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"一切都已经被想通了,除了如何生活。"

Jean Paul Sartre
Jean Paul Sartre Philosopher
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Quote meaning
The quote points to the idea that humanity has made incredible strides in understanding and mastering the world around us—science, technology, medicine, and engineering—but despite all this progress, we still struggle with the fundamental question of how to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It’s like we’ve built the best maps and tools for navigation, but we’re still unsure of where we really want to go or why.

This was said by Jean-Paul Sartre, a French existentialist philosopher, during a time when the world was grappling with the aftermath of World War II and the existential crises that followed. People were questioning the purpose of life, and traditional values were being challenged. Sartre's work often revolved around themes of freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Let’s think about a real-life example to see this in action. Imagine a successful tech entrepreneur. She’s created a groundbreaking app that solves a significant problem, amassed a fortune, and earned accolades. On the surface, she’s got everything figured out. Yet, despite all her achievements, she feels an overwhelming sense of emptiness. She’s disconnected from her family, constantly stressed, and hasn’t taken a moment to think about what truly makes her happy. Her life feels like a series of tasks and achievements, lacking deeper meaning or joy. She’s a living example of how you can conquer the world but still not know how to live.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by asking yourself what truly makes you happy. Not just fleeting pleasures, but the deep-rooted joys that give your life meaning. Build relationships that matter—invest time and energy in friendships and family, not just networking. Find balance. Work is important, but so is taking time for yourself, enjoying hobbies, and simply being present.

Here’s a relatable story. Picture this: You’ve been working non-stop for months, climbing the corporate ladder. Your boss praises you, and you’re up for a promotion. But every day, you find yourself more tired and less excited about the things you used to love. One weekend, you decide to take a break. You visit an old friend who lives in the countryside. You spend the days hiking, cooking together, and just talking. For the first time in ages, you feel a sense of peace. You realize that while your career is important, it’s these simple moments of connection and tranquility that make life truly rich.

Ultimately, it’s about balance and reflection. We’ve got all these tools and knowledge at our disposal, but without taking the time to understand ourselves and what we truly want from life, we risk living unfulfilled. Imagine if we put as much effort into figuring out how to live well as we do into our jobs or side projects. What kind of world would that be? A richer, more connected, and undoubtedly more content one.
Related tags
Existentialism Human condition Introspection Life Meaning Philosophy Purpose Sartre Self-discovery Wisdom
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