meaning of life - quotes

Albert Camus, 1913-1960

was a French existentialist author and philosopher

I see many people die because they judge that life is not worth living. I see others paradoxically gettin killed for the ideas or illusions that give them a reason for living (what is called a reason for living is also an excellent reason for dying). I therefore conclude that the meaning of life is the most urgent of questions.

( “The Myth of Sisyphus”, 1942 )

Kurt Vonnegut, 1922-2007

was an US novelist

A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.

( “The Sirens of Titan”, 1959 )

Erich (Seligmann) Fromm, 1900-1980

was an US (German-born) psychologist

There is no meaning to life except the meaning man gives his life by unfolding of his powers.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832

was a German dramatist, novelist, poet, and scientist

Man is not born to solve the problem of the universe, but to find out what he has to do; and to restrain himself within the limits of his comprehension.