Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein

It seems to me that, in every culture, I come across a chapter headed 'Wisdom.' And then I know exactly what is going to follow: 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'


It seems to me that, in every culture, I come across a chapt

Summary

This quote suggests a common trend across cultures, where discussions of wisdom often lead to the conclusion that everything is ultimately meaningless and futile. The phrase "vanity of vanities" implies a sense of emptiness or pointlessness. It implies that regardless of the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, or understanding, the end result is often a recognition of the inherent insignificance of all human endeavors. This observation highlights a universal introspective tendency to question the purpose and value of our actions, regardless of cultural backgrounds.

Topics

Wisdom
By Ludwig Wittgenstein
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Random Quotations

It will be a marvellous thing - the true personality of man - when we see it. It will grow naturally and simply, flower-like, or as a tree grows. It will not be at discord. It will never argue or dispute. It will not prove things. It will know everything. And yet it will not busy itself about knowledge. It will have wisdom. Its value will not be measured by material things. It will have nothing. And yet it will have everything, and whatever one takes from it, it will still have, so rich will it be. It will not be always meddling with others, or asking them to be like itself. It will love them because they will be different. And yet, while it will not meddle with others, it will help all, as a beautiful thing helps us by being what it is. The personality of man will be very wonderful. It will be as wonderful as the personality of a child.In its development it will be assisted by Christianity, if men desire that; but if men do not desire that, it will develop none the less surely. For it will not worry itself about the past, nor care whether things happened or did not happen. Nor will it admit any laws but its own laws; nor any authority but its own authority. Yet it will love those who sought to intensify it, and speak often of them. And of these Christ was one.Know Thyself was written over the portal of the antique world. Over the portal of the new world, Be Thyself shall be written. And the message of Christ to man was simply Be Thyself. That is the secret of Christ.

Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Und