“What it means to be human is to bring up your children in safety, educate them, keep them healthy, teach them how to care for themselves and others, allow them to develop in their own way among adults who are sane and responsibile, who know the value of the world and not its economic potential. It means art, it means time, it means all the invisibles never counted by the GDP and the census figures. It means knowing that life has an inside as well as an outside. And I think it means love.”
— Jeanette Winterson
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In a world obsessed with measuring success by numbers, let's return to the things that actually feed our souls. As Jeanette Winterson beautifully wrote: “What it means to be human is to bring up your children in safety, educate them, keep them healthy, teach them how to care for themselves and others... It means art, it means time, it means all the invisibles never counted by the GDP and the census figures. It means knowing that life has an inside as well as an outside. And I think it means love.” ❤️ How do you make space for the 'invisibles'—like art, time, and connection—in your busy life? Share your thoughts below! ✨
About this quote
In a world that often measures success by productivity, status, and the relentless pursuit of more, we frequently lose sight of what actually makes life worth living. We are taught to look at the numbers—the bank accounts, the career milestones, the economic output—but we forget that the most profound parts of our existence are the 'invisibles.' To be truly human is to prioritize the soul over the spreadsheet, finding wealth in the quiet moments of connection, the warmth of a safe home, and the unhurried passage of time. This quote serves as a gentle but powerful reminder to shift our focus from the external hustle to the internal depth. It invites us to lead lives of intention, where we nurture the next generation not just to succeed, but to care; not just to compete, but to create. By honoring art, presence, and the sacred space of love, we reclaim our humanity and learn to value the world for its beauty rather than its utility. It is a call to live deeply, love fiercely, and cherish the invisible threads that bind us all together.
Photo Credit:
Photo by Johnny Cohen on Unsplash
