Since records began, human beings have wondered about their existence and whether or not life has meaning and purpose. The quotations that appear in this book are taken from a study conducted by Arizone State University, in which hundreds of quotations from eminent people regarding their beliefs about the meaning of life were content analysed.
The study revealed that these beliefs fell into ten main categories, which were: Life is to be enjoyed, We are here to serve God, We are here to seek wisdom and self-actualisation, The meaning of life is a mystery, Life is meaningless, We are here to help others, Life is a struggle, We are here to contribute to society, We must create meaning for ourselves, and Life is absurd.
The Meaning of Life takes a selection of these quotations from some of the most famous names throughout history, divided into chapters based on the categories above. Included here are thoughts on life from philosophers and scientists, novelists and poets, film stars and politicians – from the ancient to the modern. Together they form a unique and revealing exposé on humanity's diverse and often surprising views on its own place in the universe.
