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Check out a list of profound quotes from philosophers, writers, and spiritual leaders that explore the essence of human existence. Gain timeless wisdom and inspiration to navigate life’s journey.
The meaning of life is a question that has perplexed humanity for centuries. Below, we will explore 60 famous sayings by some of the world’s greatest minds. From the simple joys of existence to the profound mysteries of the universe, these quotes on the meaning of life offer a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of human existence.
Highlights
- This article presents a diverse range of quotes from renowned thinkers, philosophers, and spiritual leaders, which explore the profound questions of life’s purpose, love, death, happiness, and overcoming challenges.
- Through these words, readers may gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, and start embarking on a personal journey of self-discovery.
Definition of Life Quotes
Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.
John Lennon
While we may have grand plans and aspirations, unexpected events and circumstances often derail or alter our carefully laid-out paths. These unplanned occurrences, both positive and negative, shape our experiences and ultimately define our lives. Rather than being rigid or pessimistic, we should embrace flexibility and strive to find meaning and purpose even in the midst of chaos.
Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.
Oliver Goldsmith
From personal struggles and health issues to societal problems and economic hardships, bad things are an inherent part of human existence. Despite these adversities, we must persevere and continue moving forward. Only with resilience and determination may we grow stronger and wiser.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
Confucius
Our complex thoughts, emotions, and desires often prompt us to complicate matters unnecessarily. They cause us to overthink, worry, and strive for perfection, thereby suffering from stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. On the other hand, simplifying our lives by focusing on the essentials, letting go of unnecessary burdens, and adopting practices such as mindfulness or gratitude is key to experiencing greater peace, happiness, and fulfillment.
Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow.
Lao Tzu
Change is the only thing permanent in this world. Resistance to it is futile and only causes suffering. Instead, we should embrace every up and down as a natural and inevitable part of the human experience.
Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.
Charles R. Swindoll
While external circumstances do have an impact on our lives, it is our interpretation and response to those events that ultimately determine our overall experience.
Meaning of life sayings
Short Quotes on the Meaning of Life
Not all who wander are lost.
J. R. R. Tolkien
A journey into the unknown often leads to unexpected discoveries, both external and internal. By venturing beyond familiar territories, we broaden our horizons, gain new insights into ourselves, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection to a greater whole.
Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.
Sarah Louise Delany
Life is too short to settle for mediocrity. Instead of wasting it on negativity or regrets, we should live every moment to its fullest by constantly pursuing our dreams and passions, while at the same time tending to our connections with others.
The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
Robert Byrne
Whether it’s a career, a hobby, or a cause, having something that ignites one’s enthusiasm is what gives life meaning.
Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.
Helen Keller
A daring adventure is about living in the present moment, savoring every experience, and being willing to step into the unknown. It’s about being fully engaged in life, appreciating the beauty of the journey, and actively learning from every mistake.
Life is about making an impact, not making an income.
Kevin Kruse
True fulfillment comes from contributing positively to the world, rather than solely focusing on financial gain. It’s about connecting with others, developing future generations (through activities like coaching, mentoring, teaching, etc.), giving back to the community, and making a positive difference in the world.
Quotes on the true meaning of life
Read more: Ikigai (生き甲斐) – The Blueprint for a Purposeful & Fulfilling Life
Inspirational Quotes on the Meaning of Life
In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
Abraham Lincoln
It doesn’t matter if we live for only 50 years or over 100 years. What’s truly important is the way we spend our time on Earth. Are we making the most of our time, creating positive memories, doing what we love, seeking new experiences, and cultivating bonds with others? Are we cherishing every moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future?
Challenging the meaning of life is the truest expression of the state of being human.
Viktor E. Frankl
Questioning the meaning of life is not a mere philosophical exercise but a fundamental human drive. It’s a reflection of our innate curiosity and desire to understand our existence. This constant engagement with life’s mysteries is what distinguishes us from other beings and allows us to truly live. Even in the darkest of times, the pursuit of meaning will give us the solace and strength necessary to overcome all adversities.
