John Webster: 'Heaven fashioned us of nothing; and we strive to bring ourselves to nothing.'

Heaven fashioned us of nothing; and we strive to bring ourselves to nothing.

The quote by John Webster, "Heaven fashioned us of nothing; and we strive to bring ourselves to nothing," encapsulates a profound reflection on the nature of human existence. At first glance, the quote seems bleak and pessimistic, suggesting that human beings are inherently destined for oblivion. However, upon delving deeper into its meaning, it becomes apparent that there is a significant philosophical concept hidden within these words that offers a unique perspective on the purpose and essence of our lives.In its straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that our existence is a result of divine creation. "Heaven fashioned us of nothing" implies that we were brought into being from an absence, indicating that our existence is not predetermined by any specific purpose or pre-existing substance. This notion challenges conventional beliefs about human nature, pushing us to question the foundations of our own self-perception. It invites us to reflect on the intrinsic worth and meaning we attribute to our lives.However, the latter part of the quote, "and we strive to bring ourselves to nothing," introduces a contrasting perspective. It presents a paradoxical concept that seems counterintuitive at first glance. Why would we, as conscious beings endowed with the capacity for growth and achievement, seek to bring ourselves to nothingness? This enigmatic proposition raises intriguing questions about the nature of human desire, the pursuit of self-transcendence, and the longing for a higher purpose.To unravel the underlying philosophical concept of this quote, we can explore the ancient philosophical idea of "nihilism" in contrast to the existentialist philosophy of "absurdism." Nihilism posits that life has no inherent meaning or value and that all human efforts to attribute significance to it are futile. This parallel connects to the quote's observation that we strive to bring ourselves to nothing. Nihilism asserts that our existence ultimately leads to nothingness, reinforcing the initial interpretation of the quote as a statement of existential pessimism.However, the existentialist philosophy of absurdism, popularized by thinkers like Albert Camus, provides a different perspective. Absurdism argues that even though life may be inherently devoid of objective meaning, we must still confront and embrace its inherent absurdity. Within this framework, the quote can be seen as a call to acknowledge the inherent nothingness, yet simultaneously recognize the potential for self-creation and the pursuit of personal meaning.By striving to bring ourselves to nothing, we engage in a process of self-reflection and self-transcendence. Acknowledging the absence of preordained purpose compels us to take responsibility for shaping our own existence. It empowers us to seek out and create meaning for ourselves, even in the face of life's inherent uncertainty and potential absurdity.In essence, John Webster's quote prompts us to contemplate the delicate balance between the futility of our existence and our limitless capacity for self-transcendence. It challenges us to navigate the tension between nihilism and the recognition of our own agency in shaping our lives. Ultimately, it invites us to embrace the existential paradox, finding purpose and fulfillment within the void.In conclusion, John Webster's quote, "Heaven fashioned us of nothing; and we strive to bring ourselves to nothing," encompasses a complex philosophical concept. While it initially appears bleak, it serves as an invitation to explore the interplay between nihilism and absurdism. It invites us to contemplate the potential for self-creation and personal meaning in a world that may lack inherent purpose. By embracing the paradox of human existence, we can discover a path towards true self-realization and fulfillment amidst the void.