“I do not want to get to the end of my life and find that I just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.”
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— Diane Ackerman
These powerful words from poet and naturalist Diane Ackerman offer a profound challenge. They ask us to consider the very nature of our existence. Are we simply passing time, or are we truly living? The quote draws a sharp distinction between two dimensions of life: its length and its width. Understanding this difference is the first step toward a more fulfilling and vibrant experience.
Living the “length” of life is about chronology. It means you are breathing, working, and moving from one day to the next. You mark birthdays and anniversaries. However, this dimension focuses solely on duration. A life lived only for length can feel hollow. It is like a road trip where you only watch the odometer, never stopping to see the sights. You cover the distance, but you miss the entire journey. Consequently, this path often leads to a sense of unfulfillment and regret.
In contrast, living the “width” of life is about richness and depth. It involves filling your time with meaning, passion, and connection. This dimension is not measured in years but in moments of joy, learning, and genuine human experience. It is about curiosity, empathy, and courage. For instance, you choose width when you learn a new skill, travel to an unknown place, or have a deep conversation. A wide life is textured, colorful, and deeply felt.
How to Cultivate a Wider Life
Embracing a life of width does not require grand, sweeping changes. Instead, it often involves small, intentional shifts in perspective and daily habits. You can actively choose to add more depth to your days. This process builds momentum over time, transforming a mundane existence into an extraordinary one. The goal is to engage with the world more fully.
Embrace Insatiable Curiosity
Curiosity is the engine of a wide life. It pushes you to ask questions and seek answers. Therefore, make a habit of exploring new topics. Read books outside your usual genre. Watch documentaries on subjects you know nothing about. Take a class online or at a local community center. Ask people about their passions and listen intently. When you stop taking the world for granted, you open yourself up to endless wonder. Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new, adding another layer to your experience.
Prioritize Deep Connections
Relationships are fundamental to a life of width. Superficial interactions add little depth. However, genuine connections with friends, family, and community provide immense richness. Invest your time and energy in the people who matter. Be present when you are with them. Put your phone away and engage in meaningful conversation. Share your vulnerabilities and listen with empathy. These shared moments create a strong tapestry of love and support. Indeed, many people find their greatest joy in these connections.
Seek Novel Experiences
Our brains thrive on novelty. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a direct way to broaden your life’s width. This does not have to mean skydiving or trekking across a continent, although it certainly can. It can be as simple as trying a new restaurant, taking a different route to work, or starting a new hobby. The key is to break your routine. These new experiences create lasting memories. Moreover, they challenge your perceptions and help you grow as a person. Each new adventure, big or small, expands the boundaries of your world.
The Wisdom of a Naturalist
To fully appreciate the quote, it helps to understand its author. Diane Ackerman is an acclaimed essayist and naturalist. Her work frequently explores the wonders of the natural world and the richness of sensory experience. She encourages readers to pay attention—to truly see the colors of a sunset, hear the complexity of birdsong, and feel the texture of a leaf. Source
This perspective infuses her quote with deeper meaning. Living a wide life is about engaging all your senses. It means finding beauty and wonder in the everyday. It is about savoring a good meal, feeling the sun on your skin, or listening to the rain. Ackerman reminds us that the world is a source of constant marvel. We only need to pay attention to it. This mindful engagement transforms ordinary moments into profound experiences, adding incredible width to our lives.
Ultimately, Ackerman’s words are a call to action. They urge us to be active participants in our lives, not passive observers. The clock is always ticking, marking the length. But the width? That is entirely up to us. By choosing curiosity, connection, and courage, we can ensure that when we reach the end, we have not just existed—we have truly lived.