something that doesn’t align with your values. Furthermore, bravery is taking the first step toward a long-held dream, even when you are afraid of failure. Van Vuren places this command first for a reason. Without bravery, the other elements of the quote remain out of reach.
Being brave means confronting your fears directly. It requires you to act in spite of anxiety and uncertainty. This could mean applying for a new job, speaking up in a meeting, or moving to a new city. Each act of courage builds upon the last. Consequently, you create a foundation of self-trust and resilience that empowers you to live more boldly.
The Freedom to “Be Wild”
The word “wild” often conjures images of untamed nature. However, in this context, it speaks to an inner state of being. To be wild is to be unapologetically authentic. It means shedding the layers of societal expectation and embracing the person you truly are. This involves listening to your intuition and honoring your unique passions and quirks. Being wild is about breaking free from the self-imposed cages of conformity.
Embracing your wild side allows you to live with passion and spontaneity. It means dancing in the rain or singing out loud in your car. It is about choosing the path that feels right, not just the one that looks sensible to others. This freedom is not about recklessness; rather, it is about a deep and joyful connection to your most genuine self. It is a celebration of individuality in a world that often pushes us to fit in.
The Drive to “Stay Forever Hungry”
The final part of the quote is a powerful plea for lifelong curiosity and passion. Hunger, in this sense, is not a void to be filled but a fire to be fueled. Van Vuren specifies four essential nutrients for the soul: art, love, knowledge, and adventure. This continuous pursuit keeps us engaged, growing, and truly alive.
#### For Art and Love
Art and love are the cornerstones of human connection and emotional depth. To stay hungry for art means actively seeking out beauty and creativity. This could involve visiting a museum, listening to new music, reading a novel, or picking up a paintbrush yourself. Art enriches our perspective. It connects us to the shared human experience in profound ways.
Similarly, a hunger for love is about nurturing deep, meaningful relationships. It means prioritizing connection with family, friends, and partners. It requires vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to both give and receive affection. Love gives our lives purpose and reminds us that we are not alone on our journey.
#### For Knowledge and Adventure
Knowledge and adventure are the engines of personal growth. A hunger for knowledge drives us to be lifelong learners. It pushes us to ask questions, read widely, and remain curious about the world around us. This pursuit keeps our minds sharp and our perspectives broad. Indeed, studies show that engaging in new experiences and continuous learning can improve cognitive function and overall well-being . Source
Adventure complements knowledge by putting it into practice. It is about saying yes to new experiences, whether it’s traveling to a foreign country or exploring a new trail in your local park. Adventure pushes our boundaries and builds confidence. Many people feel this pull; for instance, surveys often reveal that a majority of adults wish they had more adventure in their lives. This desire highlights a universal need for exploration and excitement.
In conclusion, Erin Van Vuren’s quote is a beautiful and concise manifesto for a life of purpose. It calls on us to be courageous in our actions and authentic in our identity. Moreover, it urges us to never lose our appetite for the things that truly matter. By embracing bravery, wildness, and a perpetual hunger for life’s greatest treasures, we can create a personal story filled with meaning, connection, and joy.