It does not follow that the meaning must be given from above; that life and suffering must come neatly labeled; that nothing is worth while if the world is not governed by a purpose.
Walter KaufmannRead
Man stands alone in the universe, responsible for his condition, likely to remain in a lowly state, but free to reach above the stars.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans are responsible for their own existence and choices, with the potential to rise above their circumstances.
This quote emphasizes the solitary nature of human existence in the vast universe, highlighting the individual's responsibility for their own situation. It suggests that while one may start from a humble position, they possess the freedom and potential to achieve greatness and aspire to higher ideals, thereby transcending their current state.
Themes
ResponsibilityFreedomPotentialExistenceIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech emphasizing personal responsibility.
More from Walter Kaufmann
All quotes βLife ceases to be so oppressive: we are free to give our own lives meaning and purpose, free to redeem our suffering by making something of it.
Walter KaufmannRead
The only theism worthy of our respect believes in God not because of the way the world is made but in spite of that. The only theism that is no less profound than the Buddha's atheism is that represented in the Bible by Job and Jeremiah.
Walter KaufmannRead
Success is no proof of virtue. In the case of a book, quick acclaim is presumptive evidence of a lack of substance and originality.
Walter KaufmannRead
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Most people would never admit it, but they'd been bitching since they were born. As soon as their head popped out into that bright delivery-room light, nothing had been right. Nothing had been as comfortable or felt so good. Just the effort it took to keep your stupid physical body alive, just finding food and cooking it and dishwashing, the keeping warm and bathing and sleeping, the walking and bowel movements and ingrown hairs, it was all getting to be too much work.
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Ordinary readers, forgive my paradoxes: one must make them when one reflects; and whatever you may say, I prefer being a man with paradoxes than a man with prejudices.
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The thing about talking about human rights is that when one bears in mind the sharp end of it, one does not want to worry too much about semantics.
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