Why should one live? All is vain! To live - that is to…
““Why should one live? All is vain! To live - that is to thresh straw; to live - that is to burn oneself and yet not get warm.- Such ancient babbling still passes for "wisdom"; because it is old, however, and smells mustily, therefore is it the more honoured. Even mould ennobles.- Children might thus speak: they shun the fire because it has burnt them! There is much childishness in the old books of wisdom. And he who ever "threshes straw," why should he be allowed to rail at threshing! Such a fool one would have to muzzle! Such persons sit down to the table and bring nothing with them, not even good hunger: - and then do they rail: "All is vain!" But to eat and drink well, my brothers, is truly no hath burnt them! There is much childishness in the old books of wisdom. And he who ever “thrasheth straw,” why should he be allowed to rail at thrashing! Such a fool one would have to muzzle! Such persons sit down to the table and bring nothing with them, not even good hunger:—and then do they rail: “All is vain!” But to eat and drink well, my brethren, is verily no vain art! Break up, break up for me the tables of the never-joyous ones!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage critiques empty moralizing and the futility of seeking meaning in outdated doctrines, urging authentic living over hollow tradition.
In simple terms: Old wisdom can be hollow; live authentically.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine purpose, not empty tradition.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
critique of tradition
authenticity
meaning
Mood
thoughtful
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- literary analysis
- spiritual seeking
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
nihilism
value creation
self‑overcoming
Questions to Reflect On
- What does authentic living mean for you?
- How can we discern valuable wisdom from outdated dogma?
A Different Perspective
The text may romanticize suffering as necessary, which can be misinterpreted as endorsing self‑destruction.