Life is a complex and beautiful journey filled with both challenges and moments of bliss. Often, the things that we love the most are what shape and define us, even when they might be the very things that could break us. “Find what you love and let it kill you” is a sentiment often attributed to Charles Bukowski, though its true origins are somewhat debated. Regardless of who said it, this phrase has touched the hearts of many and has been the inspiration behind countless works of art. Here, we’ve collected 25 inspiring quotes related to this thought-provoking sentiment.
“Find what you love and let it kill you.” – Charles Bukowski (attributed)
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” – Fred Devito
“Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” – Oprah Winfrey
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
“Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.” – Paulo Coelho
“Work for a cause, not for applause. Live life to express, not to impress.” – Unknown
“In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” – Lewis Carroll
“Life is short, break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.” – Mark Twain
“Passion is the genesis of genius.” – Tony Robbins
“There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela
“You have within you right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you.” – Brian Tracy
“Live the life you love. Love the life you live.” – Bob Marley
“Pursue what catches your heart, not what catches your eyes.” – Roy T. Bennett
“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.” – Vincent van Gogh
“Follow your passion; it will lead you to your purpose.” – Oprah Winfrey
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius
“Passion is one great force that unleashes creativity, because if you’re passionate about something, then you’re more willing to take risks.” – Yo-Yo Ma
“Do it with passion, or not at all.” – Rosa Couchette Carey
“There is no greatness without a passion to be great, whether it’s the aspiration of an athlete or an artist, a scientist, a parent, or a businessperson.” – Tony Robbins
“One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested.” – E. M. Forster
“It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” – Mae Jemison
“Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” – David Frost
“Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.” – Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.” – Christopher McCandless
“Believe in yourself, listen to your gut, and do what you love.” – Dylan Lauren
Through these quotes, we hope you find the courage to passionately pursue what you love, even if it might seem daunting. Which of these quotes resonated the most with you? Do you have a personal quote or experience related to this topic you’d like to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments section. After all, your story might just be the inspiration someone else needs to take the plunge and follow their passion.