Read more: 200 Self-reflection Questions – Toolkit for Life Pilgrims
Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
George Bernard Shaw
We are not mere products of circumstances. We have the capacity to influence our lives and make conscious decisions that shape the future. The choices we make, both big and small, all play a significant role in deciding who we become.
Deep meaning of life quotes
It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
J. K. Rowling
The choices we make are a reflection of our values, beliefs, and moral compass. They reveal what we prioritize and stand for. While abilities represent our potential, it’s our choices that transform potential into reality – and visualize the extraordinary out of the ordinary.
Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
Luke 12:15
The excessive desire for wealth is the cause of “spiritual bankruptcy”; it consumes our hearts and minds, leaving little room for gratitude, compassion, and other virtues. After all, material possessions do not last; only love, faith, and compassion may endure.
Life quotes with deep meaning
Famous Quotes on the Meaning of Life by Philosophers
The unexamined life is not worth living.
Socrates
A life lived without questioning one’s beliefs, values, and actions is ultimately meaningless. Only through philosophical inquiry may we arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of reality, make more informed choices, live more authentically, and find greater fulfillment.
He who has a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how’.
Friedrich Nietzsche
A strong sense of purpose is what sustains individuals through even the most difficult circumstances. Whether it is a personal goal/ aspiration or a broader sense of mission or calling, having a ‘why’ transforms mundane tasks into meaningful endeavors and makes suffering bearable.
Life must be understood backward. But it must be lived forward.
Søren Kierkegaard
While we can only fully comprehend the meaning and significance of our lives in retrospect, we must live each moment to the fullest, without the benefit of hindsight. Living life forward implies embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and making choices without complete knowledge of the future. It requires us to trust our instincts, follow our passions, and make authentic decisions.
Meaning of life philosophy quotes
Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.
Jean-Paul Sartre
The freedom to choose one’s actions, values, and the course of one’s life is what separates humanity from other beings. This freedom, however, comes with a heavy burden: responsibility. We are the sole authors of our lives, and we must accept the full weight of our decisions. Rather than making excuses or playing the “blame game”, it is time for each of us to look inward and carve out a path forward.
The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whether through work, volunteerism, or simply lending a helping hand, we are all invited to find ways to make a practical difference in the lives of others, do what is right even when it’s difficult, and demonstrate a genuine concern for those around us. By focusing on usefulness, honorability, and compassion, we will find purpose and joy every day.
Quotes on the meaning of life lessons
Quotes on the Purpose of Life
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
Eleanor Roosevelt
The meaning of life isn’t found in a single, grand purpose, but rather in the accumulation of experiences and the pursuit of growth. It’s about finding joy in the simple things, paying attention to the details, and constantly seeking out new opportunities for learning and development.
The purpose of life is to know yourself and love yourself and trust yourself and be yourself.
Yogi Bhajan
The ultimate purpose of life lies in authenticity. Only through catering to the needs of our inner core may we foster deeper connections with others, live in harmony with society, and derive lasting happiness from every day.
Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.
Joseph Campbell
The meaning of life is not an external, objective truth to be discovered, but a subjective experience that each individual creates. This doesn’t imply nihilism or a bleak outlook. Instead, it highlights the active role we play in creating meaning. It’s not something that happens to us, but something we choose and construct.
Purpose of life quotes
Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.
Buddha
A diligent and persistent pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is what liberates us from suffering and attains enlightenment, therefore giving meaning to our time on Earth.
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
Pablo Picasso
When we focus on giving back, we not only help others but also enrich our own lives. Sharing our wealth/ talents allows us to understand people, make a difference, and ultimately find our own sense of purpose.
Motto about life
Read more: 55 Self-discovery Quotes – Inspirational Words for Knowing Thyself
Quotes on the Meaning of Life and Love
Where there is love there is life.
