"人是唯一一个对于他自己的存在成为必须解决的问题的动物"
— Erich Fromm
Simplified Meaning:
People are the only creatures who spend time thinking about the meaning of their lives and their purpose. Unlike animals, who simply live and follow their instincts, humans often wonder why they are here and what they should be doing with their lives. For example, a cat eats, sleeps, and plays without questioning its actions or future. In contrast, a person might struggle with decisions about their career, relationships, or overall happiness because they want their life to have meaning. This idea encourages us to think deeply about our choices and find what truly makes us fulfilled. To apply this, someone might take time to explore different interests or set goals to achieve personal satisfaction, rather than living on autopilot.
Related tags
Consciousness Existentialism Human condition Human nature Identity Meaning of life Philosophy Purpose of life Self-awareness Self-reflection
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