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I am more and more convinced that taking life over-seriously is a frivolous thing. There is an affected self-dramatizing in the brooding over one's prospects and destiny. The trifling attitude of an Ecclesiastes is essentially sober and serious. It is in closer touch with the so-called eternal truths than are the most penetrating metaphysical probing and the most sensitive poetic insights.

Eric Hoffer#125

TruthLifePhilosophyPerspectiveAttitudeSeriousness

About this quote

What does it mean?
Taking life too seriously is frivolous; a trivial attitude like Ecclesiastes is closer to eternal truths than deep metaphysics.
In plain terms
Being overly serious about life is silly; a lighthearted view aligns better with truth than deep philosophy.
What can you take from it?
A lighthearted attitude may reveal more truth than taking life too seriously.

Where it applies

  • philosophical discussion
  • life advice
  • personal outlook

Putting it to work

  • adopt lightness
  • question seriousness
  • seek perspective

Questions to consider

  • Is taking life seriously useful?
  • What is closer to truth?

Another view

Dismissing deep metaphysical inquiry may overlook valuable insights about existence.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. What merit there is in my thinking is derived from two peculiarities: (1) My inability to be familiar with anything. I simply can't take things for granted. (2…

    Permalink to quote #124
  2. This food-and-shelter theory concerning man's efforts is without insight. Our most persistent and spectacular efforts are concerned not with the preservation o…

    Permalink to quote #126
  3. It is not good for our efforts at self-realization to know the opinions other people have of us. It is difficult or perhaps impossible to be ourselves if we ar…

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