Quote of the Day by Abraham Joshua Heschel: ‘We are in dire need of meaning by our very existence’ | Today’s news
Quote by Abraham Joshua Heschel, “We absolutely need meaning in our existence,” is a profound reminder that human beings do not live by mere survival. We need purpose, wonder, moral guidance, and a sense that our lives are connected to something greater than ourselves. The line is associated with Heschel’s essay “Holy Dimension,” later included in Moral nobility and spiritual boldness. It speaks to one of the deepest human questions: why are we here and what gives life meaning?
Quote of the day
“We are in dire need of meaning in our existence.”
— Abraham Joshua Heschel
The full passage is often quoted as: “We need meaning by our very existence, and anything that calls for meaning is always an allusion to Him.” The quote is attributed to Heschel’s essay “Holy Dimension,” in Moral Eminence and Spiritual Courage: Essayspage 330.
Quote of the day and why it matters
Abraham Joshua Heschel’s quote is important because it explains a truth that modern life often ignores: human beings need more than comfort, speed, success, and distraction. We need meaning.
A person can have work, money, entertainment and social contacts, but still feel empty inside if life lacks meaning. Heschel’s line reminds us that the hunger for meaning is not a luxury. It’s part of being human.
Phrase “by our very existence” is important. Heschel does not say that meaning is only needed during a crisis. He says that existing as a human being already means asking questions of meaning: Why does my life matter? What am I responsible for? What is worthy of my love, work and attention?
The meaning behind the quote
The quote means that human life naturally extends beyond mere survival. We don’t want to live simply; we want our lives to matter.
For Heschel, meaning is associated with wonder, faith, responsibility, and knowing that life is not random dust. In a complete passage, he writes about the human life with which he relates “the last, the meaning of all meanings”, it suggests that our search for meaning is directed toward something sacred and transcendent.
Simply put, Heschel’s message is: a human being cannot be fully alive without some meaning, respect and moral guidance.
Life lessons from Abraham Joshua Heschel’s quote
1. Survival is not the same as meaning
A person can go through a routine, make money, meet deadlines and still feel spiritually restless. Heschel reminds us that life needs meaning, not just activity.
2. Meaning begins with wonder
Heschel often wrote about awe and wonder as essential spiritual experiences. His idea encourages people to look at the world not as something ordinary to be consumed, but as something extraordinary to be encountered.
3. Purpose comes with responsibility
The point is not just about personal happiness. It also comes from responsibility – to people, justice, compassion, truth and the world around us.
4. Emptiness can be a signal
Feeling empty doesn’t have to mean failure. It may be a soul asking for deeper meaning, better values, or a truer way of life.
5. The search for meaning is a lifelong journey
Heschel’s image of meaning as an “endless staircase” suggests that meaning is not always fully visible. Even when the higher levels are out of sight, human beings are constantly moving towards a distant goal.
Who Was Abraham Joshua Heschel?
Abraham Joshua Heschel was a Jewish theologian, philosopher, rabbi, poet, teacher and social critic. He was born in Warsaw incl 1907 and died in New York incl 1972. Britannica describes him as a prominent Jewish theologian and philosopher known for presenting the prophetic and mystical aspects of Judaism and creating a modern philosophy of religion rooted in Jewish tradition.
The Heschel Center also describes him as a leading teacher, activist, social critic, theologian, poet, philosopher and scholar.
The Influence and Legacy of Abraham Joshua Heschel
Heschel’s legacy lies in the way he linked spirituality with moral responsibility. He was not merely a religious thinker of prayer, faith, and wonder; he was also a public voice for justice and human dignity.
The King Institute at Stanford notes that Heschel was a Jewish theologian and philosopher whose social consciousness led to involvement in the civil rights movement. He also notes that Martin Luther King Jr. considered one of the great prophetic religious voices of the time.
This context makes this quote even more powerful. For Heschel, meaning was not abstract. A meaningful life had to be lived through respect, compassion and responsibility for others.
Why this quote still connects with modern readers
This quote resonates strongly today as many people live in a world full of possibilities but little meaning. A career can feel mechanical. Relationships can feel scattered. Success can feel empty. Digital life can keep people busy while also making them spiritually tired.
Heschel’s quote speaks to that inner hunger. He says that the desire for meaning is not weakness, confusion or overthinking. It is a sign of our humanity.
In an age of constant productivity, the quote asks a deeper question: What is the purpose of all this activity?
The relevance of the quote in work, relationships and everyday life
At work, Heschel’s quote reminds us that a career can’t just be about salary, title or status. Meaningful work combines skills with contribution, responsibility and a sense of purpose.
In relationships, the quote teaches that human beings need to feel that their presence matters. Love, friendship, and family become meaningful when they help people feel seen, valued, and morally alive.
In daily life, the quote can become a silent practice: find meaning in small duties, acts of care, honest conversations, gratitude, prayer, learning, service, and wonder.
Quote by Abraham Joshua Heschel, “We absolutely need meaning in our existence,” is a timeless reminder that human life cannot be reduced to survival, success or routine.
We need a purpose. We need a miracle. We need moral guidance. We need to feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.
Heschel teaches us that the search for meaning is not an escape from life. It is one of the most profound signs that we are truly alive.
Note on source: The quote is attributed to an essay by Abraham Joshua Heschel “Holy Dimension”, included in Moral Eminence and Spiritual Courage: Essayspage 330, in the citation list of references. For formal publication, the exact wording should ideally be compared to the printed edition.
