Inherited Quote by Stephen Jenkinson
““The meanings of life aren’t inherited. What is inherited is the mandate to make meanings of life by how we live. The endings of life give life’s meanings a chance to show. The beginning of the end of our order, our way, is now in view. This isn’t punishment, any more than dying is a punishment for being born.””
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Sacred Mirror: A Guide to Living with Death" by Stephen Jenkinson, 2017
Life’s meaning isn’t handed down; we must create it through how we live, and endings reveal those meanings.
In simple terms: We create meaning; endings reveal it.
Key Takeaway
Live deliberately to shape meaning.
Themes
meaning
existence
death
purpose
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- grief counseling
- creative projects
- teaching philosophy
Key Concepts
Existentialism
legacy
mortality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you actively create meaning?
- What role do endings play in your purpose?
A Different Perspective
Meaning can feel imposed rather than discovered.
![“I remember clearly that when I was little it was explained to me [that] the way that babies were made was that God put the baby into some lady's stomach, right? And, at some point, I learned how it really happened, and really that was the beginning of the end of my belief in God. Up until that…” quote by Ira Glass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56a/ira-glass-2464_baby_i-remember-clearly-that-when-i-was-littl_234840.jpg)
