The soul prefers depth over breadth.
Imagine you’re walking through a forest, where the trees are dense and ancient. You can either wander through the forest's vast expanse, skimming the surface, or you can delve into a specific grove, examining each tree, leaf, and shadow with focused curiosity. This choice mirrors the essence of the saying: "The soul prefers depth over breadth."
At first glance, breadth might seem appealing. It represents the idea of experiencing many things superficially—trying out various hobbies, meeting countless people, or dabbling in different careers. It’s like skimming the surface of a pond; you see the ripples and reflections but never get to feel the coolness of the water or understand its depths. In contrast, depth involves plunging into something with a greater sense of purpose and understanding. It’s akin to diving deep into that forest grove, where every tree tells a story and every shadow has a history.
When you focus on depth, you immerse yourself in the nuances and intricacies of a subject, relationship, or experience. It’s about becoming intimately acquainted with the details that make something unique. Just as a skilled musician doesn’t merely play a song but feels its rhythm and emotion, or a painter doesn’t just apply colors but brings a canvas to life with every brushstroke, depth is where the soul finds its true nourishment.
Think about relationships. Imagine you’re at a large party, meeting a lot of people briefly. You may have pleasant conversations, but these interactions are often shallow and fleeting. In contrast, spending time with a few close friends allows for deeper connections. You share personal stories, offer support, and build a bond that goes beyond small talk. It’s like the difference between throwing a pebble across a pond and diving into the water to explore its depths. The former creates only surface-level ripples, while the latter opens up a world of discovery.
In our modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of breadth. Social media feeds and endless choices might tempt you to skim over many aspects of life without truly engaging with any of them. This approach can lead to a sense of superficiality and dissatisfaction. However, when you choose to delve deeper into fewer areas, you begin to uncover richer, more meaningful experiences. You start to see patterns, understand subtleties, and appreciate the true essence of what you’re engaging with.
Depth is not just about understanding; it’s also about quality. Imagine preparing a dish. If you’re just tossing ingredients together without much thought, you might end up with something edible but unremarkable. However, if you take the time to select fresh ingredients, understand their flavors, and cook with care, the result is a meal that’s not only enjoyable but memorable. The same principle applies to your experiences and interactions. When you invest time and effort, the outcomes are often far more rewarding.
Let’s apply this to learning a new skill. If you want to master a musical instrument, you could try to learn a bit about many different instruments, but it’s the focused practice and study of one that leads to true mastery. It’s like the difference between reading the summaries of many books versus deeply studying one. With depth, you build a more profound and lasting knowledge.
In your career, depth might mean dedicating yourself to becoming an expert in a particular field rather than spreading yourself thin across various roles. By immersing yourself in one area, you develop a level of proficiency and insight that distinguishes you from others. This deep understanding can lead to greater opportunities and fulfillment than a broad but shallow approach.
In your personal life, depth could mean nurturing a few close relationships rather than maintaining a large number of acquaintances. It’s in these deep connections where you find true support and companionship, rather than the surface-level interactions that come from a wider social circle.
In summary, depth over breadth is about choosing to immerse yourself fully in fewer things rather than skimming the surface of many. It’s in this immersion that the soul finds its true satisfaction and richness. By diving deeper into your passions, relationships, and experiences, you uncover a more profound and meaningful existence.
Actionable Question: What is one area of your life where you could benefit from focusing on depth rather than breadth? How can you take a step towards exploring this area more deeply today?
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
