What's the meaning of life?
Very well said. I completely agree that the question is essentially flawed and meaningless. Furthermore, I can't believe that anyone would find it funny or witty to answer the question with that old Douglas Adams' puzzle.VonDondu wrote:I don't think the question itself really means anything. At best, it's vague and fuzzy. At worst, it's simply not defined. Either way, it's a meaningless question.
I think you could find a few satisfactory answers if you asked more specific questions. But the questions you ask have a lot to do with you personally, so I don't know if we would be on the same wavelength.
Mason, if you are a religious person you may find your answer in your religion. That, or any other strong ideology, is the only way to find a more general answer to your question. Religion and ideology usually provide that kind of answers, predefined. If you are not religious, you have to find your own meaning - or not. Also note that there might be a difference between meaning and purpose.
If you have trouble finding a meaning with life, I recommend you to start by looking at the state of the world and see if there is anything you can do to make things better.
"There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance." - Hippocrates
Moderator of Planescape: Torment, Diablo I & II and Dungeon Siege forums
I disagree that it is a bad question...
But it is not a comfort zone question for m(any) people. It is an interesting question. I think it is THE question.
Why is life meaningful?
First I think it is important to hone in on what you mean by life. What is life? Would be a spawn of your question.
Second I think it is important to hone in on what meaning is? Does it come with a pre-definition? Personally I identify meaning in a matter of discernment; I know meaning when I see it. It is that 'ah ha' feeling that comes (or doesn't).
But it is not a comfort zone question for m(any) people. It is an interesting question. I think it is THE question.
Why is life meaningful?
First I think it is important to hone in on what you mean by life. What is life? Would be a spawn of your question.
Second I think it is important to hone in on what meaning is? Does it come with a pre-definition? Personally I identify meaning in a matter of discernment; I know meaning when I see it. It is that 'ah ha' feeling that comes (or doesn't).
Right Speech has four aspects: 1. Not lying, but speaking the truth, 2. Avoiding rude and coarse words, but using gentle speech beneficial to the listener, 3. Not slandering, but promoting friendliness and unity, 4. Avoiding frivolous speech, but saying only what is appropriate and beneficial.
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Siberys
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9 x 6 = 54, 9 - 5 = 4, 6 - 4 = 2, therefor 9 times 6 is a formation of 42 the meaning of life. I base this logic on absolutely nothing.Craig wrote:You might as well ask "What do you get when you multiply six and nine?"
Listen up maggots, Mr. Popo's 'bout to teach you the pecking order.
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
It goes you, the dirt, the worms inside of the dirt, Popo's stool, Kami, then Popo.
~Mr. Popo, Dragonball Z Abridged
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Maharlika
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The Meaning of Life is different from one individual to another. Such a question I guess is meant for one to reflect on how one would want to live one's life.
And yeah, it isn't 42...
...it's 23.
And yeah, it isn't 42...
...it's 23.
"There is no weakness in honest sorrow... only in succumbing to depression over what cannot be changed." --- Alaundo, BG2
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fable
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If someone were to come up to me and ask, "What is the meaning of life?" I would just stare at them for a minute, and then ask if they understood it, yet. If they didn't, they'd never get it.
To the Righteous belong the fruits of violent victory. The rest of us will have to settle for warm friends, warm lovers, and a wink from a quietly supportive universe.
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Bloodstalker
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It's a bad question because it is like asking somebody else "Who am I and what do I want?". It's a meaningless question because the answer is totally individual and subjective, you have to find your own answer so why bother to ask?Claudius wrote:I disagree that it is a bad question...
But it is not a comfort zone question for m(any) people. It is an interesting question. I think it is THE question.
What do you mean by saying it is not a "confort zone" question for some people? Apart from patients with depression and similar, I have never in my life met anyone who found it unconfortable to discuss the subjetive meaning with their own life.
"There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance." - Hippocrates
Moderator of Planescape: Torment, Diablo I & II and Dungeon Siege forums
C Elegans,
Yes I think it is a question you ask yourself. But you can ask other people to help you. Some wise (and helpful) people out there. Each answer is different but the question is the same: what is meaningful? So there is no need to limit your search to just your own thoughts.
