“Be brave. Be wild. And stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge and adventure.” – Erin Van Vuren

December 1, 2025 · 7 min read

UNVERIFIED

“Be brave. Be wild. And stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge and adventure.”

  • Commonly attributed to: Erin Van Vuren
  • Earliest verified appearance: No dated primary source found. Erin Van Vuren is a real contemporary Instagram poet (@erinvanvuren), profiled in an August 9, 2016 YourTango feature on her poetry; the line circulates online credited to her from the mid-2010s, but it appears only on quote aggregators — no dated original post or book page could be located, and her searchable Tumblr archive does not surface it. — read the 2016 YourTango profile of Instagram poet Erin Van Vuren
  • Confidence: Medium · Last verified: July 2026

The verdict: The line is plausibly by Instagram poet Erin Van Vuren and is universally credited to her, but no dated original post or book page has been located — only quote aggregators carry it, so the attribution remains unverified.

Every claim above links to a primary source I checked myself. How I verify quotes →

“Be brave. Be wild. And stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge and adventure.”

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— Erin Van Vuren

The Origin of Erin Van Vuren’s Inspirational Quote

Author Erin Van Vuren offers a powerful call to action with this inspiring statement. Understanding the “be brave. be wild. and stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge quote origin” reveals more than just an inspiring quote. This is a complete philosophy for living a vibrant and fulfilling life. The words challenge us to step outside our comfort zones and 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 and recognize why the “be brave. be wild. and stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge quote origin” resonates with so many people seeking meaningful direction.

The Courage to “Be Brave”

Bravery isn’t always about grand, heroic gestures. More often, you find it in 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 means taking the first step toward a long-held dream, even when you fear failure. Van Vuren places this command first for a reason. Without bravery, the other elements of the quote remain out of reach.

Being brave requires you to confront your fears directly. You must 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.

Be Brave Be Wild Stay Forever Hungry Meaning

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 presents 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. The “be brave. be wild. and stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge quote origin” emphasizes this eternal yearning as fundamental to human flourishing.

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 and connects us to the shared human experience in profound ways.

How This Quote Inspires Creative Living Today

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 your 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. Those seeking to understand the deeper meaning behind this philosophy often research the “be brave. be wild. and stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge quote origin” to find inspiration for their own journey.

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 create a personal story filled with meaning, connection, and joy. The enduring appeal of this “be brave. be wild. and stay forever hungry for art, love, knowledge quote origin” lies in its timeless truth: that a fully lived life requires courage, authenticity, and an insatiable desire to experience all that makes us human.