“Variety is the spice of life” is the proverb that celebrates change and diversity. Here is what it means, where it comes from, how to use it, and a few sayings that share its zest.
What Does “Variety Is the Spice of Life” Mean?
The proverb means that doing many different things, and welcoming change and diversity, is what makes life interesting and enjoyable. Just as spices add flavour to food, new experiences, fresh places, and varied company add richness and excitement to our days. The same routine, repeated forever, grows dull — so a little variety is what gives life its flavour.
Origin of the Proverb
The phrase comes from the English poet William Cowper. In his long poem The Task, published in 1785, Cowper wrote: “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” The line was so neatly put that it quickly passed from poetry into everyday speech, and “variety is the spice of life” has been a favourite saying ever since.
Examples in a Sentence
- “We try a different restaurant every week — variety is the spice of life.”
- “He switched careers for a fresh challenge; variety is the spice of life.”
- “Mix up your routine now and then — variety is the spice of life.”
Similar Proverbs
- A change is as good as a rest — variety can be as refreshing as time off.
- Different strokes for different folks — people enjoy different things, and that is good.
- The same old thing grows tiresome — endless sameness dulls life.
- Every day is a fresh start — welcome the new and the different.
For more sayings about living well, see our life proverbs and the full library of proverbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “variety is the spice of life” mean?
It means that change, diversity, and new experiences are what make life interesting and enjoyable — sameness grows dull.
Where does the proverb come from?
It comes from the poet William Cowper, whose 1785 poem The Task contains the line “Variety’s the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.”
What is a similar proverb?
“A change is as good as a rest” shares the idea that variety refreshes and enriches our lives.