Existence is a strange bargain. Life owes us little; we owe it everything. The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose.

The quote "Existence is a strange bargain. Life owes us little; we owe it everything. The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose" by William Cowper reflects on the nature of life and existence. Cowper suggests that life is not an automatic entitlement, and that happiness and fulfillment are not things life owes us. Instead, we, as individuals, owe life our efforts, time, and commitment. The "strange bargain" points to the imbalance between what we expect from life versus what we are actually entitled to, implying that it is our responsibility to make something of it.

The idea that life owes us little resonates with the belief that we are not guaranteed comfort or rewards, and that existence is more about what we make of it. According to Cowper, rather than waiting for life to give us happiness, we are required to contribute to the world around us and actively seek out meaning through purpose-driven actions. The phrase "we owe it everything" emphasizes our duty to engage with life fully and contribute to society, ourselves, and the greater good.

In the second half of the quote, Cowper claims that true happiness is found in the act of giving ourselves to a purpose. This involves sacrificing personal desires or comfort for the greater good, a notion that aligns with many philosophical and religious views that highlight the importance of selflessness. Squandering ourselves does not imply waste in the traditional sense, but rather the idea of fully dedicating one’s life to something greater than personal gain, thus finding fulfillment in serving a higher cause.

Ultimately, the quote challenges the idea of entitlement and encourages a life of purpose and self-sacrifice. By suggesting that happiness comes from serving a larger goal, Cowper implies that true joy is the byproduct of living a life full of meaningful contributions rather than mere self-indulgence.