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We might not know anything else, but we can confidently say that being a human isn’t always easy. We’re expected to find happiness in our lives while juggling endless responsibilities and conforming to expectations set by society. Sometimes, existence just feels too heavy. So if you're in need of some humor to lighten the mood, you’ve come to the right place, pandas.

We took a trip to "Existential Shirts" on Instagram and gathered some of their funniest memes below. Some are existentialist, some are painfully relatable, and others are just silly enough to make you smile. We hope you enjoy your journey through these images, and please remember not to take life too seriously!

#1

Black-and-white photo of a quote about AI and art, featured in existential crisis memes collection.

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Rahb in Oz
Community Member
2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who could argue with that? Certainly not me! Sounds like you need a robot instead.

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    Elbert Hubbard famously said, “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” But that’s a lot easier said than done. It can be extremely difficult for people to accept the fact that they’re not going to live forever, and it has been for all of humanity. In fact, the oldest story ever recorded, the Epic of Gilgamesh, is about a king’s quest for immortality.

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    It’s extremely common to fear the end of your life. In fact, a 2021 YouGov survey found that 41% of Brits are afraid of their life coming to an end. Women are even more scared than men, as 47% worry about this, compared to only 35% of men. Perhaps this explains why men are more willing to partake in risky behaviors…

    #4

    Black crow holding a love sign, caption about dark shadows noticing someone sad, existential memes concept.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'The bird of ill omen' legend is all pants; rooks, crows and ravens are intelligent and can be affectionate to humans, even getting jealous of other animals. OK, they pick up shiny things but who doesn't?

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    #5

    Close-up of a mug with a quote about living freely after ruining reputation, surrounded by dancing skeleton memes.

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    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ist der Ruf erst ruiniert, lebt sich's gänzlich ungeniert.

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    #6

    Cat tangled in yarn representing memes that might either cure or worsen your existential crisis feelings.

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    Peppy
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Careful what you wish for, you just might get it!

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    Three-quarters of Brits believe that having a fear of passing away is rational. However, their minds tend to change as they get older. The greatest percentage of Brits who find this fear irrational are over the age of 60. 

    Meanwhile, people tend to worry more about losing a loved one than losing their own life. And over three-quarters of those surveyed said that there is at least one person they would be willing to sacrifice their own life for. But men are over three times as likely as women to worry about their own lives over the lives of their loved ones.

    #7

    Tweet about procrastinating on finishing a book, humorous meme related to existential crisis and time perception.

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    Marnie
    Community Member
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I started How to K**l a Mockingbird and stopped about a chapter from the end. It was many years, at least 8 before I finished it (recently). I stopped The Jungle with maybe 12 page left. I still have a bookmark in it. That was from I think around 2013. I'll get around to it one of these days.

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    #8

    Road signs pointing to nuclear power plant and spider farm with caption expressing existential crisis meme humor.

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    Chrystina Sumpter
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any other arachnophobes out there that remember the old movie about giant, irradiated spiders?

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    If you’re a human being who has come to terms with your own mortality, you’ve likely experienced some existential dread. According to WebMD, it’s perfectly normal to feel despair and uncertainty when you realize that you don’t have answers to life’s biggest questions. Plenty of people feel lost, trapped, or like their life is fake.

    But existential dread doesn’t always come out of nowhere. Sometimes, it’s triggered by a significant life event, such as a marriage, divorce, loss of a friendship, birth of a child, a move, loss of a job, career change, retirement, loss of a loved one, or a diagnosis with a serious illness.

    #10

    Yellow bird on branch screaming with repeated A letters in background, representing an existential crisis meme.

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    Rahb in Oz
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, I have tried, but I am still having trouble hearing you for all the voices and tinnitus.

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    #11

    Meme comparing teenagers in real life looking casual versus looking serious on Netflix, highlighting memes and existential crisis.

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    Howl's sleeping castle
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even in my early 30s i used to look like a teen. People would joke that I would jump from cute teen to cute grandma. No hot girl era for me.

