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We shall live for no reason. Then die and be done with it…

“We shall live for no reason. Then die and be done with it. What a recognition! What shall save us? Only the knowledge that we have lived without illusion, not excluding the illusion that something will save us. —William H. Gass, “Mr. Gaddis and His Goddamn Books” (2006)” quote by William H. Gass
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““We shall live for no reason. Then die and be done with it. What a recognition! What shall save us? Only the knowledge that we have lived without illusion, not excluding the illusion that something will save us. —William H. Gass, “Mr. Gaddis and His Goddamn Books” (2006)””

William H. Gass

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 lived without purpose, ending in death; only the illusion of meaning offers comfort.

In simple terms: Life lacks purpose, illusion comforts us.

Key Takeaway

Accept life's absurdity, find personal meaning.

Themes

existentialism illusion meaninglessness

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

philosophical existential

When to use this quote

  • daily routine
  • philosophical contemplation
  • creative work

Key Concepts

nihilism comfort in narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you find meaning in illusion?
  • How do you confront emptiness?
A Different Perspective

Illusion may be self‑deception.

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