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About this quote

What does it mean?
Life is not designed for enjoyment or observation but presents a difficult problem that requires constant negotiation.
In plain terms
Life is a difficult problem to solve rather than just a show or a party.
What can you take from it?
Approach life as a challenge to manage rather than a spectacle to watch.

Where it applies

  • facing hardship
  • planning strategy
  • philosophical discussion

Putting it to work

  • accept challenges
  • plan actively
  • avoid passivity

Questions to consider

  • How should we approach existence?
  • Is life a gift or a burden?

Another view

Describing life only as a predicament ignores moments of genuine joy and ease.

More from George Santayana

  1. The truth is cruel, but it can be loved, and it makes free those who have loved it.

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  2. The great difficulty in education is to get experience out of ideas.

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. The loftiest edifices need the deepest foundations.

    Permalink to quote #64

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