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    #12

    Tweet about adulthood humor reflecting on life's fleeting energy, featured in existential crisis memes collection.

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    Chrystina Sumpter
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was a little sleepy as a child. Just precocious, I guess.

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    As far as how we can deal with existential dread, WebMD recommends trying to accept the feeling. It may be uncomfortable, but unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do about your own mortality. It’s best to learn how to live with that reality than to spend your days spiraling. Meanwhile, journaling may help you make sense of your feelings. Nobody likes to feel like their emotions are bottled up inside their mind, so you might feel a lot better after pouring them out onto paper. 

    #14

    Two books titled On the Road stacked on a road surface, illustrating a visual pun for memes about existential crisis.

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I assume this story has a theme song by Willie Nelson

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    #15

    Tweet showing two contrasting Harvard Business School books, illustrating a meme about knowledge and existential crisis memes.

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    MoBeLa
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really thought the second would be “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” This was better.

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    Another way to combat existential dread is by connecting with others. If you feel like your life is full of meaning, you might not be so scared of what the future holds. Being present in your current reality and focusing on building strong relationships can be extremely rewarding. Plus, you might be able to open up to your loved ones about your complex feelings. 

    #16

    Tweet meme humor about being antisocial with a relatable tone, reflecting existential crisis memes content.

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    Chrystina Sumpter
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brother and I are both in our 60’s. I mentioned the research that indicates that social connections are a better indicator of longevity than genetics, diet, exercise, etc. He responded that some of us are just fine living alone avoiding human contact and that maybe living longer isn’t worth it if you have to be around other people.

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    #18

    Clear packing tape with text repeatedly saying I'm here, a meme illustrating existential crisis humor.

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    Mrreoww
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are there others who use their fingernail to find the edge? Because that has never failed for me.

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    Humor can also be an extremely powerful tool in combatting existential dread. Scientific American notes that humor can be a healthy coping mechanism when life is just too hard. Clinical psychologist Steven Sultanoff explains that it’s usually impossible to experience distressing emotions and humor at the same time. At least for a moment, your fears will vanish while you’re laughing at a funny meme or sharing a joke with friends. Plus, “Joyful use of humor builds psychological antibodies,” Sultanoff says.

    #19

    Cassette tape labeled The Holy Bible read by a 14-year-old atheist, meme referencing existential crisis humor.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love listening to David Suchet reading the Bible. How can you doubt Hercule Poirot?

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    #20

    Close-up of a cartoon hand holding a blue book with bold text about becoming isolated and weird, relating to existential crisis memes.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some are born to isolated and weird, some achieve isolation and weirdness, others have isolation and weirdness thrust upon them.

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    Just because humor is helpful doesn’t mean that we should completely ignore our distressing emotions; it’s still important to face them. But if you can find room for some joy and laughter too, you might be much better off. 

    “You’re not denying that there is some trouble in the world and there’s great despair and grief,” Psychologist MicheleTugade told Scientific American. “It’s giving yourself a break. And we all need a little break.”

    #22

    Cute green owl cartoon with text bubble saying Let's review your mistakes at 3am, relating to existential crisis memes.

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    zatrisha
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aaaaargh... this owl chases and threatens me since I no longer learn Greek regularly 😭

    LillieMean
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, why save all the embarrassing stuff for the evening and night? Try waking up in the morning and breaking that heavenly moment on the border between sleep and wakefulness with some eternally embarrassing memory from your teenage years. You'll ruin your day in a whole new and refreshing way after a bad night's sleep.

    Riley Quinn
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fortunately, it's my bladder that wakes me at 3am, and my brain allows me to fall back asleep instantly.

    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Last night I was out to see a musical with my family. My sister's friend (who lives with them) was telling us about how she wakes up to pee around 2am every day, and is able to "fall right back to sleep". I stared at her, unable to understand this sorcery. I have both insomnia and narcolepsy (actually diagnosed, not self-diagnosed) so when I myself wake up to pee at 3am (if I'm fortunate enough to have even fallen asleep by then) there's no getting back to sleep for me XD Sorcery, the both of you!

