This quote by Friedrich Nietzsche suggests that throughout history, the most enlightened thinkers have arrived at the same conclusion about life: that it is inherently meaningless or worthless. This doesn’t necessarily imply that life is not worth living, but rather that it has no built-in or intrinsic value or purpose. It’s a perspective rooted in existentialist philosophy, which posits that life’s value and meaning are not automatically provided by the universe, religion, or society, but must be created by each individual.

The idea that life is “worthless” can be seen as a liberating concept. If life has no inherent meaning, it frees us from the pressures of conforming to societal expectations or preordained paths. We are free to create our own purpose and meaning, to define what is valuable to us. This could mean pursuing creative passions, fostering relationships, contributing to a cause we believe in, or seeking personal growth and self-understanding.

In today’s world, this idea is highly relevant. Many people feel pressured to follow certain paths in life: to earn a certain amount of money, to achieve specific career milestones, to marry and have children, etc. But if life is inherently “worthless,” these markers of success lose their power. Instead, each person is free to determine their own measures of success and fulfillment.

In terms of personal development, this perspective can be empowering. It encourages self-determination and personal responsibility. Rather than looking to external sources for validation or purpose, we can look inward, developing our own values and goals. It can also foster resilience, as setbacks and failures can be seen as part of the process of creating our own meaning, rather than as indications that we are failing to meet some objective standard of success.