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Every new born being indeed comes fresh and blithe into…

“Every new born being indeed comes fresh and blithe into the new existence, and enjoys it as a free gift: but there is, and can be, nothing freely given. It's fresh existence is paid for by the old age and death of a worn out existence which has perished, but which contained the indestructible seed…” quote by Arthur Schopenhauer
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“Every new born being indeed comes fresh and blithe into the new existence, and enjoys it as a free gift: but there is, and can be, nothing freely given. It's fresh existence is paid for by the old age and death of a worn out existence which has perished, but which contained the indestructible seed out of which the new existence has arisen: they are one being.”

Arthur Schopenhauer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Life is a cycle where each new being emerges from the death of the old, sharing an indestructible essence.

In simple terms: New life comes from old death.

Key Takeaway

Recognize continuity in change.

Themes

philosophy life continuity death renewal

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical existential

When to use this quote

  • birth
  • grief
  • legacy
  • inheritance
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

metaphysics cyclical existence essence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you see your own life linked to past generations?
  • What does “indestructible seed” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may oversimplify complex biological and existential processes.

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