Page 25 - DPVN Magazine 2022-23

Difference between
Difference between
D Y PATIL Difference between
D Y PATIL
Living and Existing
CBSE BOARD
CBSE BOARD
AFFILIATION NO.: Living and Existing
AFFILIATION NO.:

1131018 Living and Existing
1131018
SCHOOL NO.: 30992
SCHOOL NO.: 30992

Many years ago, a poet wrote that the difference between
living and existing is the difference between doing
something and merely having something. Living is taking
action; existing is just being. Indeed, we define living by
what we're doing, not by what we're having or possessing.
Being alive is about being in motion, not about standing

still. To put it differently, life is enjoying the fruits of your
labour. We define independence from others by doing
things on our own terms. We define freedom from
responsibility by avoiding the obligation to take care of
ourselves. These ideas are just starting to catch on as
people become more aware of the choices they make
regarding life.

When you live on your own, you determine your goals and
direction in life. You make decisions about what to do and where
to go, and you take action to achieve your goals. On the other
hand, when you exist on your own, you're self-sufficient and
independent from others. You don't rely on others for food,
clothing, or shelter but have a job or business to earn an
income. To be self-sufficient means to be capable of providing
for yourself without depending on others. In both cases - living
on your own versus existing on your own - you're making
decisions that affect your life.

The alternative view regarding independence from others
stresses that one becomes truly independent when one can
responsibly take care of oneself. This means making responsible
decisions regarding one's own health, education, relationships,
and lifestyle. The word 'responsible' refers to the choices you
make regarding what to do with the gifts given to you in life -
your body, mind, and spirit. Ultimately, it means making choices
that will help you grow into a stable, self-reliant adult capable of
supporting and loving yourself. The poet above sums up the
essence of defining life by what we're doing versus existing by
what we have or possess.

To live is about being in motion; it's about making
decisions and taking action with a goal in mind. It’s about
being self-sufficient and independent from others; it's
about controlling your destiny and determining where to
go with no one holding you back from success. To truly live

life means achieving something; it means achieving
something that really makes a difference! Awwaab Ahmed, Grade XII-B