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    #23

    Bowl of green olives with text suggesting eating 30 to 40 olives as an easy weeknight dinner meme for existential crisis

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Before eating, you may dip them briefly in a martini

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    #24

    Man reading a book about how to stop stressing about tasks and then feeling emotional, reflecting memes and existential crisis themes.

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    Space Invader
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So that I can then stress about whether I completed it correctly...

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    Are you enjoying your scroll through these silly memes, pandas? Keep upvoting the ones that make you smile, and let us know in the comments below if you have any other tips for combatting modern existential dread. Then, if you’re interested in checking out another list from Bored Panda featuring clever and relatable memes, we recommend reading this article next! 

    #25

    Person holding a ticket number 317, confused by signs showing different ranges, illustrating an existential crisis meme.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Been there, done that, didn't even get the T-shirt.

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    #27

    Surreal meme with a distorted face and repeated smaller faces, reflecting themes of memes and existential crisis humor.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The world wasn't always awful. It existed for eons before we got here.

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    #28

    Stack of books with handwritten message about an essential structural purpose, a meme related to existential crisis.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bonus points if they're books on structural engineering.

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    #29

    Monkey puppet meme looking confused next to optical illusion drawings in existential crisis memes context.

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    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably the simplest and mozt succinct explanation of this experiment

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    #33

    Cartoon character humorously talking to brain with tangled scribbles, illustrating existential crisis memes concept.

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    Rob D
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. I glanced at the top right and Rorschach'd my way right into a curse word. 🤦🏻‍♂️That can't be good.

    #35

    Ouroboros snake meme with a person pushing a boulder and text about making it to Friday, existential crisis meme theme.

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    Liliana Spiro
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ouroboros AND Sisyphus?! Yeah, that about sums it up...

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    #38

    Tray of brown eggs arranged irregularly in a green carton, featured in memes that might cure or worsen an existential crisis.

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    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like to keep one dead plant as a motivator for the others.

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    #40

    Vintage illustration of Cicero writing at a desk with a quote, fitting memes for existential crisis humor.

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    David Paterson
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a fan of Cicero. Oh wait, he was assassinated, he must have been a good person.

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    #41

    Black and white cartoon meme showing two people at a table, one thinking about someone mentioning Hegel, illustrating existential crisis memes.

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    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He brought up Hegel, he wants you to think he's smart.

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    #42

    Manuscript draft of The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky, illustrating complex notes related to memes and existential crisis.

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Writing my thoughts down helps me keep them ordered." - Someone else

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    #46

    Sign with bilingual text humorously asking to wait patiently for the failure of the system, reflecting memes about existential crisis.

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    Phantom Phoenix
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poking system with a stick... "C'mon. Fail already"

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    #47

    Handwritten note on paper saying formal essays are never happy, a meme related to existential crisis humor.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People who think formal essays are never happy are never happy.

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    #50

    Calf lying on the floor reading a book titled Corporate Finance, a humorous meme for existential crisis relief.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She heard that John Deere was hiring accountants.

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    #52

    Three 3D figures with one carried on a stretcher, highlighting memes about existential crisis humor and reactions.

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    Maya_D
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never watch something while eating. But I MUST read something.

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    #53

    Meme featuring a frog waiting impatiently, capturing humor from 97 memes that might cure or worsen existential crisis.

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    GenuineJen
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time to initiate the Irish Exit.

    #56

    Text on skin reading a dark humor meme about alcoholism, fitting the theme of memes for existential crisis relief or impact.

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    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This does explain the thinking of some people I've come across

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    #58

    Package opened from the bottom in a meme highlighting an existential crisis with philosophy books inside the box.

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    David Paterson
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is "Critique of practical reason" so much smaller than "Critique of pure reason"?

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    #59

    Father and daughter discuss philosophy major in a meme illustrating existential crisis humor with a lighthearted tone.