Mahatma Gandhi
Love is the catalyst for creation and growth, both in the physical and metaphysical sense. It inspires the birth of new life, fosters the development of relationships, and nurtures the expansion of our souls.
Love is the only reality, and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation.
Rabindranath Tagore
Love is not just a part of our experience, but the very fabric of existence itself. It’s the underlying force that connects everything in the universe and gives meaning to life. By embracing love in all its forms, we can tap into the true nature of reality and experience a deeper sense of connection and fulfillment.
Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.
Khalil Gibran
Love is the lifeblood of human existence. It’s what makes life worth living. Without love, our lives would be empty and meaningless.
Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another.
Thomas Merton
We are not isolated beings, but rather interconnected parts of a larger whole. It is through love, especially unconditional love, that we may transcend our ego-centric perspectives and embrace a broader, more compassionate worldview.
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.
Nelson Henderson
True meaning in life is found in contributing to something larger than ourselves – in this case, providing benefits for future generations. Even though we may not directly reap the rewards, all acts of selfless giving leaves behind a tangible legacy that will endure long after we are gone.
Read more: Love Beyond Limits – 84 Unconditional Love Quotes for Every Soul
Quotes on the Meaning of Life and Death
Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.
Albert Einstein
Human existence transcends individual lives. Our actions and values have the potential to shape the world long after we step beyond the Veil. While our physical bodies may perish, our impact on the world and connection to future generations do not.
Death is not the opposite of life, but a part of it.
Haruki Murakami
By acknowledging the inevitable nature of our mortality, we can approach life with greater acceptance and peace, live fully in the present moment, and cherish every experience and connection.
Life is not a dress rehearsal – this is probably it. Make it count. Time is extremely limited and goes by fast. Do what makes you happy and fulfilled – few people get remembered hundreds of years after they die anyway. Don’t do stuff that doesn’t make you happy. Don’t spend time trying to maintain relationships with people you don’t like, and cut negative people out of your life. Negativity is really bad. Don’t let yourself make excuses for not doing the things you want to do.
Sam Altman
We only live once, and our time on Earth passes by very quickly. No matter what the reason for our existence is, we are given one chance only. Make the best out of it!
Deep meaning reality sad quotes about life
As much money and life as you could want! The two things most human beings would choose above all – the trouble is, humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.
J. K. Rowling
While we may desire wealth and a long life, these things do not necessarily guarantee happiness. In fact, excessive pursuit of material wealth is a common cause of stress, anxiety, and a loss of connection with others. Similarly, a long life can be a burden if it is filled with suffering or a lack of purpose. Instead of chasing vanities, it’s time for us to find happiness in simpler things – gratitude, compassion, and a sense of connection with others.
To be, or not to be – that is the question
Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep.
Is it better to endure the hardships of life or to end one’s life to escape them? While the latter choice may seemingly provide relief from suffering, there are moral implications and potential consequences that need to be considered. At the end of the day, we should carefully consider the value of life, even in the face of adversity. In fact, there is still hope for a better future, and enduring suffering may ultimately lead to greater clarity and growth.
Meaningful words about life
Read more: Remember You’re Mortal – 72 Memento Mori Quotes to Live By Every Day
Quotes on the Meaning of Life and Happiness
The purpose of life is to be happy.
Dalai Lama
Our lives are not merely about achieving external goals or accumulating possessions, but about cultivating a sense of inner peace and joy. While chasing worldly achievements may provide temporary satisfaction, it is through embracing the ups and downs of life with a positive outlook that we may cultivate a sense of lasting contentment and make sense of our existence.
Life is what you make of it. You can make it easy on yourself or you can make it hard.
Deep Roy
We can opt for the easy way out, avoiding challenges and taking the path of least resistance. Alternatively, we can choose the harder path, which may involve overcoming obstacles and stepping outside of our comfort zones. While the easy path may seem appealing in the short term, it will only lead to stagnation and a lack of fulfillment. The harder one, while more demanding, will lay the foundation for significant personal growth, resilience, and a deeper sense of satisfaction.
Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.
Aristotle
Happiness is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is the driving force behind our actions and the ultimate measure of a well-lived life. By understanding the nature of happiness and striving to live a virtuous and balanced life, we can increase our chances of achieving lasting fulfillment and joy.
True meaning of happiness quotes
The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters.
Audrey Hepburn
The prevalence of materialism in today’s world is what traps many people in an endless cycle of ignorance and suffering. It causes us to lose sight of what truly matters in life: passion, purpose, and healthy relationships, among others.
Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Matthew 6:25
Life is more than just physical sustenance. Our true worth and happiness are not tied to material possessions or bodily appearance. Focusing on one’s spiritual and emotional needs, trusting in a grander scheme, and relinquishing control are key to cultivating a deeper, more lasting sense of fulfillment and peace.
Happiness meaning of life quotes
Read more: From Sorrow to Strength – 120 Overcoming Sadness Quotes for Inner Resilience
Positive Life Quotes
Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive.
Matt Cameron
Nobody can run away from life’s ups and downs. Rather than being trapped in a cycle of self-pity, we are invited to adopt a more holistic outlook, practice gratitude, find the silver linings, and strive for growth under all circumstances.
Life is a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times. Develop from the negatives. And if things don’t work out, take another shot.
Unknown
Just as a camera focuses on a specific subject, we should only prioritize what truly matters in our lives. This could be our relationships, passions, health, or personal growth. When things don’t go as planned, it’s important to keep trying, like a photographer who will take multiple shots until they get the perfect image.
It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
John Wooden
It’s the small choices we make daily, the habits we cultivate, and the little acts of kindness we perform that contribute to our overall well-being and sense of worth.
Read more: Habits in Personality Development – A Comprehensive Guide to Self-improvement
Little things mean a lot quotes
When it hurts, observe. Life is trying to teach you something.
Buddha
Our innate response when we experience pain or discomfort is to react impulsively, which is just counterintuitive. Suffering is not a random occurrence; there are often plenty of reasons behind that. Frequently pausing to observe life’s experiences and learning from them is crucial to cultivating greater self-awareness, compassion, and resilience. Eventually, we will discover a deeper meaning behind our own existence.
It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
Paulo Coelho
While the ultimate visualization of a vision may be incredibly fulfilling, it’s the journey itself – including the experiences, lessons, and relationships we encounter along the way – that truly shapes us. The key to a meaningful life is to embrace the possibility of realizing our dreams by setting clear goals, taking consistent action, being persistent, and maintaining unwavering faith.
Unique quotes on life with meaning
Read more: 57 Hope Quotes to Uplift Spirits & Brighten the Day
Quotes on Overcoming Challenges and Finding Meaning
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
Albert Einstein
Just as a cyclist must maintain momentum to stay upright, life requires constant movement and progress. Stagnation leads to imbalance and potential downfall. Instead, we must adapt to life’s changing conditions, take calculated risks, and above all, enjoy every experience.
Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
Joshua J. Marine
Life is not about avoiding difficulties but embracing them. It’s through the process of overcoming adversity that we truly discover our potential and create a life filled with meaning.
The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.
Robert Tew
Every challenge we face strengthens our mental fortitude. It helps us develop the ability to persevere through difficult times. At the same time, we are also given the opportunity to refine our problem-solving skills and gaining wisdom from the process.
Life means struggle quotes
There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning in one’s life.
Viktor E. Frankl
Even in the face of unimaginable suffering, we are called to cling to our inner strength. By seeking meaning in their experiences, even the most horrific ones, and connecting with people, one may find a reason to keep growing and help others do the same.
If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death. Without suffering and death, human life cannot be complete.
Viktor E. Frankl
Human beings possess the unique capacity to rise above their circumstances. Suffering, as such, is a potent catalyst for spiritual growth and acquiring a deeper connection to something greater than oneself.
