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Is life worth living? This is a question for an embryo not for a man.
Samuel Butler
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that questioning the value of life is a natural concern for those yet to experience it, rather than adults who have lived and learned.

Samuel Butler's quote reflects on the philosophical inquiry into the value of life. It implies that the question of whether life is worth living is more fitting for those who have not yet lived (like an embryo, who is yet to experience existence) rather than for a fully realized person. For adults, the richness of life experience often provides answers to such existential questions, suggesting that life’s worth is derived from lived experiences, challenges, and personal growth.

Themes

LifeValueExistencePhilosophyExperience

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about resilience, one might say, 'Is life worth living? This question asks us to reflect on our experiences and find meaning in them.'

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Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
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An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
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Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
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People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
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