The question, ‘What is the meaning of life?’ is one of those posed for discussion, as if the answer isn’t already blatantly obvious. We all know what the meaning of life is, and we always have done.1
As children we play games for domination. Sports are the most obvious example, but everything else that children do is also a miniaturised imitation of war and conflict. Little girls cry because their friends won’t do what they want them to do. 2
Their very souls demand obedience, and if they can’t get this they are very miserable little girls indeed. 3
The only difference between little girls and little boys is that the male species uses physical violence, whilst the female uses psychological violence. In terms of their ultimate goals, both sexes are identical.4
This behaviour in children demonstrates the meaning of life for all of us ‘adults’ who have forgotten the wars of childhood, and look at children with foolish eyes that see them as intrinsically kind, and good versions of ourselves. 5
Think back to your school days. Do you remember it as it truly was?6
The next generation merely repeats this stage of life, and what we ourselves experienced is now repeating itself in the school playgrounds of the world. 7
Not a playground, but a war-zone, where battles for domination are thought every second of every day.8
This is an important thing to remember, as it teaches us about who we are as a species, and how we have managed to subjugate and dominate every other animal life form on this planet.9
All we really are is soldiers, fighting for our own personal well being. Life is a fight, and we do all that is in our power to be the winners in this never ending fight. 10
But as intelligent people, we understand that some day we will die. Because we are aware of our mortality we want to leave a part of ourselves behind when we eventually succumb to old age or disease. This is the reason why we have children, selfish and unhappy as that might sound. 11
So we have children, and (because they are just miniature, ego driven versions of our selves) we do all we can to help them make a success out of their own lives. If we have any power we use this power to help our children. 12
The politician sends his children to the top university, and uses his contacts to ensure his child starts on the right career path. 13
The Army soldier has limited power, so his son/daughter takes the only option available to him/her and joins the army like his/her father.14
The criminal has even fewer options, and his son/daughter leads a life in much the same vein as the powerless father.15
There are always exceptions to this rule. Sometimes the politician’s son is a failure, and ruins all the opportunities given his way. The soldier’s son might find he has a talent, and with a bit of luck becomes a footballer or singer. Sometimes the offspring of the criminal becomes more than his father, but this is always an exception that proves the all dominating rule.16
And so humanity keeps on repeating, and replicating the lives of the Father. We are born, we fight, we look for family advantages, we succeed/fail, we produce our replacement, and then we die. 17
And that’s all life is my friends. 18
Knowing that this is what we are living for, we have to question it. 19
Why do we do it at all? I’d like your feedback, I really would. 20
Do we do it for the small pleasures like sex, food and a good night’s sleep? This seems like a selfish reason, but (as I’ve previously argued) selfishness is at the core of everything that we do. 21
Do we live our lives because we simply enjoy the fight? Everyday is a competition, and we can’t wait to exert our dominance over other people? I hope that this isn’t the reason, because if it is then we are as pointlessly evil as the bogeyman of many Hollywood movies.22
Personal relationships could be the answer to my question. Do we live because we like our friends, family and lover’s so much? This has always been a weak argument to myself personally, as I would happily live for another sixty years without meeting one single other person.23
Perhaps we do it just out of habit and a fear of the unknown that is death?24
This seems like a more likely explanation. 25
It is certainly the only conclusion that I can draw from living life on Earth for thirty-six years. 26
As children we don’t know any better, and we fight for dominance because we are nasty, vicious little animals. But when we mature, we develop the ability to think about our actions. We can analyse them, and ask questions about our own (mostly abhorrent) behaviour and motivations.27
I have done this, and my conclusions were reached with a completely clear conscious and objective mind set. 28
I have argued that our lives are merely repeating what our parents have already done. We are clones of people that had no meaning for existing in the first place. 29
If the only reason for existing is to fight and breed then that is no reason for existing at all. 30
We are insects, working and fighting in a hive. The only difference between us is our knowledge that the world is like this, whilst the insect is blissfully ignorant. Yet we continue to do everything in our power to prolong this world’s existence.31
As an intelligent, thoughtful and questioning race we are all guilty of the heinous crime of letting it all continue. The conclusion to my piece here might seem harsh, but it has to be said.32
There is no reason for existing, and human life is utterly, profoundly, eternally and sadly, devoid of all meaning, all reason and all-purpose.33
It’s a conclusion that I didn’t want to make, but it’s the only conclusion that fits all available facts. 34
Author notes
Would welcome any arguments
Comments
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Uhm, wow, reading the other comments this seems like a very sensitive topic with people. Personally though, I just thought it was an interesting piece that raised some equally interesting facts. It was very existentialistic, but I didn't mind that. People believe what they believe, I guess. For me, being a teenager in her last year of high school, I'd like to think that there is more to life than reliving the lives of our parents. I'd like to think that there is more to live for too. But, I don't see the world through rose coloured glasses; I'm aware of all the crap that happens out there and sometimes I agree with your chain of thoughts. But most of the time, I think life is more worth it than you give it credit. I don't know why I do, unlike the other people who commented I can't give you a reason based on religion - because I don't believe in any, and I can't give you a reason based upon my own wonderful live experiences because frankly, I haven't been alive for that long
And also because I don't want to get too into this like other people have. I can see it got pretty heated at times...
