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If I could live again my life, In the next – I’ll try…

“If I could live again my life, In the next – I’ll try, - to make more mistakes, I won’t try to be so perfect, I’ll be more relaxed, I’ll be more full – than I am now, In fact, I’ll take fewer things seriously, I’ll be less hygienic, I’ll take more risks, I’ll take more trips, I’ll watch more…” quote by Jorge Luis Borges
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““If I could live again my life, In the next – I’ll try, - to make more mistakes, I won’t try to be so perfect, I’ll be more relaxed, I’ll be more full – than I am now, In fact, I’ll take fewer things seriously, I’ll be less hygienic, I’ll take more risks, I’ll take more trips, I’ll watch more sunsets, I’ll climb more mountains, I’ll swim more rivers, I’ll go to more places – I’ve never been, I’ll eat more ice creams and less lima beans, I’ll have more real problems – and less imaginary ones, I was one of those people who live prudent and prolific lives - each minute of his life, Of course that I had moments of joy – but, if I could go back I’ll try to have only good moments, If you don’t know – that’s what life is made of, Don’t lose the now! I was one of those who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, without a hot-water bottle, and without an umbrella and without a parachute, If I could live again – I will travel light, If I could live again – I’ll try to work bare feet at the beginning of spring till the end of autumn, I’ll ride more carts, I’ll watch more sunrises and play with more children, If I have the life to live – but now I am 85, - and I know that I am dying …””

Jorge Luis Borges

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Reflects on regrets of a long life, urging embrace of imperfection, spontaneity, and simple joys over rigid perfectionism and over‑planning.

In simple terms: Live more freely, accept mistakes, enjoy simple pleasures.

Key Takeaway

Embrace imperfection and spontaneity.

Themes

imperfection spontaneity joy life age

Mood

reflective hopeful nostalgic

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • elderly reflections
  • life review
  • travel planning
  • daily habits
  • risk management

Key Concepts

Existentialism mindfulness risk‑taking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you change if you could start over?
  • How can you balance spontaneity with duty?
A Different Perspective

May lead to neglect of responsibilities or health.

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