We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we

In the eternal dance of life, where every moment is a fleeting step in the march of time, Winston Churchill offers a profound reflection on the essence of existence: "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." These words challenge the very notion that the accumulation of wealth, status, or material possessions can define the meaning of our lives. Rather, Churchill points to a higher truth—that the quality of our lives is shaped not by what we take from the world, but by what we offer to others. It is through giving, through selflessness and service, that we truly create a life worth living. In the offering of ourselves—whether through time, compassion, or love—we find our purpose and become part of something greater than the self.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers often explored the tension between self-interest and selflessness. Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, spoke of the good life as one where virtue and generosity define a person’s character. He argued that true happiness does not come from external goods but from living a virtuous life—one that is in harmony with others and the community. This concept of virtue aligns closely with Churchill’s idea that a life well-lived is not measured by what one accumulates, but by what one gives to the world. Just as Aristotle believed in the importance of moral excellence, Churchill understood that our legacy is formed through the acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrifice we offer to those around us.

Consider the life of Socrates, who, despite having little in the way of material wealth, is regarded as one of the greatest figures in Western philosophy. His legacy was not shaped by the wealth he amassed or the possessions he acquired, but by the ideas he shared with the world and the way he challenged people to think and live virtuously. Socrates gave his life in service to the pursuit of truth and wisdom, never seeking personal gain but always giving of himself for the betterment of others. In this sense, his life was not defined by what he received but by what he gave—his knowledge, his teachings, and his commitment to the truth. This is a living example of Churchill’s wisdom: that a life is truly made by what one gives, not what one gets.

Similarly, consider the life of Mother Teresa, whose giving became her defining purpose. Mother Teresa devoted her life to serving the poor and dying in the slums of Calcutta, giving not only her time and energy but her heart to those in desperate need. Her giving transcended the material—she gave her love, her compassion, and her presence to those who were forgotten by society. Through her selfless service, she created a life filled with meaning and purpose, a life that continues to inspire millions to this day. Like Socrates, like Churchill, Mother Teresa’s life was not defined by what she had, but by what she was willing to give—and in doing so, she crafted a legacy that is remembered as one of the most profound acts of love in modern history.

In modern history, the actions of Martin Luther King Jr. serve as another powerful example of how giving shapes a life. King, like Churchill, was not interested in personal gain or material wealth, but in the freedom and dignity of others. Through his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement, King gave his voice, his energy, and ultimately his life to the pursuit of equality and justice for all people. He did not ask what he could receive from society but what he could give to it. His legacy, born from the selfless giving of his time, energy, and heart, transformed the United States and the world, reminding us that the true measure of a life is found in what we give to others.

The lesson in Churchill’s words is clear and deeply profound: a life is made not by the things we accumulate but by the love, compassion, and service we give to the world. In our lives, we can focus on building wealth, status, or comfort, but these things will never bring lasting fulfillment. True fulfillment comes from the act of giving—whether that be our time, energy, wisdom, or compassion. It is through giving that we build not only a meaningful life for ourselves but also a legacy that impacts the world long after we are gone.

In our own lives, the practical action we can take is to reflect on how we can give more fully to the world around us. We must ask ourselves: How can we serve others? What can we offer—whether it be our skills, our resources, or simply our presence—that will make a positive difference in the lives of those around us? Like Socrates, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr., we must seek to live with purpose, not for what we can get, but for what we can give. In this way, we can create a life that is rich in meaning, filled with purpose, and shaped by the love and service we offer to others.

Let us remember that, as Churchill so eloquently stated, life is not made by what we take, but by what we give. Through giving, we find our true purpose, and through service, we create a world that is better for all. The legacy of a life well-lived is not measured by wealth or possessions but by the impact we make on the hearts and lives of those around us.