As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness read more

As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.

Over the brink of it
Picture it--think of it,
Dissolute man.
Lave in it--drink read more

Over the brink of it
Picture it--think of it,
Dissolute man.
Lave in it--drink of it
Then, if you can.

Never to blend our pleasure or our pride
With sorrow of the meanest thing that feels.

Never to blend our pleasure or our pride
With sorrow of the meanest thing that feels.

Humanism, it seems, is almost impossible in America where material progress is part of the national romance whereas in Europe read more

Humanism, it seems, is almost impossible in America where material progress is part of the national romance whereas in Europe such progress is relished because it feels nice.

Could anything be absurder than a man? The animal who knows everything about himself--except why he was born and the read more

Could anything be absurder than a man? The animal who knows everything about himself--except why he was born and the meaning of his unique existence.

We cannot despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.

We cannot despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.

We are all just monkeys in business suits running around pretending to be executives.

We are all just monkeys in business suits running around pretending to be executives.

Every human heart is human.

Every human heart is human.

I am mortal. I am born to love and to suffer.

I am mortal. I am born to love and to suffer.