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About this quote

What does it mean?
The purpose of human existence is not merely personal pleasure but something more serious or duty-bound.
In plain terms
We are here to do work not just to have fun.
What can you take from it?
Life demands responsibility over mere enjoyment.

Where it applies

  • career choice
  • ethical living
  • existential crisis

Putting it to work

  • find meaning in work
  • balance leisure and duty

Questions to consider

  • What is the point of being here?
  • Is happiness a goal or a side effect?

Another view

Enjoyment is still a valid part of a meaningful life.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.

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  2. If a person tells me he has been to the worst places I have no reason to judge him; but if he tells me it was his superior wisdom that enabled him to go there,…

    Permalink to quote #113
  3. For a truly religious man nothing is tragic.

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