The Meaninglessness of Life, it doesn't really matter?

[Federererererer]

I've just become more and more plagued by the idea that life is essentially of no meaning. Lets be honest, NO MATTER WHAT ANY OF US EVER DO, life will go on, an asteroid will destroy Earth, the sun will explode, more galaxies will form and destroy, more intelligent life will happen and end, and his will continue FOREVER, ad infinitum, never ending. So why care about ANYTHING, it doesn't matter. But then again, why not care. Isn't it true that we should be able to do whatever we want, since it is meaningless, and it will change nothing. In the end, life is without purpose, and who is to say what is good or bad, since it changes nothing. IS THERE ANY CONCEIVABLE REASON TO CARE, about anything "big" or "small."

The futility of life has taken away my ability to care about whether I live or die tommorow, but then again it has made me only care about being happy and doing whatever makes me feel good.

What are your thoughts, on nihilism, and the futility of life?

 

[MTChong]

Go read The Stranger by Albert Camus if you haven't.

 

[ceejay]

Lets be honest, NO MATTER WHAT ANY OF US EVER DO, life will go on, an asteroid will destroy Earth, the sun will explode, more galaxies will form and destroy, more intelligent life will happen and end, and his will continue FOREVER, ad infinitum, never ending.

You seem to know something that many cosmologists don't. Nobody knows the fate of the universe yet.

And besides, if it is going to go on forever, you may as well live your time in happiness by doing good than live it in despair by doing nothing.

 

[bluegrasser]

Just remember ' freedom' is *not* doing what you want, but doing what is right. The greatest satisfaction in life is contributing to the human race, being unselfish, that's when you find purpose and a little happiness IMO.

I find the most selfish people, to be the most unhappy - look I don't me go out and join the " Peace Corps " just in the little things.

 

[Trainer]

Is life worth living?

It depends on the liver.

 

[Dedans Penthouse]

Is life worth living?

It depends on the liver.

I'll drink to that

 

[chlsmo]

I take it you are not religeous.
(No problems from me there, as I am agnostic)

Basically I understand (I think) where you are coming from. I have had these very intense thoughts of emptyness since almost as long as I can remember, at least since I was about 11-12 (i am almost 25 now). These thoughts became so overbearing for me that I sought out therapy thinking that I might be severely depressed. I was even willing to take prescribed medication (being someone who is adverse to this in many other respects, made it a huge deal).

Anyway I did see a therapist for about 7 months I just recently stopped actually. On my first visit she recommended a book called "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook." I thought a lot of this stuff might be hokey, but I kept an open mind out of pure desparation. Long story long, I feel tons better, and I am sleeping easier. Turned out I was not depressed but suffered from a high anxiety disorder. I learned some relaxation techniques and learned to try to live more in the "moment" and dwell less on "the grand scheme of things".

I still have to work hard not to take the mental path that makes me think about unknowable things. e.g. The meaning and worth of life, etc.

I don't know if this helps or if you were joking etc. but this was my experience.

 

[Trainer]

Existential depression often comes from people who abandon a religious world view. This world view conditions a mind to expect a grandiose role in the universe but are then faced with the reality that this is fiction. This creates severe cognitive dissonance in the mind and anxiety and depression often follows.

On the other hand, people with a secular view of the world who never were conditioned by a religious view lack these delusions of grandeur, and don't suffer this fate as much.

You're an existentialist Charlie Brown

http://www.thehealthcenter.info/adult-depression/e-depression.htm

 

[Bagumbawalla]

What does that mean when we speak of the "meaning of life"?

A spoken work has meaning, a smear of blood at a crime scene has meaning.

"Meaning", then is the quality that something has that transmits/suggests/ imformation about something else.

Why should life have to be about something else- some ultimate plan, some secret "way" or mysterious destiny? Why is it not enough to simply live?

In the end, people who expect something "meaningful" from life will always be dissapointed. People who immerse themselves in life without expectations will be, in a sense, free to experience things more directly, not hampered by a veil of hopes, expectations, and arcane "meanings".