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    I am John
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My brother and his 3 friends studied English Language & Philosophy. They all earn very well 20yrs later, because it taught them how to think. I suppose Greece tried to be a Philosophy factory until the Romans came along...

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    #62

    X-ray style image of a human skeleton highlighting spine pain, illustrating memes that relate to existential crisis humor.

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    Mrreoww
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The other day, I laughed and the laughing made my back cramp :(

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    #64

    Two-panel meme showing contrasting expressions about struggling in work fields, highlighting existential crisis through humor.

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    Verena
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Career tip: Learn a rarely spoken language (e.g. Dutch or Danish), and English. Put that skill prominently on your CV. Apply for a job at a company you really want to work for. If that company has any interactions on European level going on, this at least will get you invited for a first interview. Prepare that well, and you have a very good chance to get that job, even if your skills are far from perfect. And be on time.

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    #65

    Man sitting alone on a bus with text about feeling like hallucinating the entire year, existential crisis meme concept.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I'd been hallucinating the last decade.

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    #66

    Dinosaur standing in prehistoric landscape with text about being born in 19, illustrating existential crisis memes.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of my students when we were learning about Henry VIII "Did you ever actually meet him, Miss?"

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    #69

    Man screaming with text about the sun expanding in five billion years, a meme reflecting an existential crisis moment.

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    UKGrandad
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of Carl Sagan. After one of his public talks a woman approached him and asked if he'd said that the Sun would last for another 5 million or 5 billion years. When he told her it was 5 billion she said 'Well thank heavens for that' and walked away.

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    #71

    Illustration of two men, one yelling with a small brain and few books, the other calm with a large brain and many books, memes concept.

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    Liliana Spiro
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, this trope... I've met quite a few of these narcissistic 'Nietzsche Guy' 'Straw Nihilists in my day. Who quote philosophy to sound deep, but are actually just using it to justify personal arrogance or destruction, not having reflected on Nietzschen philosophy at all.

    #72

    Four Squirtle characters labeled as unread and unfinished books face one Squirtle labeled newly-purchased book in a meme about existential crisis.

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    Lotekguy
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Welcome to our shelf. Dust will be with you shortly.

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    #73

    Cartoon cockroach sitting at a table eating a burger, humorous meme related to existential crisis and metamorphosis themes.

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    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In contrary to the rotting apple Gregor got, this looks quite nice.

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    #76

    Close-up of hand correcting a math equation on grid paper, capturing a moment of confusion in existential crisis memes.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people won't get this. Dear young people, this is a pic of someone using Tipex. It's like the backspace key only messier.

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    #78

    Man labeled humanity hammering language nails into the shore with waves labeled the universe approaching, meme about existential crisis

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    michael reid
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The universe is not inherently indescribable

    #80

    Man reacting calmly to 18th and 30th birthdays contrasted with a screaming animal meme about existential crisis feelings.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw some premature baby clothes in a store so I snatched them up delightedly, as they are so rare. On the way home, I remembered that my premature baby is nearly 23 years old, runs marathons and does kick-boxing.

    #84

    Meme comparing reactions of biologist, physicist, civil engineer, and astronomer to a 3-centimeter measurement error.

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sad American whose education system never taught metric: I wonder how big a centimeter is... XD

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    #86

    Headline about a Spanish man skipping work for six years to study philosopher Spinoza, related to existential crisis memes.

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    Robert Millar
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Becoming an expert in Spinoza is like becoming an expert in Cobol. You can solve certain kinds of problems, but those problems don't exist any more.

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    #91

    Person labeled me intensely focusing on a chessboard with pieces labeled having a body in an existential crisis meme.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Preach. This is because we all try to make our bodies do things they don't like.

    #93

    Illustration of two brain-like figures playing chess, symbolizing existential crisis memes and philosophical debates.

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    David Paterson
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That cap he's wearing looks like it's covered in fungus.

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    #95

    Scene from Fight Club with added sparkles and Hello Kitty, meme text about the first rule, relating to existential crisis memes.

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    Dee Hampton
    Community Member
    2 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fight club involves me trying to put on mys socks