to care or not?

I don't understand this quote, about how people who care about others, etc. run the risk of being hurt. I don't get the "more alive you are" part...I understand the words, of course, but don't understand how being "more alive" makes the risk more palatable. I presume it all has to do with the potential for experiencing a more enriching, full life, but still...that doesn't work for me.

"The more things you care about, and the more intensely you care, the more alive you are."

Arthur Gordon
A Touch of Wonder