I collect memories. I look for opportunities to try new things

The voice of Marcel Wanders, creator and dreamer in the realm of design, speaks to us with words that carry the fragrance of eternity: “I collect memories. I look for opportunities to try new things, go to new places, and meet new people all the time.” These words remind us that the treasures of life are not held in gold or stone, but in the invisible wealth of memories. While possessions fade and crumble, the living scroll of experience remains inscribed within the soul until the final breath.

The meaning is luminous: to collect memories is to live fully, to embrace the passing moment as sacred, and to weave together a tapestry of experiences that defines one’s existence. To seek new things, to explore new places, and to meet new people is to walk in the rhythm of growth, for every encounter adds a new thread of color to the fabric of life. He teaches us that the true measure of living is not in years alone, but in the richness of moments gathered.

Wanders, known for his daring and imaginative creations in the world of art and design, lived by this creed. His work reflects the influence of cultures, people, and places he embraced along his journey. The philosophy behind his words is clear: creativity is not born in stagnation but in the constant pursuit of new experiences. By collecting memories, he gathered inspiration that would bloom into forms admired across the world. His wisdom, though personal, is universal.

History also testifies to this truth. Consider the journeys of Marco Polo, who left the safety of his home in Venice to travel across continents, encountering empires, languages, and wonders unknown to his world. The memories he collected did not vanish with his passing; they became a bridge of knowledge, inspiring others and opening paths of discovery. His life illustrates that to seek the unknown is to gain wealth far greater than coin—the wealth of memory and shared human experience.

The deeper teaching is this: life offers each soul a choice—to walk in the narrow circle of the familiar, or to step into the vast expanse of discovery. Those who cling only to what they know live within walls of comfort but gather few stories for the journey’s end. Those who embrace the unknown, though they may stumble or face hardship, will carry with them the radiant treasure of countless memories, each one a flame that lights the darkness of old age.

The lesson for you, seeker, is to live not passively but with deliberate wonder. Do not wait for memories to come to you—go forth and seek them. Take the journey, even if it is short. Speak to the stranger, even if only a word. Try the unfamiliar, even if it brings uncertainty. For in these small acts, you collect the wealth of a life that cannot be stolen. Memories are the only possessions that follow you beyond the grave.

Practical actions follow naturally. Keep a journal of moments, not only of tasks. When you travel, do not merely move your body—open your heart and eyes to the world. When you meet others, listen deeply, for in their stories you find treasure. When you encounter new opportunities, embrace them with courage. In this way, each day becomes not just lived, but remembered, not just endured, but celebrated.

So remember, children of tomorrow: gather not gold alone, but memories, for they are the coins of the spirit. Seek new paths, meet new souls, embrace the vastness of life. For when your days draw near their end, it will not be possessions you count, but the stories you carry—and these stories will be the true wealth of your existence.