dotpaw podcast -Existing / Living

The difference between "existing" and "living" lies in their connotations and implications, though they can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual contexts. Here's a breakdown:

Existing: Refers to the state of being or having objective reality. It implies mere presence or survival without necessarily involving vitality, purpose, or engagement. For example, a rock exists, but it doesn't live. In human terms, "existing" might describe someone going through the motions of life without passion, growth, or fulfillment—e.g., "I'm just existing, not thriving.”

Living: Implies a more active, dynamic state of being, often associated with vitality, growth, consciousness, or purpose. It suggests engagement with life, whether through experiences, emotions, or biological processes. For example, "living" for a person might mean pursuing goals, enjoying relationships, or feeling alive, while for an organism, it involves biological functions like growth or reproduction.