The meaning of life depends on whoever is asking the question. I don't know what the answer is, but I do have enough naivety and hope inside me to believe that there is more to it than nothing. I know your own experiences and way of thinking may see this hope as short lived, but hey, that's fine with me. I totally respect your own opinions, so I won't challenge it by convincing you otherwise. I agree with many bits of this piece though - the overeaching ambition, the selfishness and the need for dominanace and control that all humans have. Why then am I still so optimistic about everything? Again, I don't know. Would love to hear your opinion on that
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I hate to sound so egotistical, because I'm just as clueless as anybody else. Of course you are optimistic, and you really should try to hold on to that. Youth is all about looking forward to a happy future, and that's why it's so great to be young. My cynicism has been caused by the years being unkind to me, but that isn't to say that your life will suck just as bad as mine. Life has no meaning, but i certainly hope that you at least enjoy it.
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The meaning of life is to have joy. This is based on my Christian upbringing which many do not believe in so it will be dismissed as invalid. Joy does not mean temporary happiness and fulfillment of selfish desires. True joy comes from learning to be happy giving to others. I realise you have not been able to find this kind of joy. Without desire it will never happen either. The fact that many do not seek joy is very true and does not mean that those who have found joy are faking it. You cannot base your conclusin on your own perceptions it is not rational. It is true that there is much in the way of sorrow and selfishness in the world, that does not mean it is the only way to be. Choice is the most basic theme in our existence. Even if our life is bereft of human comforts and wealth etc. We can choose positive behaviour. Read about prisoners of war and how they maintain their sanity. Choosing to be happy that IS our purpose...I am happy to say I have perpetuated the Human experience by adding 8 joyful souls to the population. Thanks for not contributing
we each have our place and purpose. Without negativity we cannot appreciate the positive all of us have a purpose, all of us have choices to make...
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Thanks for the reply, and I won't be so negative as to shrug of your arguments purely because they are based on a 'belief.'
The problem I had with your argument is that it read like a self-help book synopsis. It's all very good finding self worth in charitable work, but are you really following the words of Jesus?
Have you given up all of your wordly comforts, or is it just a weekend gig?
You made one good point about prisoners of war. The point being that the mind is a tool easily as manipulated as the physical body. I do actually agree with using the mind to fend of bad vibes, and use many of these techniques myself. This article was about the world, and I separate myself from a large part of it. I refuse career, friendships, relationships, wealth and breeding. Come to think of it, I'm a far more Christian person than you are.
Thanks again for the comments. I really do appreciate you taking the time to submit such a thoughtful review.
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Your definition of Christian is probably closer to the world's at large. My definition is not as stifling. I practice my beliefs daily spending more than seven hours a week in actual service within the institution of my faith. But that's not the main part of my religeon daily living is. The Jesus I believe in makes up for my weaknesses so it is not required that I actually give up all that I have but that I am willing to when the need arises. And trust me I have given up the selling of my home and stayed to serve my church when it was asked. We had a buyer already and backed out of the deal simply at the request of our higher authority within my religeon. So since you cannot know how Christ like I am it does not help your cause to claim greater virtue. And really it does not matter if we are Christian as long as we are trying to be decent human beings. That is the real crux of my original comments.
True joy really does come from giving service to others. The world is not as bleak for everyone as it is for some. In this case your thesis does not hold together becuase you base it on your own perspective. And I do know that we are basically selfish mean little beings. The world is full of war my father, husband, daughter and son-in-law have all served in the military by choice as a service. Perspective tells both sides that it is a self righteous thing to do, ironic I know but both sides believe it. That makes both sides morally correct to defend their positions. But I guess that could throw you into a whole 'nother tangent I had best shut up. I do enjoy reading your comments and hope to gain from your perspectivr from time to time...hope you don't mind I counsel youth and use what I learn about people when I help them to live happier lives
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A Discussion?
Prefer it to an argument. Besides if I used the psychological violence of an argument to try to convince you otherwise that would make me a...nasty little girl?
