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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life is fleeting and uncertain, so putting in great effort may seem pointless.
In plain terms
Life is short and uncertain, making big effort seem wasteful.
What can you take from it?
Don't overcommit to massive projects.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • long‑term projects

Putting it to work

  • focus on short‑term goals
  • prioritize enjoyment

Questions to consider

  • What truly matters to you?
  • When is effort justified?

Another view

Even small efforts can create lasting impact.

More from Arthur Schopenhauer

  1. In the West, where our skin has turned White, we have ceased to recognise our kinship with animals.

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  2. Life nowadays goes at a gallop; and the way in which this affects literature is to make it extremely superficial and slovenly.

    Permalink to quote #109
  3. In every page of David Hume, there is more to be learned than from Hegel's, Herbart's and Schleiermacher's complete philosophical works.

    Permalink to quote #106

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