"La vie devrait vous toucher, même si vous manipulez les morts."

This quote emphasizes the importance of remaining emotionally connected and human, even when dealing with difficult, perhaps morbid tasks or scenarios. Essentially, it's a call to stay compassionate and empathetic despite the nature of your work or the hardships you encounter.

Historically, this sentiment could be tied to professions in the medical or mortuary fields. People in these jobs often deal with death and grief daily, which can be emotionally draining. This quote reminds them - and all of us, really - that it's essential to stay in touch with our emotions and the humanity of others, no matter how tough things get. It’s about not becoming numb or detached in the face of adversity.

Think about a nurse in an oncology ward. Every day, this nurse sees patients battling cancer, some of whom might not make it. It’s a heartbreaking and challenging environment. But the nurse still takes the time to smile, to hold a patient's hand, to listen to their fears and stories. Despite handling the harsh reality of illness and death, they let life touch them by connecting deeply with their patients, showing them kindness and empathy.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by allowing yourself to feel. Whether you're in a demanding job, dealing with a personal loss, or supporting someone through a tough time, don’t shut down your emotions. It's okay to cry, to laugh, to feel joy and sorrow. These feelings make you human and help you connect with others on a genuine level. Try to approach every person and situation with empathy. Listen actively, show compassion, and don’t shy away from expressing your emotions.

Imagine you’re working in customer service. It’s a role that often involves handling complaints and angry customers. It’s easy to become jaded and robotic. But if you let life touch you, you'll handle each interaction with a bit more kindness. Maybe it’s asking a customer about their day, or showing genuine concern for their issue. Those small moments of human connection can make a huge difference, both for you and the other person.

Picture this: You’re a funeral director. Your job is to help families during one of the most challenging times in their lives. You could just go through the motions, arranging services and handling logistics. But instead, you take the time to listen to stories about the deceased, you offer a comforting word, you ensure every detail reflects the love and respect they deserve. You let the family's grief and love touch you, and in doing so, you provide a truly meaningful, compassionate service.

In essence, whatever we're dealing with—whether it’s something as heavy as death or as routine as a daily job—staying open to the touch of life is vital. It’s about holding onto our humanity, embracing our emotions, and connecting with others on a deeper level. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly important. It makes us kinder, more understanding, and ultimately, more fulfilled. So next time you’re facing something tough, remember, it’s okay to let it touch you—because that’s what keeps us truly alive.