I do think that the search to meaning can also take someone out of their comfort zone. What if what they REALLY find meaningful in their heart of hearts is not the same thing as their habits and ego which they are defending. For each person the negativity can manifest different. For example one person might fear that their search for self will fail. A scary thought. Another person might simply have a desire to stay where they are in life: (from a course I am taking) "I think we mostly under-estimate the comfort of familiarity and the power of habit. When you stop to think about it, we have been learning how the world is, and how to deal with it in our own particular civilization and time, ever since we were babies. And much of what we have learnt has become so internalized (or, you could say, so much a matter of conditioning) that we are no longer aware why we think like that - it just seems to be the way the world is. It is extremely hard to even imagine thinking in a radically different way. Even if we are unhappy, a world we know may seem less frightening than the prospect of a happiness which involves going beyond everything we know or can understand. So, we long for that wonderful possibility and feel inspired, and then the fear cuts in, and we want to settle for the small familiar comforts. If we are happy, of course, this world probably doesn't seem too bad at all. And, for most of us, sad or happy, we have to be involved in the world in our everyday lives, and it and it's ties and pleasures have a strong pull; and they draw us back into our familiar way of thinking."
Another fear people have is the fear they will lose themselves. T S Elliot's 'Four Quartets' which evokes this very well:
"In order to be what you are not, you must become what you know not.
In order to arrive where you are not, you must go by the way in which you are not"
Do you see what I am saying?
In any case negativity is not unknown in spiritual work with oneself that such a 'non-surface' question as what is meaningful entails. It has been observed time and time again and fortunately we can make friends with it because its not going to go away!
Yes I think it is a question you ask yourself. But you can ask other people to help you. Some wise (and helpful) people out there. Each answer is different but the question is the same: what is meaningful? So there is no need to limit your search to just your own thoughts.
I do think that the search to meaning can also take someone out of their comfort zone. What if what they REALLY find meaningful in their heart of hearts is not the same thing as their habits and ego which they are defending. For each person the negativity can manifest different. For example one person might fear that their search for self will fail. A scary thought. Another person might simply have a desire to stay where they are in life: (from a course I am taking) "I think we mostly under-estimate the comfort of familiarity and the power of habit. When you stop to think about it, we have been learning how the world is, and how to deal with it in our own particular civilization and time, ever since we were babies. And much of what we have learnt has become so internalized (or, you could say, so much a matter of conditioning) that we are no longer aware why we think like that - it just seems to be the way the world is. It is extremely hard to even imagine thinking in a radically different way. Even if we are unhappy, a world we know may seem less frightening than the prospect of a happiness which involves going beyond everything we know or can understand. So, we long for that wonderful possibility and feel inspired, and then the fear cuts in, and we want to settle for the small familiar comforts. If we are happy, of course, this world probably doesn't seem too bad at all. And, for most of us, sad or happy, we have to be involved in the world in our everyday lives, and it and it's ties and pleasures have a strong pull; and they draw us back into our familiar way of thinking."
Another fear people have is the fear they will lose themselves. T S Elliot's 'Four Quartets' which evokes this very well:
"In order to be what you are not, you must become what you know not.
In order to arrive where you are not, you must go by the way in which you are not"
Do you see what I am saying?
In any case negativity is not unknown in spiritual work with oneself that such a 'non-surface' question as what is meaningful entails. It has been observed time and time again and fortunately we can make friends with it because its not going to go away!
Right Speech has four aspects: 1. Not lying, but speaking the truth, 2. Avoiding rude and coarse words, but using gentle speech beneficial to the listener, 3. Not slandering, but promoting friendliness and unity, 4. Avoiding frivolous speech, but saying only what is appropriate and beneficial.
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Lady Dragonfly
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Does life have a meaning?
I assume this existential question implies a "life of an intelligent human being". Let's call them IHB.
