Alarms Quote by Tom Robbins
“Albert Camus wrote that the only serious question is whether to kill yourself or not. Tom Robbins wrote that the only serious question is whether time has a beginning and an end. Camus clearly got up on the wrong side of bed, and Robbins must have forgotten to set the alarm. There is only one serious question. And that is: Who knows how to make love stay? Answer me that and I will tell you whether or not to kill yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins, 1980
The quote juxtaposes existential dread with a playful query about love, suggesting that love’s durability is the true serious question.
In simple terms: Love’s endurance is the real issue.
Key Takeaway
Focus on nurturing love.
Themes
existentialism
love
humor
Mood
reflective
wry
Type
philosophical
humorous
When to use this quote
- marriage
- long‑term partnership
- creative collaboration
- personal growth
Key Concepts
philosophy
relationships
meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can love be sustained over time?
- What does “serious question” mean to you?
A Different Perspective
Love alone may not resolve existential crises.
