Quote of the day on love: 'Find what you love and let it kill you'

The popular quote "find what you love and let it kill you" is almost universally attributed to the poet Charles Bukowski. However, historical research reveals a different origin story. Literature scholars and researchers have found no evidence that Bukowski ever uttered or wrote these exact words.

The phrase actually originated with the Texas musician and author Kinky Friedman in the 1980s. Its earliest documented appearance came in an April 1998 interview where musician Van Dyke Parks quoted his friend: "It's like my friend Kinky Friedman said: 'You've got to find what you love and let it kill you. I don't think any of us should ever forget that.'" Friedman himself confirmed the line was his own creation, a "Kinky-ism."

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You've got to find what you love and let it kill you. I don't think any of us should ever forget that.

At its core, the quote advocates for choosing a passion or obsession to consume one's limited years, rather than allowing life to be drained by dull routines or meaningless stress. It urges individuals to reject passive decay and instead pour their spirit into a cause, craft, or passion that truly matters. This intense devotion, described figuratively as letting something "kill you," means surrendering comfort and self-doubt to serve a singular purpose.

The statement also serves as a warning against indifference. While a cautious life might protect against disappointment, it also deprives one of deep passion. The quote argues that a life lived burning brightly for something you care about is far superior to a quiet, detached existence. Ultimately, it challenges individuals to audit their priorities and find a purpose strong enough to justify sacrifice, transforming the passage of time into a deeply fulfilling journey.

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It's like my friend Kinky Friedman said: 'You've got to find what you love and let it kill you. I don't think any of us should ever forget that.'