Futility is a feeling we have when some goal/attainment/acomplishment can never be reached. Let us assume that there is no ultimate goal/meaning. Then the idea of futility vanishes.

B

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

We only have 1 life, we should try to make it count for something. At least that's what I've grown to learn over the past year or so.

Turned 24 not too long ago, I realized I needed to spend more time seeing my family and enjoying the moments we have because you never know when they might be taken away early and you will miss them greatly.

I also decided to find something to volunteer for this year. last year I was volunteering at the animal shelter, this year I want to expand to some other cause that I can be dedicated to. Still searching for it...children's hospital or homeless shelter maybe...

My job doesn't make a big difference in ppl's lives. I want to do something outside of it that will be make some sort of difference, as well as make me feel fulfilled.

And one day when I am gone, I will at least know I made my life count for something. And hope I taught my kids well to do the same.

 

[angharad]

The fact that we're here at all is amazing. When you think about all the things that could have happened in the formation of our galaxy or solar system that would have destroyed it before the advent of life, or the fact that life on this planet was able to develop at all despite the odds...that's a pretty big reason to live.

 

[Trainer]

And one day when I am gone, I will at least know I made my life count for something. And hope I taught my kids well to do the same.

Well, there is the problem that in a few billion years all of our atoms will be smashed and redistributed throughout the galaxy and all traces of human history, art, science, achievement, and literature will be utterly and completely destroyed. It will literally be as if we never existed.

So, unfortunately, the goal of "making your life count for something" is temporary at best and ultimately futile.

 

[raftermania]

let me guess, you haven't tried pringles yet?

 

[cghipp]

let me guess, you haven't tried pringles yet?

Or Nutella!

I'm just going to enjoy this life, and not worry that statues will not be erected in my honor across the cosmos for all eternity. In a way, we are just bugs like any other bug, only more complex (in our own estimation, anyway). We live our lives and we die. Try not to ruin it by analyzing it to death.

 

[MonkeyPox]

If you have any friends or family or even a dog for goodness sake life shouldn't feel meaningless to you. Get outside and get off the computer for a change and I guarantee you that you will feel better and less dramatic.

 

[Kobble]

I think Federerererer needs a "go pill" or something. Sleep deprivation is devastating.

 

[cys19]

Go read The Stranger by Albert Camus if you haven't.

Isn't that what you call your hand when you sit on it for a really long time?

 

[ximian]

Check out the book of Ecclesiastes in (uh-oh) the Bible. You might find it facinating. It's an extremely cynical look at what the meaning of life could possibly be considering all the simple fact that death erases any sort of "profit" or "advantage" we can possibly get here on earth. Not your typical Bible book, lets put it that way. But at least he has (somewhat of) a solution.

P.S. please don't make this another religion thread. Thanks.

 

[Deleted member 6835]

i believe the purpose of life is to live in the image of God. we all come from God, and have a part of him in is, and when we die, that part returns to him, and we have eternal happiness. but if we have knowingly sinned many times and are punished, we come back to earth again, most likely as animals.

so life is not meaningless. you have to support your family, your future family, and most importantly, live in the way God would want you to.

 

[Deleted member 6835]

Well, there is the problem that in a few billion years all of our atoms will be smashed and redistributed throughout the galaxy and all traces of human history, art, science, achievement, and literature will be utterly and completely destroyed. It will literally be as if we never existed.

how old are you? i hope your whole post is a joke, lol. either that or you dont follow science very closely..

we wont be living on earth in 3 billion years, we will be somewhere else in space. but whether or not humans are completely destroyed is not up to us at all... IT IS UP TO GOD. God can destroy us all right now as i type this, or he can in 3 billion years... whatever the case, its up to him, and depends on how we humans act towards each other and interact

 

[kevhen]

You can sit around and think about the purpose of life or you can go out and play some tennis and actually enjoy the one life that you do have, it's your choice.

 

[Trinity TC]

Have you ever kissed a girl?

 

[raftermania]

Nutella is good, pringles are good. If that doesn't convince you, buy some captain crunch.. it'll give you something worth waking up to.

