From Philosophy to Pop Culture: The Rise of Live Love & Laugh
Live. Love. Laugh. For many, this well-known saying serves as a constant reminder to spread positivity and inspire those around them. But do you know where it came from and how Gen Z uses it all the time?
Live. Love. Laugh. For many valid reasons, this famous phrase has spread beyond the realm of philosophy and into the psyches of fans of popular culture. Every word in the expression symbolizes a full, healthy, and satisfying life.
You cannot miss the signs. By now, you cannot turn around without seeing the words "live", "love" and “laugh” displayed on everything from coffee mugs to room walls.
It continues to outsell the formerly trendy "Keep Calm & Carry On". Although the saying's provenance is obvious—it was a British slogan during World War II—the origins of the phrase Live. Love. Laugh. is less obvious and more of a mystery. That is because it is a shortened and somewhat toned-down rendition of a substantially lengthier piece that has been falsely credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson, all because of a "Dear Abby" column written in 1990.
Catchphrase: Its Forgone History
The phrase Live. Love. Laugh. has been lifted from Bessie Anderson Stannley’s poem “Success”. The original version of this piece was an essay she wrote for a Brown Book Magazine contest that sought participants' definitions of success. Here I am quoting her actual lines.
He achieved success who has lived well, loved much, laughed often; Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who has left the world better than he found it, Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.
~ Bessie Anderson Stanley
Eventually, "success" was reduced to its most familiar form after surviving in quote anthologies and Stanley's tombstone, where it was misattributed. These days, you can find this adage on just about anything, and some even put their spin on it.
Although this could be considered innovative, it belongs in a reflective funeral poem. An identical quotation by James Joyce from 1939, "They lived and loved and laughed and left," further establishes the phrase's suitability for a funeral service. It may be a simple and humorous phrase, but you also get coffins with the phrase written inside them.
Stanley never got to witness the phenomenon her words sparked, as the poem was published in 1904, over a century after she wrote it.
Live. Love. Laugh As a Mantra
Now that the catchphrase has graduated from its funeral antics to the realm of decorative pillows and home décor, how can you draw inspiration from it for your personal growth today?
Surprisingly, going back to the roots of a phrase can help bring depth to it, even if it has become frivolous and unimportant.
The source poem states that the protagonist was successful because he/she enjoyed good company, made a positive impact on the world, valued nature's beauty, and gave their all to the world. The wording suddenly appears more profound.
How different would our lives be now if we chose to measure happiness and impact instead of job success or income?
Let’s take a closer look at each word and what they mean.
Live: The word “live” serves as a gentle reminder to seize the day, appreciate what we have, and be fully present in every moment. It inspires us to broaden our horizons, establish objectives, and follow our hearts.
Love: Love stands for the value of developing genuine relationships with other people. It fosters empathy and compassion and promotes the outpouring of love and affection toward those closest to one’s heart.
Laugh: The sound of one’s laughter is a universal sign of contentment, optimism, and joy. It serves as a gentle reminder to lighten up and find humor in the little things in life. It is believed that laughing can alleviate stress and enhance one’s character.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what is popular, the key is to stay alive and vibrant. As Rajesh Khanna said in his film, Babumoshay Zindagi Badi Nahi, Lambi Honi Chahiye, our lives are also reminiscent of this dialogue. Soak it all in. Live it to the fullest and live it like a king, all the while remaining firmly planted in your ground.
