Life is indeed darkness save when there is urge, and all urge is blind save when there is knowledge, and all knowledge is vain save when there is work, and all work is empty save when there is love.
—Kahlil Gibran (1883–1931) Lebanese-born American Philosopher, Poet, Painter, Theologian, Sculptor
The gods had condemned Sisyphus to ceaselessly rolling a rock to the top of a mountain, whence the stone would fall back of its own weight. They had thought with some reason that there is no more dreadful punishment than futile and hopeless labor.
—Albert Camus (1913–60) Algerian-born French Philosopher, Dramatist, Essayist, Novelist, Author
It is the superfluous things for which men sweat.
—Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (c.4 BCE–65 CE) Roman Stoic Philosopher, Statesman, Tragedian
A walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616) British Playwright
No! I am not Prince Hamlet, nor was meant to be: am an attendant lord, one that will do to swell a progress, start a scene or two, advise the prince.
—T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) American-born British Poet, Dramatist, Literary Critic
A constant smirk upon the face, and a whiffing activity of the body, are strong indications of futility.
—Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773) English Statesman, Man of Letters
For I have known them all already, know them all: have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons; I have measured out my life with coffee spoons … .
—T. S. Eliot (1888–1965) American-born British Poet, Dramatist, Literary Critic
He is useless on top of the ground; he ought to be under it, inspiring the cabbages.
—Mark Twain (1835–1910) American Humorist
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