 

[thejackal]

life is like a train ride across the wilderness. just enjoy the journey.

 

[ATXtennisaddict]

Well, there is the problem that in a few billion years all of our atoms will be smashed and redistributed throughout the galaxy and all traces of human history, art, science, achievement, and literature will be utterly and completely destroyed. It will literally be as if we never existed.

So, unfortunately, the goal of "making your life count for something" is temporary at best and ultimately futile.

Well, it doesn't matter. I'll die knowing that i felt fulfilled. Whether or not what i did had lasting effects...I wouldn't be around to see it anyway.

 

[Trainer]

how old are you? i hope your whole post is a joke, lol. either that or you dont follow science very closely..

Funny

we wont be living on earth in 3 billion years,

OK.

we will be somewhere else in space.

What makes you so sure of that?

but whether or not humans are completely destroyed is not up to us at all... IT IS UP TO GOD. God can destroy us all right now as i type this, or he can in 3 billion years... whatever the case, its up to him, and depends on how we humans act towards each other and interact

Lol, and you were lecturing me about science? funny.

 

[Trainer]

Well, it doesn't matter. I'll die knowing that i felt fulfilled. Whether or not what i did had lasting effects...I wouldn't be around to see it anyway.

Good for you! Being satisfied with that is the secret of life.

 

[Spinnage]

Tennis = Life
No tennis = Death

 

[LuckyR]

A practical definition of Depression is: if you listen to the guy talk (post) for awhile and it makes you depressed, then that guy is probably clinically depressed.

 

[Deleted member 6835]

Funny



OK.



What makes you so sure of that?



Lol, and you were lecturing me about science? funny.

lol i personally dont find the fact that you are so ******** funny... i think disturbing is a better word to describe how i feel about your stupidity

btw if you can smarten up for a minute (ya i know that isnt your strength, but try...):
science is great, even though you dont know anything about it, but in 3 billion years we will be living in space. so far in 2000 years, we've managed to land on the moon and are now researching other galaxies (learn what a galaxy is before returning to this thread).

but in the end, all that we learn is not because we are smart, it is because God enabled us to learn it. But, God controls our destiny, not us. so you never know what will happen

one more thing, i asked how old you were, and you said "funny". So how does it feel to be "funny" years old? so not only are you ********, but you're also illiterate and posting on an online forum.

now THAT is FUNNY

 

[Swissv2]

Whatever you do will send a ripple of consequence further then you can ever imagine. It is personally up to you to pull people up with your positive outlook, or pull people down with your negative outlook.

Do the former, and you will find your life will gain more "meaning".

 

[dannyjjang]

i believe the purpose of life is to live in the image of God. we all come from God, and have a part of him in is, and when we die, that part returns to him, and we have eternal happiness. but if we have knowingly sinned many times and are punished, we come back to earth again, most likely as animals.

so life is not meaningless. you have to support your family, your future family, and most importantly, live in the way God would want you to.

Lets not discuss "God" here/ Obviously his not religious I became an atheist after making comparison between christianity and paganism and came to a conclusion that christianity is just another pagan religion. But I still live with Christian way of living since it has endured with me for all my life.

Federerererer if you think life is meaningless than make a meaning in your life. Theres alot to do in life so find something there is always something to do

 

[Trainer]

lol i personally dont find the fact that you are so ******** funny... i think disturbing is a better word to describe how i feel about your stupidity

btw if you can smarten up for a minute (ya i know that isnt your strength, but try...):
science is great, even though you dont know anything about it, but in 3 billion years we will be living in space. so far in 2000 years, we've managed to land on the moon and are now researching other galaxies (learn what a galaxy is before returning to this thread).

You know, it's not impossible, and I've never said that it is. For you to say it with that sort of certainty is absurd. The fastest space flight we can manage is about 25,000 mph. The nearest star is 5,879,000,000,000 miles away. A trip of almost 27,000 years...to a star that we know has no planets.

You may choose to believe that we can defy physical barriers with some fictional "warp drive" or something, but that's nothing but a fantasy.

