“The absurdity of a life that may well end before one understands it, does not relieve one of the duty, to one’s self and one’s fellow creatures, to live through it as bravely and generously as possible.” ~ Peter Matthiessen (born May 22, 1927) [from The Snow Leopard]
Peter Matthiessen is an award-winning author (novels, natural history, and nonfiction). According to Wikipedia, he was one of the co-founders of The Paris Review in 1953. One of his best known books is The Snow Leopard (1978).
[Source for quotatio: my friend Libby G. sent this to me. Date and biographical information from Wikipedia, accessed December 5, 2010.]
Andrew Shattuck McBride, Writer's Blog 
I am not familiar with Matthiessen, but I love the quote!
Write on!
Carolyn
When Libby sent me the quote, I knew I had to add it to “The Quotidian”!
Matthiessen is perhaps best known for The Snow Leopard, but he has written a handful of acclaimed novels, too.
Blessings, Andy