Interesting that someone from the birthplace of the Magna Carta which ultimately resulted in, if not the birth, certainly the flowering of a middle class. I realize England is a bit more class conscious than the US.
Here we happily delude ourselves that any child may grow up to be President of the US. I see politicians as those endlessly fighting for domination, the natural enemy of the people. Their constant need to dictate is symptomatic of their need to be recognized as the smartest guy in the room.
To your question "Why do we do it all?", I would answer partly "Because it's hard wired into us." Ok, this is gonna get scary because I am a Catholic and we were taught that we have both an animal and rational component incorporated into the same being. The animal wants, enjoys mating and procreating, the rational tries to rein in the urges to do it indiscriminantly. Source of a lot of good writing, eh?
As to personal relationships, we are living examples of primate behavior. We have only been humans for 4 million years. So we haven't shaken off all the fur.
AS to parents cloning their children as themselves, just wait. My Dad was a doctor. He said if you have one child you can write a book on how to raise children. Have 2 and you'll burn the book you were writing.
As to "if the only reasons are fighting and breeding". Breeding ain't so bad if you do it right. I guess what I'm trying to say is "No brains, no headaches." Sometimes you just gotta say "What the f#ck, let's have a beer!" Cheers.
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Thanks seamusl. I'll take the beer, but leave the breeding to less developed animals.
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I... couldn't... argee... more.
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Interesting
Let me see if I got this right. You think that the population of the earth as a general rule wishes to dominate their peers and put selfishness as the motivation to every act? I quote:
"but (as I’ve previously argued) selfishness is at the core of everything that we do"
and also:
"The next generation merely repeats this stage of life, and what we ourselves experienced is now repeating itself in the school playgrounds of the world.
Not a playground, but a war-zone, where battles for domination are thought every second of every day."
Your philosophy is disturbingly depressive and devoid of hope, and is also slightly amusing, since if all humans are as you portray, then the motivation for your post was selfish ambition and a desire to dominate us into your way of thinking. Your "no reason for existing" is sad and a contradiction of your previous statement:
"I would happily live for another sixty years without meeting one single other person"
If you would be happy to live for another sixty years, then you must have some reason for living, even if that were only to not be dead. Also consider this statement:
"my conclusions were reached with a completely clear conscious and objective mind set"
If that were indeed true, then you have escaped the universal human condition you put forward as factual, but the fact that your arguments contradict each other leads me to believe that you have not in fact considered all of the evidence we have.
Beautiful moments in life are the ones that show up the flaws in your philosophy. Ask a couple on their 40th wedding anniversary if they have felt no reason to exist for the prior 40 years. Ask a new mother cradling a baby in her arms if she feels like her life is a waste. Talk to a university graduate on graduation day and see if they cannot amaze you with their hopes for the future. The couple looks forward to the next 10 years, the mother cannot wait for the baby's first word, or tooth, the graduate can't wait to begin his first day at work.
No, I don't believe life is a waste on a secular level. -
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I'm hardly dominating by expressing my opinion. If I really wanted to influence people I would become a politician. My motivations for posting this were purely selfish, I agree. But (lets face it) nobody here on SW is interested in this kind of topic. It's too depressing and serious. All that most readers want out of SW is a Twilight style teenage sex fantasy. By posting this I was fully aware that hardly anybody would bother to read it. My main motivation was to cleanse myself, speak some truth and put it out there for anybody who is open to argument.
A good way of countering an argument is to point out the inconsistencies, and you tried like a good lawyer would. You failed, but your line of attack was textbook stuff.
On to your few remaining points, namely the cliché 'moments of joy' as celebrated by the greeting cards industry.
My Mum and Dad have been married for 37 years. They argue all the time, and do all they can to keep away from each other. Why are they still married? Same reasons as most I guess, habit and cowardice.
New mother's are statistically more likely to harm their own children than any other person, next.
I graduated University with a BA, and later an MA. Was I happy and looking forward to the future?
You don't care, but I'll answer my own question.
I spent four years at university, and during this time I didn't have one single friend. I spent my time reading, and thinking that this wasn't half as much fun as I thought it would be. After University I could only find minimum wage employment with my useless qualifications. Ten years later I am still working at minimum wage jobs.
I have never had a relationship, and I still have no friends.
Please tell me again that life is not a waste. Live my life for one single day and I think you might change your opinion.
By the way, your photo is upside down.
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The inconsistencies
Thankyou for your reply. First though, may I ask how I failed to counter your argument? I pointed out that you would need further consistency between your arguments. The fact that the inconsistencies exist would lead me to believe that there are some things you have omitted to mention, and dismissing all my points with one sentence is no refutation. Calling it "textbook stuff" was no denigration of my reply, because textbooks are there to learn from.
