| Subject: the meaning of life...discuss! (repost) |
Author:
Mr.Riley
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 15:41:18 05/13/03 Tue
I was reading some of the many posts about "the meaning of life" and "why we exist", etc., etc. I found it all rather interesting, so I would like to get the discussion going again, if possible..
My personal opinion is this: The meaning of life/why we exist depends on a mixture of three things: religion, society/culture, and science. Think about it. A Pakistani who had his home blown to shreads by an Israeli tank might devote his life to making sure Israel suffers. A Tibetian boy, raised as a peaceful and considerate human, might decide to become a Monk and meditate in the mountains until he shrivels up and dies. Some lady in the U.S might go to Medical school and become a surgeon, feeling the need to contribute to society by saving lives. What each of these people believe has to do with their spirituality, what their society/culture teaches and believes, and basic rules of sciene that they might or might not be aware of.
On a purely scientific level, the successful person reproduces.
On a purely religious level, a person who has lived their life correctly will devote their lives to their beliefs.
And on a purely society-driven level, a person must cater to what their culture expects of them in order to be successful.
Let's take a really common example. When someone says, "the meaning of life is to love and be loved" their cultural surroundings and the society they live in most likely supports that idea.
Chances are, if someone lived in the U.S.S.R during the 40s, their ideas about life would probably be along the lines of "The meaning of life is to be Stalin's bitch."
There are exceptions, of course, but that is only when people are effected by things that might make them look at the world differently.
If you were an ape in the jungle, life to you would consist of eating, sleeping, making sure you don't die, and reproducing. And that is the meaning of life... for an ape in the jungle.
So, basically, to end my babble..Preception is the key to the meaning of life and our existance. What you are told and what you believe will forever effect your views of the world. And no one is right, or wrong.
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
| |
Feedback: 