The fact is, this planet could be destroyed tomorrow by an asteroid, and there is no guarantee that the earth can sustain the human race for another 500 years, much less a few hundred thousand. The history of earth shows us that extinctions happen, even to the most powerful animals on the planet.

Spew your nonsense all you like, until you back it up with facts, you're doing nothing but wasting both of our time.

but in the end, all that we learn is not because we are smart, it is because God enabled us to learn it. But, God controls our destiny, not us. so you never know what will happen

And you know this how?

one more thing, i asked how old you were, and you said "funny". So how does it feel to be "funny" years old? so not only are you ********, but you're also illiterate and posting on an online forum.

now THAT is FUNNY

What is funny is your attempt to belittle me by asking my age. Just pathetic.

 

[Deleted member 6835]

once again you have proven your immaturity... because i am merely asking your age, not "belittling it"

anyways im out of this, ive got better things to do in my life than talk to a human wall (like play tennis )

 

[Nick Irons]

I've just become more and more plagued by the idea that life is essentially of no meaning. Lets be honest, NO MATTER WHAT ANY OF US EVER DO, life will go on, an asteroid will destroy Earth, the sun will explode, more galaxies will form and destroy, more intelligent life will happen and end, and his will continue FOREVER, ad infinitum, never ending. So why care about ANYTHING, it doesn't matter. But then again, why not care. Isn't it true that we should be able to do whatever we want, since it is meaningless, and it will change nothing. In the end, life is without purpose, and who is to say what is good or bad, since it changes nothing. IS THERE ANY CONCEIVABLE REASON TO CARE, about anything "big" or "small."

The futility of life has taken away my ability to care about whether I live or die tommorow, but then again it has made me only care about being happy and doing whatever makes me feel good.

What are your thoughts, on nihilism, and the futility of life?

Based on this idea; you may as well just blow your brains out.

The meaning of life has nothing to do with when you are gone; but what it means today. How are you going to live your life ? Whose lives will you impact ? What will your legacy be ?

The meaning of life is for the now.

 

[Trainer]

anyways im out of this

Entirely predictable.

Spew some nonsense you can't backup, and then bail out.

 

[pcpshortbus]

tennis nerd and ximian know what they are talking about... with God there is always a meaning maybe you should try it out

 

[moonshine]

OK, this is my understanding of nihilism based on my experiences when I had my existential crisis. Nihilism is based on the premise that nothing exists outside of the realm of a person's perception of that object. You and I can look at the same object, but see two very different things based on our prejudices, past experiences, etc. Therefore nothing truly exists in the way we commonly define it. There is nothing that exists independently of perception.

Taken further, morality, relationships, and religion have no true meaning because they are also dependent on participants' perceptions. Choose to believe something differently than someone else, who the hell is he to tell you that you are wrong?

Therefore, it is not that life has no meaning, it is that you are indecisive about what meaning you are going to assign it. Life is only what you make of it. If you choose to live in limbo - which is what you are describing - that is where depression takes over and people kill themselves. Go out and figure out what everything means to you. Once you make a decision and stop straddling fences, you can get on with your life. If you abandon religion and other social norms, then so be it. You can live a fulfilling life. You may find yourself in the same life as your parents, and that can be cool too. It is your life - DO SOMETHING WITH IT.

 

[Federererererer]

Just remember ' freedom' is *not* doing what you want, but doing what is right. The greatest satisfaction in life is contributing to the human race, being unselfish, that's when you find purpose and a little happiness IMO.

I find the most selfish people, to be the most unhappy - look I don't me go out and join the " Peace Corps " just in the little things.

