Life Quote by Jacques Rigaut
““There’s no reason to live, but there’s no reason to die, either. The only way we can still show our contempt for life is to accept it. Life is not worth the bother of leaving it. Out of charity, one might spare a few individuals the trouble of living, but what about oneself? Despair, indifference, betrayal, fidelity, solitude, the family, freedom, weight, money, poverty, love, absence of love, syphilis, health, sleep, insomnia, desire, impotence, platitudes, art, honesty, dishonor, mediocrity, intelligence – nothing there to make a fuss about. We know only too well what those things are made of, no point in watching for them.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Existential Reflections, 1930s
He enumerates life's trivialities and suffering, concluding that existence lacks inherent purpose, prompting a nihilistic outlook.
In simple terms: Life is full of meaningless struggles and fleeting concerns.
Key Takeaway
Contemplate the emptiness of existence.
Themes
nihilism
existential dread
meaninglessness
Mood
somber
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- contemplating suicide
- discussing existential crises
- examining personal values
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- What, if anything, gives your life meaning?
- Can suffering be transformed into purpose?
A Different Perspective
The list may overlook moments of joy or connection that give life meaning.
![“An individual in despair despairs over something. . . . In despairing over something, he really despair[s] over himself, and now he wants to get rid of himself. Consequently, to despair over something is still not despair proper. . . . To despair over oneself, in despair to will to be rid of…” quote by Soren Kierkegaard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/807/soren-kierkegaard-578_despair_an-individual-in-despair-despairs-over-s_2865905.jpg)
![“...no formula for success [exists] except, perhaps, an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings." "I accept life unconditionally. Most people ask for happiness on condition. Happiness can only be felt if you don't set any condition.” quote by Arthur Rubinstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b08/arthur-rubinstein-17373_acceptance_no-formula-for-success-exists-except-per_216575.jpg)