If we, as a race, live to dominate others and have purely selfish motivations, then every person would live for their own good, only pushing the objectives of society as a whole when it provided the individual with a benefit. Instead, last year saw 75% of Americans claim to have donated to charities (http://vodpod.com/watch/1272959-most-americans-report-donating-to-charity-in-2008). In 2008, World Vision provided immediate support to 60 countries for disaster relief (http://www.wvi.org/wvi/ wviweb.nsf/section/DC63CF15990F2E808825737F007E3166?opendocument). Another charity organisation, Compassion International, assisted one million children in 25 countries (http://www.compassion.com/about/aboutus.htm). These are not government organisations, although they accept concessions and donations from the government, but are funded in the majority by people.
How does it serve the interests of every person who gives to those charities? In what way does assisting those less fortunate than ourselves contribute to our personal greater good? If there were only a few people donating, you might say they did it for manipulation, on a "you scratch my back I'll scratch yours" basis, but 150 million Americans, some of whom would be giving sacrificially? No, that makes no sense.
You stated that each generation is a repeat of the previous:
"And so humanity keeps on repeating, and replicating the lives of the Father. We are born, we fight, we look for family advantages, we succeed/fail, we produce our replacement, and then we die."
My father is an accountant, my eldest brother is a lawyer, the second is a security guard, I'm an accountant, then there's an electrician, and my brother just leaving school wants to be a plumber. We each chose our own profession according to our interests. Of my friends, very few work in their parents professions. There is nothing wrong in wanting to succeed, advance and further our interests among society, provided that success does not in fact become the reason for succeeding. The majority of people are happy to work to provide for their families and retirement, then pass on quietly.
Every new generation adds something to the previous generation, increasing the body of knowledge, advancing technology in medicine and physics. If this is what you term 'fight', then perhaps you define it wrongly. Instead, consider thinking of life as work, not war. I work to provide accurate reports to management, and along the way I have to interface with many people, using all my skills at negotiation to gather information. Sometimes, this requires using power, at other times requires submission, sometimes criticism, sometimes flattery. It's not a war, it's work.
Please do not think I am criticising you as a person in any way. I merely disagree with your opinion of society. My photo is upside down because I like to be interesting. -
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People give a pittance to charity for a very obvious reason. I can't believe I even have to say it, but one word GUILT.
Rightly placed guilt as well, but you can't pay for your immortal soul. Your daily actions and sense of guilt cannot be paid off with tiny charity donations.
If you give half of your wages to charity, sacrificing comforts for yourself (and the ubiquitous family) then I admire you. You don't happen to do this, do you Dan?
You missed the point I was making about jobs. It's not the title, it's the status. Your brother (if he really is a security guard) failed. The rest of you are just replicating your father, in jobs that pay an above average salary. Plumbers and electricians are not 'blue collar' stereotypes. They are skilled professional people (like lawyers and accountants) who are paid very well.
I loved your optimism about each generation passing on 'knowledge' to the next. In one sense you are correct. Better computers, cars, vaccinations, machine guns etc. Again, your blinkered worldview stops you looking at the bigger picture.
We still stupidly vote for one of two main political parties. We still kill people in foreign countries because they tell us to. We still rape third world countries of their resources. We still live isolated, insignificant lives where we contribute to the sense of despair and alienation that is engulfing the western world.
Spiritually we haven't advanced since the times of the caveman. We are the same ugly; avarice motivated monkeys that we always have been.
The worse crime that any human can commit is to bring another life into this world. I have moral integrity and refuse to prolong this insanity. As for you, well you just follow the rest of the sheep.
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Interesting and wrong to a point, I guess unless somebody believes in some sort of higher being or afterlife then yes this life is ultimately pointless, but your theory that people only live for themselves is not entirely accurate. I agree that is the base instict of a person, and the basic attitude of most children. But, I think most people move past this assesment after time. I also submit that those who do not either refuse or lack the ability to mature. I will use myself as on example. Yes, I wish to be succesful an I have already "breeded", but the meaning of my life is also raising my kids the best I can. helping other, taking part in simple pleasures, and hopefully being accepted in the paradise that awaits us after we die. Yes, the preservation of self and humaninty is part of life, but it is wrong to limit it to just that. We are born selfish and probably stay that way to a point, but most people do develop a sense of caring and compassion for others.
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You have God and children, so I guess these twin comforts give you valid reasons for continued existence.
It's probably best not to look into it too much though, and I'd be a cruel man to point out the flaws in your motivations.
Thanks for reading, and commenting. -
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Well thank you for not being a cruel man.
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