Meaning of life quote from José Saramago (Lisbon)

"There is no point in having a good life if you don't even know you're alive."

José Saramago, age 0 (1922 - 2010)

Lisbon, Portugal

April 13, 2026

This perspective on the meaning of life comes from José Saramago, based in Lisbon, Portugal. As a renowned thinker (1922 - 2010), their words continue to inspire people around the world.

Related Perspectives

"finishing what i start"

— Ash, 23, Lisbon, Portugal

"Life is an experimentation; it is a test. All we do, all we are, is a preparation for something unknown."

— Fernando Pessoa, 0, Lisbon, Portugal

"Perhaps it's the only way to avoid coming to a bad end, to die, that is, when you're still alive."

— José Saramago, 0, Lisbon, Portugal

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

— Aristotle, 0, Athens, Greece

Explore More

Quotes from Portugal

Discover more perspectives from this region

Perspectives from people in their Under 20

See how age shapes life's meaning

All Quotes

Browse the full collection of perspectives

View World Map

See all quotes on the interactive globe