Alive Quote by Maltbie Davenport Babcock
“Life is what we are alive to. It is not length, but breadth. To be alive only to appetite, pleasure, pride, money-making, and not to goodness and kindness, purity and love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God and eternal hopes, it is to be all but dead.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: 1915
The quote defines life by its depth and richness rather than its length, warning that focusing solely on material pursuits leads to a dead existence.
In simple terms: Life's value lies in depth, not duration; materialism empties life.
Key Takeaway
Pursue meaningful, compassionate living.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
spirituality
Mood
inspirational
reflective
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- community service
- creative pursuits
Key Concepts
meaning
kindness
purpose
human experience
Questions to Reflect On
- What does a 'full' life look like for you?
- How can you prioritize depth over length?
A Different Perspective
Material goals can dominate societal values.
