I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state. What I am grateful for is the gift of intelligence, and for life, love, wonder, and laughter. You can't say it wasn't interesting. My lifetime's memories are what I have brought home from the trip.

Roger Ebert’s quote, "I was perfectly content before I was born, and I think of death as the same state," expresses a deeply philosophical view on life and death. Ebert suggests that before birth, one is in a state of peace or nothingness, and he views death as a return to that same state. This perspective reflects an acceptance of death as a natural and non-threatening transition, aligning it with the pre-birth state of existence, which is neither good nor bad—simply a state of non-being.

In the second part of the quote, Ebert emphasizes his gratitude for the experiences that life has given him. He specifically mentions the gifts of intelligence, life, love, wonder, and laughter, showing his appreciation for the richness and complexity of the human experience. For Ebert, these are the treasures that make life meaningful, even though it ultimately has a finite end. His focus on these positive aspects underscores the importance of cherishing the moments that make life worth living.

Ebert also acknowledges that his life, though finite, has been a journey worth taking. He describes his lifetime’s memories as the only true possession he carries with him—what he has "brought home from the trip." This suggests that the value of life lies not in its length but in the depth and quality of experiences, relationships, and moments that are accumulated along the way.

Ultimately, the quote reflects Ebert's philosophy of embracing both life and death with acceptance and gratitude. It encourages a focus on the meaningful, transient moments of life, rather than fearing its inevitable end. For Ebert, death is simply another part of the human experience, and the memories and experiences collected during one's life are the true treasures that define its worth.