Air Quote by Jonathan Littell
“I have remained someone who believes that the only things indispensable to human life are air, food, drink and excretion, and the search for truth. The rest is optional.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Kindly Ones (Les Bienveillantes) by Jonathan Littell, 2006
The essential needs for life are basic physiological functions and the pursuit of truth; everything else is optional.
In simple terms: Basic needs plus truth are essential; other pursuits are optional.
Key Takeaway
Focus on truth after meeting basic needs.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
human needs
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
philosophical
existentialist
When to use this quote
- survival situations
- academic research
- personal development
- health crises
- spiritual quests
Key Concepts
essentialism
truth seeking
Questions to Reflect On
- What “optional” things enrich life?
- Can truth be pursued without basic security?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting other aspects may reduce life richness.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)