"The origin of the absurd idea of immortal life is easy to discover it is kept alive by hope and fear, by childish faith, and by cowardice."

Life

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on life by Clarence Darrow resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in life is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Clarence Darrow

Clarence Seward Darrow was an American lawyer and politician who became famous in the 19th century for high-profile representations of trade union causes, and in the 20th century for several criminal matters, including the Leopold and Loeb murder trial, the Scopes "monkey" trial, and the Ossian Sweet defense. He was a leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union and a prominent advocate for numerous Populist causes, as well as a noted public speaker, debater, and writer.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the Quotes Archive Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

More by Clarence Darrow

"The best that we can do is to be kindly and helpful toward our friends and fellow passengers who are clinging to the same speck of dirt while we are drifting side by side to our common doom."

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"As long as the world shall last there will be wrongs, and if no man objected and no man rebelled, those wrongs would last forever."

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"It is a profound truth that we do not remember the passing of hours, but the resonance of moments — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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"Patience is not passive waiting; it is active endurance with a calm countenance. Let this simple maxim guide your daily deeds — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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"The richness of existence is found in simple harmonies, not superfluous splendors. Remember this in moments of decisive trial — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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