Socrates told us, "the unexamined life is not worth living." I think he's calling for curiosity, more than knowledge. In every human society at all times and at all levels, the curious are at the leading edge.
Roger EbertRead
I am not a believer, not an atheist, not an agnostic. I am still awake at night, asking how? I am more content with the question than I would be with an answer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a sense of peace in accepting uncertainty rather than seeking definitive answers about existence.
Roger Ebert's quote reflects a philosophical stance that embraces the complexity of existence and the inherent questions surrounding it. He identifies himself not with any labels of belief, but rather as someone who finds satisfaction in the pursuit of understanding, emphasizing that the act of questioning can be more fulfilling than grasping at concrete answers.
Themes
QuestioningExistenceContentmentBeliefUncertainty
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion about belief systems and the nature of existence.
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I was born inside the movie of my life. The visuals were before me, the audio surrounded me, the plot unfolded inevitably but not necessarily. I don't remember how I got into the movie, but it continues to entertain me.
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Why do alcoholics begin down the same hazardous road day after day? They are in search of that elusive window of well-being that opens when you drink your way out of a hangover and aren't yet drunk all over again. The alcoholic's day consists of trying to keep that window open.
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There are no guarantees. But there is also nothing to fear. We come from oblivion when we are born. We return to oblivion when we die. The astonishing thing is this period of in-between.
Roger EbertRead
Parents and schools should place great emphasis on the idea that it is all right to be different. Racism and all the other 'isms' grow from primitive tribalism, the instinctive hostility against those of another tribe, race, religion, nationality, class or whatever. You are a lucky child if your parents taught you to accept diversity.
Roger EbertRead
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