Here is my answer to that and to several other comments. I have read more nihilist/existential books than anyone here I think (maybe not, but probably). Sartre, Camus, Kundera, Nietzsche, Turgenev and several others. (I recommend "The Dark Side: Thoughts on the Futility of Life by Pratt). I have kissed a girl, and have a big family, BUT THIS DOES NOT STOP ME FROM SEEING THE TRUTH. Life is pointless, SEVERAL ASTRO PHYSICISTS all concur that the sun will one day "die" and engulf the Earth and destroy it, effectively removing the existence of human life, if an asteroid or super-volcano hadn't done the job already. If you religious folk want to deny evolution and the big bang and such and want to believe that the Earth was created by magic go on ahead, it means nothing, do what makes you happy. But I don't think anyone here can deny that any logical look at existence leads to the fact that no one has any clout on anything in this universe. I would think that EVERYONE HERE has to admit that this life we live means nothing, and as such (in response to the guy I quoted) WHO IS TO SAY WHAT IS GOOD AND NOT GOOD, when every act means nothing in the end and brings the same outcome......nothing. The only "good" if it can be called that, is doing ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that makes you happy (i.g. tennis) and place little emphasis on "good or bad" since that is subjective, and not objective. There are no objective morals. "MAKING THE WORLD BETTER"???? It will all end anyway, no matter what, so there is no better or worse.

Living my way is the way to go, because it absolutely frees you from all contraints and allows you to do whatever you want, even believe in God. It doesn't matter, accept it.

 

[Federererererer]

Well, there is the problem that in a few billion years all of our atoms will be smashed and redistributed throughout the galaxy and all traces of human history, art, science, achievement, and literature will be utterly and completely destroyed. It will literally be as if we never existed.

So, unfortunately, the goal of "making your life count for something" is temporary at best and ultimately futile.

THANK YOU, I completely agree, I appreciate you furthering my argument.

 

[raftermania]

ok injecting humour in this thread didn't do much.

federerererererrer, i'm aware of the futility of life, of everyday life, i am, but does that fact in itself mean anything? no it doesn't, so why not dwell on other things like making out with chicks and having snowball fights with your best friends?

think about life as a vacation on another planet, in this case, earth. our vacation started when we were born and will end when we die. have a good time while you're here instead of sitting in the clubhouse watching c-span while your buds rock it out on the beach.

 

[Federererererer]

ok injecting humour in this thread didn't do much.

federerererererrer, i'm aware of the futility of life, of everyday life, i am, but does that fact in itself mean anything? no it doesn't, so why not dwell on other things like making out with chicks and having snowball fights with your best friends?

think about life as a vacation on another planet, in this case, earth. our vacation started when we were born and will end when we die. have a good time while you're here instead of sitting in the clubhouse watching c-span while your buds rock it out on the beach.

THIS IS PRECISELY MY ARGUMENT. It upsets me that people have shifted your view of it with their side comments. I agree with you 100%, and I just started this thread to let my feelings on life be known, why not? But really, that's all I focus on, what makes me happy (i.g. tapping that ass), not the morality crap that people make up. Screw that.

 

[cghipp]

Federererererer, I could have sworn you asked for people to give their views on the matter. So I wouldn't call their responses "side comments." Or did you mean "snide comments"? Either way, you asked for comments.

 

[Swissv2]

THIS IS PRECISELY MY ARGUMENT. It upsets me that people have shifted your view of it with their side comments. I agree with you 100%, and I just started this thread to let my feelings on life be known, why not? But really, that's all I focus on, what makes me happy (i.g. tapping that ass), not the morality crap that people make up. Screw that.

Morality is crap?

If you truly think morality is crap, then become some Jihad and go blow yourself up - as you have no values whatsoever.

I have absolutely NO RESPECT for those who have no morals: it is the very foundation that a civilized world should function - without it, then I could simply kill you with no consequence.

So don't spew that "morality is crap" thing anymore, because if you do so then the rest of us has grounds to, in turn, treat you as you wish to treat others.

In terms of your "meaningless" existance I am assuming you are a young or depressed person. If you truely do not think what ever you do is meaningful, then I recommend that you leave home with nothing and do not ask anyone for help. Live on your own. And don't post on these forums anymore.

 

[Federererererer]

Morality is crap?

If you truly think morality is crap, then become some Jihad and go blow yourself up - as you have no values whatsoever.

I have absolutely NO RESPECT for those who have no morals: it is the very foundation that a civilized world should function - without it, then I could simply kill you with no consequence.