The nihilistic part of IHB would answer NO. Life has neither meaning nor reason. Freud went as far as saying that the moment a man questions the meaning and value of life, he is sick, since objectivity neither has any existence.
The pragmatic part of IHB would answer YES (and no). Life has whatever meaning each IB chooses to assign to their own life. Life has no meaning otherwise.
The theistic/spiritual part of IHB would answer YES. God(s) has His Plan. The particulars are dependent upon the Deity's nature.
None of these assumptions can be proved. But everyone is welcome to try.
I assume this existential question implies a "life of an intelligent human being". Let's call them IHB.
The nihilistic part of IHB would answer NO. Life has neither meaning nor reason. Freud went as far as saying that the moment a man questions the meaning and value of life, he is sick, since objectivity neither has any existence.
The pragmatic part of IHB would answer YES (and no). Life has whatever meaning each IB chooses to assign to their own life. Life has no meaning otherwise.
The theistic/spiritual part of IHB would answer YES. God(s) has His Plan. The particulars are dependent upon the Deity's nature.
None of these assumptions can be proved. But everyone is welcome to try.
Man's most valuable trait is a judicious sense of what not to believe.
-- Euripides
-- Euripides
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dragon wench
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Claudius,
I am often inclined toward the metaphysical, and I have a very spiritual side to me.
But, the issue I have with your post is that it is filled with some extremely ambiguous, difficult to define phrases. I recognise that in the quest for spiritual meaning it can be difficult to be concrete or precise, but what do you mean exactly when you say "search for self?"
This is often an overused phrase and different people define it differently.
As CE states in response to your initial post, these questions are highly subjective. I'm not certain I'd go so far as to say they are so subjective that they are meaningless.. But, I do think they are extremely difficult to pin down, which makes discussing the entire subject within a highly divergent group an elusive one, at best.
I mean honestly... "The Meaning of Life."
That is so incredibly broad and encompassing, any potential answers are instantly swept up in a tidal wash of additional possibilities.
To one person the meaning of life might be: we are born, we eat, we excrete, we procreate (or at least practice the act thereof as frequently as possible), and then we die. No big mystery, mundane, basic existence.
Another person might view the meaning of life as spending their entire time on the planet serving others..somebody else might find the meaning of life to consist of a relationship with some sort of higher power (however they define such)...
Yet others may consider navel gazing of this nature to be utterly meaningless.
Do you see the problem Claudius? The question is so vast that, as such, it really has no answers.
That is why I initially responded with Monty Python.. at a certain level, the question has a sense of absurdity to it.
I am often inclined toward the metaphysical, and I have a very spiritual side to me.
But, the issue I have with your post is that it is filled with some extremely ambiguous, difficult to define phrases. I recognise that in the quest for spiritual meaning it can be difficult to be concrete or precise, but what do you mean exactly when you say "search for self?"
This is often an overused phrase and different people define it differently.
As CE states in response to your initial post, these questions are highly subjective. I'm not certain I'd go so far as to say they are so subjective that they are meaningless..
But, I do think they are extremely difficult to pin down, which makes discussing the entire subject within a highly divergent group an elusive one, at best. I mean honestly... "The Meaning of Life."
That is so incredibly broad and encompassing, any potential answers are instantly swept up in a tidal wash of additional possibilities.
To one person the meaning of life might be: we are born, we eat, we excrete, we procreate (or at least practice the act thereof as frequently as possible), and then we die. No big mystery, mundane, basic existence.
Another person might view the meaning of life as spending their entire time on the planet serving others..somebody else might find the meaning of life to consist of a relationship with some sort of higher power (however they define such)...
Yet others may consider navel gazing of this nature to be utterly meaningless.
Do you see the problem Claudius? The question is so vast that, as such, it really has no answers.
That is why I initially responded with Monty Python.. at a certain level, the question has a sense of absurdity to it.
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Please don't quote Monthy Python without the quote itself being steeped in satire. Honor them [url="http://xkcd.com/16/"]accordingly[/url].
Thank you.
Please don't quote Monthy Python without the quote itself being steeped in satire. Honor them [url="http://xkcd.com/16/"]accordingly[/url].
