This quote implies that a life without a purpose or meaningful work can be torturous, akin to ‘hell’. It suggests that true happiness comes from being so engrossed in an activity that you lose track of time and forget about your worries, troubles, or even the concept of life itself. This state of ‘flow’ or ‘being in the zone’ is where one can find genuine joy.
In today’s world, this quote is even more applicable. With the rise of technology and automation, many traditional jobs are becoming obsolete, leaving people feeling aimless and unfulfilled. On the flip side, the same technology also allows us to pursue our passions and interests like never before. It’s important to find something that absorbs us, that we love doing, and that we would even do for free, because it is in these occupations that we can forget about life’s troubles and find joy.
In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to seek out and immerse ourselves in activities that we are passionate about. It suggests that the key to happiness and fulfillment lies not in idleness or constant leisure, but in productive engagement in tasks or hobbies that we find meaningful. This could be anything from painting, writing, and cooking to coding, teaching, or even volunteering. The important thing is that it should be something that absorbs us completely and makes us lose track of time, thereby helping us to ‘forget life’ and find joy.
In essence, the quote underscores the importance of finding our ’ikigai’ or ‘reason for being’ – something that not only gives us a sense of purpose but also brings us joy. Without this, life can indeed feel like a ‘hell’. But with it, we can experience a slice of heaven on earth.