Introduction to Metaphysics Quotes

Context

This quote is taken from the philosophical book Introduction to Metaphysics, published by Martin Heidegger in 1953.

So what's all this stuff about? In his most major work of philosophy, Martin Heidegger gets down to brass tacks and asks us why there's something instead of nothing. And if that sounds confusing, it's because thinking can't really go much deeper than this. Seriously, folks. Why do you think things exist at all instead of nothing existing? Why does existence exist? For Heidegger, this is the kind of question you have to come back to over and over if you really want to grapple with philosophy. Otherwise, you're just taking things as given, and a good philosopher never does that (according to Heidegger).

Where you've heard it

You might not have heard this quote directly in a famous movie, song, or book, but chances are that you've come across some zen-like person who's all, "Woah man, have you ever wondered why things exist and why there isn't just nothing?" Some people might even take a line like this and use it as inspiration for a weird art project. You'll even get some scientists trying to tackle the question of why there's something instead of nothing. But in the end, it's unlikely that anyone will ever answer this question completely, and that's what makes it such a great starting point for philosophy.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

It might turn people's brains into pretzels, but this quote probably won't get you booed out of your next party. It's all about how you sell it. You can just drop it into a conversation, or you can make everyone stand back and be quiet while you ask why there's something instead of nothing. Okay, so maybe that last one will still get you booed.