Thank you.
[INDENT]'..tolerance when fog rolls in clouds unfold your selfless wings feathers that float from arabesque pillows I sold to be consumed by the snow white cold if only the plaster could hold withstand the flam[url="http://bit.ly/foT0XQ"]e[/url] then this fountain torch would know no shame and be outstripped only by the sun that burns with the glory and honor of your..'[/INDENT]
What is the meaning of life?
Doesn't that depend upon the individual?
My meaning of life is making video games, being here and making my self look like an idiot in front of very large crowds (no seriously).
Doesn't that depend upon the individual?
My meaning of life is making video games, being here and making my self look like an idiot in front of very large crowds (no seriously).
:laugh:Check out [url="http://www.gamebanshee.com/forums/star-wars-knights-of-the-old-republic-ii-61/kotor-ii-shenannigans-warning-spoilers-95762.html"]KOTOR II Shenannigans (Warning - Spoilers)[/url] for a lot of stuff you didn't know about KOTOR II !!!
DW,
Self as I use it refers to seeking insight into your own nature. In other words it would be the question we are asking rephrased: 'What am I'? which is very similar to 'What is meaningful (to me)'? I agree that this word is used differently in many context, but that doesn't preclude us from communicating so long as we are honest and ask questions of eachother when something seems vague. Glad you asked.
to say that the question is subjective does not mean that it is meaningless. I don't find the subjective meaningless. In fact I would say that there is nothing other than the subjective! For example if an objective world exists how does it get into your mind? Where is the boundary? Where is the center?
Personally I think that you are recognizing that such a question is beyond concepts (intuitively) and I suspect that that is what you mean by the question having no meaning. Which is to say it is not something that we can figure out with our intellect but the meaning of our experience is experiential.
I find that the question asks you to examine your direct experience in the here and now.
Which leads me to respond to Lady Dragonfly's possibilities which are nihilism, eternalism, and pragmatism.
I would propose the fourth possibility: that the meaning of awareness is beyond concepts. In other words taking a stance on non-existence of self or the existence of it mires you in a quagmire which will only vex you. Or is to say that I rigid view on the nature of reality breeds paradox and confusion because by nature awareness is ungraspable*: Mind is that which takes objects in the processes of its consciousness but mind itself cannot be found itself. Seemingly the eye cannot observe itself.
* for example each moment of consciousness can be divided into smaller and smaller moments consciousness. If it has no duration it's not a moment but if it has duration it can always be divided into infinite moments, there is no limit to how much it can be divided. If there is no final single moment how can my experience be made up of a series of single moment?
Alternatively I wonder if you are just saying to the question of the meaning of life: so what? I found this somewhat related from my teacher talking about impermanence...it is not directly the same topic but it is a case of bringing an esoteric question home to direct experience and logically thinking about what it means in your life. Personally, I am still thinking about the meaning of life so I will get back to you when I know more about that...but again my advice is to examine your own experience and be honest. Ok here's the bit about impermanence and what it means (actually relates quite well to ungraspable as mentioned above)...
Self as I use it refers to seeking insight into your own nature. In other words it would be the question we are asking rephrased: 'What am I'? which is very similar to 'What is meaningful (to me)'? I agree that this word is used differently in many context, but that doesn't preclude us from communicating so long as we are honest and ask questions of eachother when something seems vague. Glad you asked.
to say that the question is subjective does not mean that it is meaningless. I don't find the subjective meaningless. In fact I would say that there is nothing other than the subjective! For example if an objective world exists how does it get into your mind? Where is the boundary? Where is the center?
Personally I think that you are recognizing that such a question is beyond concepts (intuitively) and I suspect that that is what you mean by the question having no meaning. Which is to say it is not something that we can figure out with our intellect but the meaning of our experience is experiential.
I find that the question asks you to examine your direct experience in the here and now.
Which leads me to respond to Lady Dragonfly's possibilities which are nihilism, eternalism, and pragmatism.
