In philosophy, the two concepts of survival and life carry completely different connotations and emphases. Survival is often understood as the basic level of sustaining life, including necessities such as food, water, shelter, and physical security. This coincides with the physiological needs and security needs in Maslow's hierarchy of needs and represents the foundation of human well-being. Without the support of survival, the pursuit of a higher level will become unattainable.
Life, on the other hand, is intimately connected to the psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of human beings. It includes aspects such as the pursuit of happiness, fulfillment, personal growth, social belonging, and cultural involvement. Quality of life involves the higher levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, such as love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization.
From a philosophical point of view, both survival and life are crucial. Survival provides the foundation for life, and without the richness and fulfillment of life, survival will appear empty and meaningless. For example, Stoic philosophy emphasizes conforming to the laws of nature while maintaining inner peace and independence, which is the basis for the good life. Existentialists such as Sartre emphasize man's free will and personal responsibility, believing that even in extreme circumstances, man should take responsibility for his own choices and pursue a true life.
Therefore, survival and life are not simply a precedence or comparison of importance, but are interdependent and interpenetrating. A healthy society is indispensable not only for safeguarding everyone's right to life, but also for improving people's quality of life. In different philosophical systems and cultural traditions, the degree of importance and interpretation of these two concepts may vary, but together they constitute the picture of a better life that human beings pursue.