So don't spew that "morality is crap" thing anymore, because if you do so then the rest of us has grounds to, in turn, treat you as you wish to treat others.

In terms of your "meaningless" existance I am assuming you are a young or depressed person. If you truely do not think what ever you do is meaningful, then I recommend that you leave home with nothing and do not ask anyone for help. Live on your own. And don't post on these forums anymore.

You are blind. MORALITY IS INVALID, read Nietzsche, don't take my word for it. No one should say what is right and wrong, because no one has the authority to do so.

ARGUMENT ONE OF WHY MORALITY IS CRAP:
We are all a bunch of atoms joined together, no one is anymore capable than anyone else of judging the world. We are all the same, NO ONE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SAY WHAT ANOTHER CAN OR CAN'T DO. Its silly, logic says so.

ARGUMENT TWO OF WHY MORALITY IS CRAP:
Morality is based upon what is good and bad, which is stupid and invalid. Everything we do brings the same end, nothing, WE HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE UNIVERSE OR TIME, our attempts at change are futile. Therefore, logic says, ramming a car into a tree is no more good or bad than eating a lolly pop, IT MEANS NOTHING, so therefore, THERE IS NO GOOD OR BAD, just event A and event B. Don't fall victim to religious and political rhetoric. FREE YOURSELF. THE WORLD IS STRIPPING YOU OF YOUR FREEDOM!!!!!!!

 

[dannyjjang]

You are blind. MORALITY IS INVALID, read Nietzsche, don't take my word for it. No should say what is right and wrong, because no one has the authority to do so.

ARGUMENT ONE OF WHY MORALITY IS CRAP:
We are all a bunch of atoms joined together, no one is anymore capable than anyone else of judging the world. We are all the same, NO ONE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SAY WHAT ANOTHER CAN OR CAN'T DO. Its silly, logic says so.

ARGUMENT TWO OF WHY MORALITY IS CRAP:
Morality is based upon what is good and bad, which is stupid and invalid. Everything we do brings the same end, nothing, WE HAVE NOT EFFECT ON THE UNIVERSE OR TIME, our attempts at change are futile. Therefore, logic says, ramming a car into a tree is no more good or bad than eating a lolly pop, IT MEANS NOTHING, so therefore, THERE IS NO GOOD OR BAD, just event A and event B. Don't fall victim to religious and political rhetoric. FREE YOURSELF. THE WORLD IS STRIPPING YOU OF YOUR FREEDOM!!!!!!!

well you are very right however its a game and you must play by the rules
dont go out and start raping people

 

[Federererererer]

well you are very right however its a game and you must play by the rules
dont go out and start raping people

and I wouldn't, because it doesn't make me happy, all I care about is being happy, but in theory, crimes are just events in a futile existence

 

[Federererererer]

Federererererer, I could have sworn you asked for people to give their views on the matter. So I wouldn't call their responses "side comments." Or did you mean "snide comments"? Either way, you asked for comments.

side comments other than what I asked of nihilism and the futility of life, where they tried to define me and what I am

 

[MTChong]

I think one key point you're missing is that there is a sort of self-prescribed morality and ethics system in an existentialist point of view.

People are driven by their self-interests and as such, there will be lots of conflicting interests. However, nobody wants to die as they want to gain as much power and the such as possible. Therefore, though they are totally free to do whatever they want, they will only do things that they feel others should also be able to do. It's similar to the neighbor principle: in existentialism, because you take full responsibility for all of your actions, by choosing what you do for yourself, you are choosing for all men. By lying, you say it's okay for everyone to lie to you. By killing, you are proclaiming it's okay to murder left and right.

 

[armand]

There's nothing like committing a crime. Taking some important rule and spitting in its face, doing something most would not dare to. That makes you feel alive. And powerful in some way. You start to look at the world through different eyes somehow and wonder how would you be thought of if they knew this dark secret.

You feel good to be alive because you are free and you could easily not be. You are a survivor.

[note: crimes should be only done against faceless, money grubby corporations which do no good in making the Earth a better place]