I would propose the fourth possibility: that the meaning of awareness is beyond concepts. In other words taking a stance on non-existence of self or the existence of it mires you in a quagmire which will only vex you. Or is to say that I rigid view on the nature of reality breeds paradox and confusion because by nature awareness is ungraspable*: Mind is that which takes objects in the processes of its consciousness but mind itself cannot be found itself. Seemingly the eye cannot observe itself.
* for example each moment of consciousness can be divided into smaller and smaller moments consciousness. If it has no duration it's not a moment but if it has duration it can always be divided into infinite moments, there is no limit to how much it can be divided. If there is no final single moment how can my experience be made up of a series of single moment?
Alternatively I wonder if you are just saying to the question of the meaning of life: so what? I found this somewhat related from my teacher talking about impermanence...it is not directly the same topic but it is a case of bringing an esoteric question home to direct experience and logically thinking about what it means in your life. Personally, I am still thinking about the meaning of life so I will get back to you when I know more about that...but again my advice is to examine your own experience and be honest. Ok here's the bit about impermanence and what it means (actually relates quite well to ungraspable as mentioned above)...
Even thinking about impermanence is impermanent! But it’s not enough just to notice impermanence - if we do this then we can get a strong 'so-what' reaction and then it’s very hard to keep focused on the topic. What needs to happen is that there is some growing sense of significance about impermanence.
So we have to do two things at once. We have to think about what is the significance of everything being impermanent and we have to notice the impermanence of everything we are trying to hold on to and control, everything that we think is oppressing us or trapping us - and then realise we can relax and just let it all go because it’s impermanent.
That is the effect of having reflected on the significance of impermanence. Otherwise you might think, 'Oh everything is impermanent, life is meaningless, I think I will kill myself!' That is no good.
The reflection needs to go more like, 'Everything is impermanent, so there is no point in making a big deal out of things that are not going to last anyway, so I could just relax and be happy.’
Right Speech has four aspects: 1. Not lying, but speaking the truth, 2. Avoiding rude and coarse words, but using gentle speech beneficial to the listener, 3. Not slandering, but promoting friendliness and unity, 4. Avoiding frivolous speech, but saying only what is appropriate and beneficial.
Claudius and DW,
When I say I think the question "What is the meaning of life" is a meaningless question, I don't mean that I find it meaningsless for the individual to pursuit his/her own subjective meaning. On the contrary, subjective meaning is what makes our lives worth living, subjectively, to ourselves, and since I'm atheist I don't believe in any other meaning than that.
What I mean is meaningless, is to ask the general question "What's the meaning of life" and even more to ask what is the "real" meaning of life. How can there be a general meaning to life, that is valid for everybody, when meaning of life is so highly subjective? The only meaning that is true for us all is in a meaningless, biological way - live and reproduce, and that holds no greater meaning either.
Of course it can be fun and interesting to discuss the topic with others, but I question what can be learned, since every person will feel that they learn from other "wiser" people only if these "wiser" people hold values that are in line with their own.
I think you make the issue over-complicated, Claudius. Learning your authentic will and drives, does not need to be neither complicated, nor difficult and painful. It varies a lot between individuals, and we must also keep in mind that not everybody has a need to search for goals that are difficult to achieve.
I understand what you mean, Claudius, I used to think that way too when I was younger. But as the years have passed, I have learned that the human nature have quite simple needs, although it varies a lot exactly how we want to fulfil them. Many people are happy with everyday lives revolving around routine and material things, and they wouldn't be happier if they lived in another way. For you, the meaning of life may involve what you perceive as a search for inner peace and spiritual connection. For me, the meaning of my life is to be happy and use as much as I can of myself to decrease global suffering. For another person, the meaning of life may be to have a job and raise a family. For yet another person, the meaning of life may be sheer survival, to find food and shelter. So what I am trying to say, is simply that not everyone has the same needs, so I think the idea that there is a general meaning to life and the conception that this meaning can be found in this-and-that way, is quite pompous.
