"Life is occupied in both perpetuating itself and in surpassing itself; if all it does is maintain itself, then living is only not dying"

Simone de Beauvoir's quote captures the vibrant stress intrinsic in living. At its core, the message suggests that simple survival is inadequate for a satisfied presence; life ought to be about growth, development, and striving toward something greater than mere subsistence.

The opening expression, "Life is inhabited in both perpetuating itself", acknowledges life's fundamental impulse for survival and connection. This aspect of life includes regular activities and behaviors that ensure our continuous presence, such as eating, sleeping, and procreation. It is the life-sustaining cycle that keeps individuals and species alive. However, Beauvoir rapidly moves beyond this biological crucial to present the concept of "exceeding itself". Here, she suggests that true vigor and significance originate from transcending mere survival.

This concept of exceeding oneself can be translated in many methods, such as individual development, self-improvement, expedition, imagination, and the pursuit of understanding or joy. Beauvoir indicates that a life dedicated entirely to survival misses out on the deeper opportunities for satisfaction. To really 'surpass' is to challenge oneself, accept brand-new experiences, and seek deeper meanings and connections. It is the pursuit of goals and the guts to move beyond convenience zones, where genuine growth takes place.

Beauvoir's concept that "if all it does is preserve itself, then living is just not dying", serves as a plain tip. It recommends that without goals and growth, life becomes stagnant and identical from simply preventing death. This existence does not have the essence of dynamic living and is lowered to a passive state of extension.

Overall, the quote invites reflection on how one defines and looks for a significant life. It challenges us to consider whether our lives are driven by the inertia of survival or the proactive pursuit of development and transformation. The richness of life, in Beauvoir's view, unfolds not simply in existing, but in striving to increase above the simple reality of being alive.