It’s 12 pm (or am?), and I’m sitting in my chair contemplating the meaning of life. After realizing that I’ve never really questioned why we are here, I decided to take out two philosophy books from the local library. One, is childish, patronizing and unintelligent, the other deep, inspirational, intriguing and critical of many theories.
I have arrived at the realization that ‘what is the meaning of life’ is a vague, general and ambiguous question. I believe that life has a different meaning for everyone, and I refuse to accept that there is one set reason for our existence, because we are all different and we all think differently about such issues.
So, the meaning of life – I do not think that it can be fully answered or understood. It cannot be proven, or supported by substantial evidence. It is for us to decide, for us to make up our minds on. Therefore, other people’s opinions are rendered meaningless towards our future goals or dreams. We can choose what we want to do, what we want to achieve.
I have no grounds to support my idea, other than, this is what I believe. Philosophy is about thinking critically, coming up with one’s own conclusions, and molding our thoughts and opinions into clear, distinct personal doctrines.
Obviously, religion has a certain part to play. Many feel that they are obliged to convert others. However, a lot of these very people have also never really questioned their own beliefs. Perhaps they have had them carved into them from a young age. Without questioning one’s beliefs, how can they be regarded as legitimate or rational?
I feel as though in this modern world, questions such as these go unmentioned. These questions are clearly important, substantial, and go deep into ourselves, into our deepest thinking.
Please comment and tell me what you feel about these issues.
leafless said
Many people have attempted to explain life and its meaning, and failed. The main reason is that most people are too inept to comprehend life’s meanings; we have to rely on religious and non-religious philosophers, for definitive answers with regards to the meaning of life.
Brandon said
the only two ways of arriving at any truth is either by
a) discovering it
or
b) creating it
the meaning of life, insofar as there is such a thing, cannot possibly be discovered (a). even if there exists an all-powerful creator god, it begs the question, what is the meaning to its existence? you can say, “it is it’s own meaning.” well if that sort of logic is permissible, then why can’t your own life be your own meaning, too?
the only alternative is (b), to create it. this is also extremely difficult to do, but do-able. and once you do, you’re living.