When I say I think the question "What is the meaning of life" is a meaningless question, I don't mean that I find it meaningsless for the individual to pursuit his/her own subjective meaning. On the contrary, subjective meaning is what makes our lives worth living, subjectively, to ourselves, and since I'm atheist I don't believe in any other meaning than that.
What I mean is meaningless, is to ask the general question "What's the meaning of life" and even more to ask what is the "real" meaning of life. How can there be a general meaning to life, that is valid for everybody, when meaning of life is so highly subjective? The only meaning that is true for us all is in a meaningless, biological way - live and reproduce, and that holds no greater meaning either.
Of course it can be fun and interesting to discuss the topic with others, but I question what can be learned, since every person will feel that they learn from other "wiser" people only if these "wiser" people hold values that are in line with their own.
I think you make the issue over-complicated, Claudius. Learning your authentic will and drives, does not need to be neither complicated, nor difficult and painful. It varies a lot between individuals, and we must also keep in mind that not everybody has a need to search for goals that are difficult to achieve.
I understand what you mean, Claudius, I used to think that way too when I was younger. But as the years have passed, I have learned that the human nature have quite simple needs, although it varies a lot exactly how we want to fulfil them. Many people are happy with everyday lives revolving around routine and material things, and they wouldn't be happier if they lived in another way. For you, the meaning of life may involve what you perceive as a search for inner peace and spiritual connection. For me, the meaning of my life is to be happy and use as much as I can of myself to decrease global suffering. For another person, the meaning of life may be to have a job and raise a family. For yet another person, the meaning of life may be sheer survival, to find food and shelter. So what I am trying to say, is simply that not everyone has the same needs, so I think the idea that there is a general meaning to life and the conception that this meaning can be found in this-and-that way, is quite pompous.
"There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance." - Hippocrates
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Yes I understand what you are saying better now, C Elegans. How I would understand what you have said is that each person, what they find meaningful, is just thought content. One thought now. One thought years later. One thought for you. One thought for me.
But I don't think someone is necessarily being pompous by supposing that there IS a meaning and looking for it. They could be quite sincere. That being said I wouldn't like it if they ridiculed me for not living up to their idea of what was meaningful and I admit that it is possible that I would think they were pompous.
But I don't think someone is necessarily being pompous by supposing that there IS a meaning and looking for it. They could be quite sincere. That being said I wouldn't like it if they ridiculed me for not living up to their idea of what was meaningful and I admit that it is possible that I would think they were pompous.
Right Speech has four aspects: 1. Not lying, but speaking the truth, 2. Avoiding rude and coarse words, but using gentle speech beneficial to the listener, 3. Not slandering, but promoting friendliness and unity, 4. Avoiding frivolous speech, but saying only what is appropriate and beneficial.
C Elegans wrote:Very well said. I completely agree that the question is essentially flawed and meaningless...
I don't mean to disagree with anything you said, but you have stated a different reason than my own for believing that the question is meaningless. I did not mean to imply that the answer is too subjective to have meaning for everyone; what I meant is that no one knows exactly what the question means, and that is what essentially renders it "meaningless". If we were to ask "better" questions, then I do believe that we might be able to glean a few universal truths out of the mess of our fuzzy, sloppy thinking. However, I don't know if the answers would be particularly profound or inspirational.C Elegans wrote:It's a bad question because it is like asking somebody else "Who am I and what do I want?". It's a meaningless question because the answer is totally individual and subjective, you have to find your own answer so why bother to ask?
For example, I believe that time is a dimension much like the spatial dimensions, and I believe that the subjective present that we experience internally from one moment to the next is not absolute. I believe that the universe is structured in a way that all moments on the timeline exist as a whole. Our lives are embedded in the fabric of time, so to speak. Since each of us is part of the universe, we exist because the universe exists. The universe exists because...well, it's the universe. It's really pretty banal when you get down to it.
The subjective meaning of our lives is of course individualized, by definition. It is a product of our will, our desires, and our own individual beliefs, among other things. But this in itself points to an answer that has general applicability: e.g., the "meaning of our lives" is closely connected to the things that are important to each of us and the investments that we make in such things. Again, that's pretty banal stuff.
