"Variety is the spice of life" is a proverbial saying that means life is more interesting and enjoyable when it includes many different things. The phrase was first seen in William Cowpers poem "The Task" in 1785. The sentiment of embracing variety and change in ones life as the key to an interesting life and a deterrent to boredom dates back to the first century B.C. . The phrase encourages one to branch out and try new things to vary ones experiences. Examples of the use of this phrase include "If variety is the spice of life, then that’s precisely what the Bears of all Colors were celebrating during their first Family Reunion" and "Keeping birds happy is like keeping people happy — variety is the spice of life".