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Born Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert

“Why must everything be repeat and repeat, never finish, never resting? You work so hard one day, but the next day you must only work again. You eat, but the next day, you are already hungry. You find love, then love goes away. You are born with nothing, you work hard, then you die with nothing…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
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“Why must everything be repeat and repeat, never finish, never resting? You work so hard one day, but the next day you must only work again. You eat, but the next day, you are already hungry. You find love, then love goes away. You are born with nothing, you work hard, then you die with nothing. You are young, then you are old. No matter how hard you work, you cannot stop getting old. - Wayan”

Elizabeth Gilbert

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Stillness, Elizabeth Gilbert, 2014

The passage reflects on life's endless cycles of work, hunger, love, and aging, questioning the purpose of relentless repetition.

In simple terms: Life repeats work, love, and aging without pause.

Key Takeaway

Find meaning beyond endless cycles.

Themes

existential cycle meaninglessness

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • life coaching
  • spiritual practice
  • acceptance of aging

Key Concepts

philosophy impermanence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you create purpose within repetitive routines?
  • What practices help break the monotony of daily life?
A Different Perspective

Repetition can also bring growth and mastery, not just futility.

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