On the contrary, I think that searching for truth can lead to very uncomfortable sensations, mainly because most of us want a measure of certainty, but certainty is not easy to come by. There are too many things that simply cannot be known or proven. I'm not depressed, but I sometimes find myself overwhelmed by all of the things I cannot understand. We end up relying on blind faith because it "feels right", and we find our comfort in that. But sometimes when a person realizes that logical proof is out of reach, it causes discomfort. I don't think there's anything unhealthy or unusual about that.C Elegans wrote:What do you mean by saying it is not a "confort zone" question for some people? Apart from patients with depression and similar, I have never in my life met anyone who found it unconfortable to discuss the subjetive meaning with their own life.
I don't see how the word "pompous" applies in this context. To me, "pompous" means "vainly preoccupied with displays". Do you suppose a better word might be "pretentious", i.e., "vainly assuming that one has or deserves a position of importance"? That's the word I would use. It's not very important; I just think there's a difference between "pomp" and "pretention".C Elegans wrote:what I am trying to say, is simply that not everyone has the same needs, so I think the idea that there is a general meaning to life and the conception that this meaning can be found in this-and-that way, is quite pompous.
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Lady Dragonfly
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We can't equate the fulfillment of basic needs with the painful soul-searching or spiritual needs, nor can we assume that needs are mostly simple or should be simple. The vast majority of world population is religious – 86%. I suppose they are entitled to their own perceptions.
Let's discuss the popular thesis "We can assign a meaning to our life, according to our values".
Can we do that? Can we assign a meaning to something beyond our control? Birth, death, life full of random, unpredictable events and suffering -- we can't truly control all that or opt out of any of that -- therefore, we can't really assign any meaning to it. Yes, we can make some choices but we often fail due to various circumstances we have no control over. Humongous welfare systems function to “help” the millions of “less fortunate”. What is the meaning of their life?
We can also propose that the meaning/purpose of life = pursuit of happiness (whatever makes us happy - doing trivial things or making a positive difference for the community). But then, would that make an unhappy person's life meaningless? Would that make the life of a person unable to make a difference meaningless? And what if one is happy and content only by molesting little children? Now we are facing the ethical aspect of the eternal question, and it leads us right into the trap of The Universal Moral Order. Thank you very much.
Here is another good one: the meaning/purpose of life = pursuit of Truth. What can I say? The Absolute Truth is warm beer tastes awful.
Simply put, the whole thesis does not hold water. And it hardly makes sense to firmly believe that life has no meaning and at the same time encourage somebody else to go ahead and assign a "meaning" to their life by making “right” choices, performing “noble” deeds and whatnot.
@VonDondu
I agree.
Let's discuss the popular thesis "We can assign a meaning to our life, according to our values".
Can we do that? Can we assign a meaning to something beyond our control? Birth, death, life full of random, unpredictable events and suffering -- we can't truly control all that or opt out of any of that -- therefore, we can't really assign any meaning to it. Yes, we can make some choices but we often fail due to various circumstances we have no control over. Humongous welfare systems function to “help” the millions of “less fortunate”. What is the meaning of their life?
We can also propose that the meaning/purpose of life = pursuit of happiness (whatever makes us happy - doing trivial things or making a positive difference for the community). But then, would that make an unhappy person's life meaningless? Would that make the life of a person unable to make a difference meaningless? And what if one is happy and content only by molesting little children? Now we are facing the ethical aspect of the eternal question, and it leads us right into the trap of The Universal Moral Order. Thank you very much.
Here is another good one: the meaning/purpose of life = pursuit of Truth. What can I say? The Absolute Truth is warm beer tastes awful.
Simply put, the whole thesis does not hold water. And it hardly makes sense to firmly believe that life has no meaning and at the same time encourage somebody else to go ahead and assign a "meaning" to their life by making “right” choices, performing “noble” deeds and whatnot.
@VonDondu
I agree.
Man's most valuable trait is a judicious sense of what not to believe.
-- Euripides
-- Euripides