Many biblical verses are like inkblot tests, revealing more about us than about the text in question.
Harold S. KushnerRead
Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth, or power. Those rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will be at least a little bit different for our having passed through it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from finding meaning in life rather than seeking superficial rewards.
Harold S. Kushner's quote reflects on the idea that human beings yearn for deeper significance in their lives, rather than just external achievements like fame or wealth. It suggests that while these accolades may provide temporary satisfaction, they often come with their own set of challenges, and that true contentment arises from understanding one’s purpose and contributing positively to the world.
Themes
MeaningPurposeLifeSignificanceFulfillment
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to inspire students about their future paths.
More from Harold S. Kushner
All quotes →I am quite confident that the most important part of a human being is not his physical body but his nonphysical essence, which some people call soul and others, personality... The nonphysical part cannot die and cannot decay because it's not physical.
Harold S. KushnerRead
That is why we have to make room in our lives for people who may sometimes disappoint or exasperate us. If we hold our friends to a standard of perfection, or if they do that to us, we will end up far lonelier than we want to be.
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Pain is a part of being alive, and we need to learn that. Pain does not last forever, nor is it necessarily unbeatable, and we need to be taught that.
Harold S. KushnerRead
Our souls are not hungry for fame, comfort, wealth, or power. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have figured out how to live so that our lives matter.
Harold S. KushnerRead
We cannot live without the knowledge that someone cares about us.
Harold S. KushnerRead
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