Read more: 100 Quotes About Overcoming Obstacles – Triumph in Adversity
Spiritual Meaning of Life Quotes
Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.
Rumi
We must find a harmonious equilibrium between clinging to what we know and embracing change. The attachment to certain beliefs, relationships, or material possessions may provide us with a sense of security and stability; yet it is also a cause of suffering, as we resist the inevitable flow of life. Letting go, on the other hand, is about surrendering to the impermanence of all things and releasing our grip on the past, our expectations for the future, and our need to control outcomes. It is a journey of learning to trust the universe, to give in to its flow, and to find peace in the ever-changing nature of existence.
For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person’s life at a given moment.
Viktor E. Frankl
The meaning of life is unique to each individual. What may matter to one person may not be to another; hence, it does no good to keep comparing ourselves to others and living up to people’s expectations. At the same time, our perception of meaning typically changes from day to day depending on the specific circumstances and experiences. Rather than seeking a grand, overarching purpose, we are encouraged to focus on the specific meaning of the present moment – and choose how to react without succumbing to external forces.
The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.
Alan Watts
Many people believe that happiness and fulfillment come from achieving external goals, such as wealth, fame, or power. However, the mere fact of being alive is a miracle, a gift that should be cherished and celebrated. Instead of striving for vanities, let us slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be!
Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We have lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sail for the stars.
Carl Sagan
Exploration is deeply ingrained in our nature. It’s a fundamental part of what it means to be human. Our ancestors were wanderers, driven by curiosity to explore new lands and seek out new opportunities. Likewise, it’s time for us to venture beyond the ordinary and explore not just the physical universe, but also the depths of our own souls. By venturing into the unknown, we will discover new truths about ourselves and the world around us, and ultimately, find deeper meaning in life.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7
Being proactive is key to discovering the grander schemes behind our existence. As stated by the Law of Attraction, when we take initiative and make a conscious effort to step into the unknown, we align ourselves with divine guidance and experience the fullness of life.
Verses on the meaning of life
Read more: 45 Inner Peace Quotes – Nourishing Wisdom for Tranquility & Harmony
Funny Meaning of Life Quotes
I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Steven Wright
Death is inevitable; however, that does not stop us from deriving pleasure and meaning from the most mundane joys of daily life.
Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.
Unknown
Time slips away quickly; hence, it’s essential to savor the good times. Even simple pleasures like smiling will be diminished as we age.
Life is like a sewer… what you get out of it depends on what you put into it.
Tom Lehrer
Life is what you make it. If you put in effort, positivity, and good deeds, you’re likely to reap positive rewards. Conversely, if you’re negative, lazy, or harmful, you’ll likely experience negative consequences.
Life is hard; it’s harder if you’re stupid.
John Wayne
While life may present challenges, it’s up to us to navigate them in a way that leads to a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Are we demonstrating responsibility, thinking critically, learning from mistakes, and striving for wisdom?
Should I kill myself, or have a cup of coffee?
Albert Camus
Even in the face of existential crisis, there’s always the choice to continue, to find solace in the simple things, and to persist in the face of the absurd.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of the quotes on the meaning of life above, it should be clear that there is no definite answer to what life really is. Depending on one’s circumstances and experiences, the answer may vary greatly. However, what matters is that one never stops seeking, reflecting, and embracing each moment to its fullest! Even though there may be a lot of detours along the way, remember, not all who wander are lost.
Other resources you might be interested in:
- 15 Meaning of Life Books to Illuminate Your Purpose
- 20 Meaning of Life Movies That Will Make You Think
- 105 Powerful Stoic Quotes to Live by Every Day for a Virtuous & Fulfilling Life
- 50 Facing Fears Quotes: Unleash the Power Within
- 50 Push Yourself Quotes to Move Forward & Inspire Success
Let’s Tread the Path Together, Shall We?
