The Meaning of Life

[DMB]

Apart from being the title of a Monty Python film, this expression is one that frequently divides theists and atheists. Some theists claim that without the supernatural element in which they believe, "life has no meaning". So I thought I'd invite people to say what they think the expression "the Meaning of Life" is intended to convey before we even begin to enquire into how such a meaning might be supplied. Any offers?

[JamesBannon]

42?

On a cosmic scale (Carl Sagan's "little blue dot"), we're a mere pinpoint of light; we don't even register as a blip on the cosmic clock. Also, so far as evolution is concerned, it is unguided, so humans, rather than being an end, are merely one among many species that have existed, or will exist. In the end, we will all be dead and no-one will remember us.

Sounds bleak doesn't it? But here's the thing, humans don't live on a cosmic scale, but, rather, on a human one. Therefore, although life ultimately is devoid of all meaning, on our scale, it is full of meaning. It all depends on which scale we are talking about.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Anticipating a jolly good meal.

Or sex, or a TV programme you like, or book you want to read, CD you want to listen to, etc. Or the doing of those things you've anticipated.

I've never really understood what's supposed to be meant by 'meaning' when it's coupled with 'of life'. It's not like life is a word or a book or piece of music. For me lfe is just what you do after you're born and before you snuff it. I rather like the Epicurean view: life is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. All else is negotiable and it's up to each individual to find their own things that fit that idea. Needlework isn't my cup of tea, but if someone likes it, good for them!

[JamesBannon]

I've just realised I haven't answered the question. Doh!

[Oolon Colluphid]

Just to note the different but related point that the purpose of life is to survive long enough to reproduce, and to generate offspring. No more and no less. It's a value-neutral fact of nature; it's just what life does. If it didn't, there would be no life.

The rest is up to us.

[tjakey]

On the human scale, (I kind of liked that JB, thanks) meaning in my life is something I create, not something I discover. Since I am a bit of a rush junkie I find purpose, (meaning if you will) out near the edge; a night ILS approach to minimums in ugly weather, running right on the edge of traction deep into a turn at speed, setting sails for an expected blow or (since I am new at sailing) just going out in our little lake at night. (Which is way more exciting than it sounds.) However I get to that edge I have to discipline my fear and use all of the skills I have mastered. It is focused and intense but at the same time gives me a sense of being fully engaged with the world.

I can image others get to that place without the adrenalin rush, performing arts, music, research, writing...

I see each life less as a journey (we are not actually going anywhere in particular, just riding along on the planet) and more as a tapestry, woven together with other life.

But then, WTF do I know?

[VoxRat]

I'm with Oolon on this.

But beyond that, I see the whole concept of "the meaning of life" as something of a menace. It can be used as a recruiting tool for movements - political, religious, in many cases the two are indistinguishable.

Mohammed Atta made sure his life would have "meaning".

[Eudaimonist]

So I thought I'd invite people to say what they think the expression "the Meaning of Life" is intended to convey before we even begin to enquire into how such a meaning might be supplied. Any offers?

The meaning of one's life may be roughly conceived of as "a purpose for one's life that matters in a positive way". I think this is a good working definition for the purpose of discussion.


eudaimonia,

Mark

[Alex]

I see the whole concept of "the meaning of life" as something of a menace. It can be used as a recruiting tool for movements - political, religious, in many cases the two are indistinguishable.


QFT

[Lanakila]

I'm with Oolon on this.

But beyond that, I see the whole concept of "the meaning of life" as something of a menace. It can be used as a recruiting tool for movements - political, religious, in many cases the two are indistinguishable.

Mohammed Atta made sure his life would have "meaning".Not as much his life as his death. :(

[hecaterin]

My offer: things that have "meaning" are mostly works of art - novels, paintings, drama, music. More mundane things have a use or a purpose. To claim that life has a meaning is to claim that it has some intent or message beneath the surface.

But to whom? A meaning can't exist without an intended audience. Usually paintings don't examine each other, but nor are they sentient. It seems fair to say that we create our own meaning, and our audience is other humans. A life has no "meaning" external to its human context.

[reddhedd]

Life just is...no inherent meaning at all. The "meaning of life" is based on the experiences encountered during that period between birth and death, and determined to be "good" or 'bad" by observers and the one having the experiences.

Isn't that why people often say "That's no life" when referring to a brain dead person? Yes, technically, s/he is alive...but there is little meaning to their existence, because s/he is encountering few, if any, experiences. Also used in reference to a person who avoids experiences....they aren't really "living".

[TheBear]

Ha!!!

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n282/jahzzz/CitySlickers30.jpg




[In Memory of Jack Palance]

[crazyfingers]

Apart from being the title of a Monty Python film, this expression is one that frequently divides theists and atheists. Some theists claim that without the supernatural element in which they believe, "life has no meaning". So I thought I'd invite people to say what they think the expression "the Meaning of Life" is intended to convey before we even begin to enquire into how such a meaning might be supplied. Any offers?

Most theists use "the meaning of life" to be synonymous with "The purpose for human life" and often more specifically they are ready to tell you what your meaning for your life is because their god said so.

I think that non-theists are more likely to use the term "meaning of life" to apply to more than just humans but all life and then quickly note that for non-sentient life most of the meaning would simply be continuation and procreation while sentient life is more able to give themselves their own meaning.

If someone asked me what the "meaning of life" was, I'd first ask "What life? Life in general or the meaning to I give to my life?" If they want to know the meaning that I give to my life I'd say that the meaning I give to my life is based on my values and that it would have to do with having a positive impact on the world around me though my own actions and my progeny while also providing for our own comfort and security".

If I was then told what my meaning should be based on the bible I'd say that that's a crock of shit.