Meaning of Life: Difference between revisions
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What is the meaning of life? | What is the meaning of [[life]]? | ||
The question itself is a bit poorly phrased, since we aren't just trying to define the word "life". The actual questions alluded to by the "meaning of life" are varied | The question itself is a bit poorly phrased, since we aren't just trying to define the word "life". The actual questions and answers alluded to by the "meaning of life" are varied outlined below. | ||
== Where did we come from? == | |||
"Where did we come from?" is always answered by a [[creation]] story, and metaculture is no different. Science answers this question with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bang Big Bang theory] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution Evolution]. However the question of "why are we here?" is often said to be outside the realm of scientific inquiry. | "Where did we come from?" is always answered by a [[creation]] story, and metaculture is no different. Science answers this question with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bang Big Bang theory] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution Evolution]. However the question of "why are we here?" is often said to be outside the realm of scientific inquiry. | ||
The notion of meaning or purpose often implies the existence of a conscious being to whom our existence is meaningful. Otherwise the answer to "why are we here?" tends to reduce to "we're here because we aren't not here". But it is possible to come up with a meaningful answer to this question without a supernatural actor given the right perspective on the issue. | The notion of meaning or purpose often implies the existence of a [[conscious]] being to whom our existence is meaningful. Otherwise the answer to "why are we here?" tends to reduce to "we're here because we aren't not here". But it is possible to come up with a meaningful answer to this question without a [[supernatural]] actor given the right perspective on the issue. | ||
== Why are we here? == | |||
We are here because the [[self-organizing]] principles of matter and logic mean that any sufficiently large mass will inevitably give rise to [[self-aware]] beings capable of asking this very question. It is the destiny of existence itself. A different [[universe]] of matter with different [[laws of physics]] might result in a totally different type of intelligent being, but that being will always arise and ask itself "why?" | |||
Either that or the alternate [[universe]] will collapse on itself before that happens and nobody will be there to ever know it ever existed in the first place. If a [[universe]] collapses in the void and it never [[evolved]] intelligent [[life]] to observe it, was it ever there? Nevermind. | |||
== What is the purpose of our existence? == | |||
But the important thing is that it's not the [[free will|will]] of some [[supernatural]] being that causes us to exist, our existence is simply [[inevitable]]. But that [[inevitability]] can also be seen as the will of the divine, being carried out in the interactions of every atom in the [[universe]]. | |||
We have been given a gift that few clumps of matter ever receive--consciousness. The meaning of life is to make the most of it. | The purpose of human existence is the pursuit of [[happiness and well-being]]. This is taught to us by our neurons and their relentless attempts to make our bodies do things that lead to survival and reproduction. Our purpose is to do what our neurons tell us to do, as well as it can be done. | ||
== How do I find personal meaning in my own life? == | |||
Finding personal meaning is harder in a [[universe]] where no [[supernatural]] being is there to tell you what that is, but not that hard. Everyone is able to find something that inspires them, something they enjoy that makes the world a better place for themselves or those around them. It is up to each individual to find out what that is and pursue it. | |||
For some people their work is meaningful. Others have jobs they hate but [[families]], [[friends]] or [[hobbies]] they [[love]]. Some find meaning in [[charity]], others in [[art|creativity]]. Some people are leaders, others are just doing their part to keep [[society]] running. All are capable of finding [[meaning]] and joy in [[life]]. | |||
We have been given a gift that few clumps of matter ever receive--[[consciousness]]. The meaning of [[life]] is to [[happiness|make the most of it]]. | |||
How do we do that? [[Evidence-Based Best Practices]]! | |||
Revision as of 20:04, 27 December 2023
What is the meaning of life?
The question itself is a bit poorly phrased, since we aren't just trying to define the word "life". The actual questions and answers alluded to by the "meaning of life" are varied outlined below.
Where did we come from?
"Where did we come from?" is always answered by a creation story, and metaculture is no different. Science answers this question with the Big Bang theory and Evolution. However the question of "why are we here?" is often said to be outside the realm of scientific inquiry.
The notion of meaning or purpose often implies the existence of a conscious being to whom our existence is meaningful. Otherwise the answer to "why are we here?" tends to reduce to "we're here because we aren't not here". But it is possible to come up with a meaningful answer to this question without a supernatural actor given the right perspective on the issue.
Why are we here?
We are here because the self-organizing principles of matter and logic mean that any sufficiently large mass will inevitably give rise to self-aware beings capable of asking this very question. It is the destiny of existence itself. A different universe of matter with different laws of physics might result in a totally different type of intelligent being, but that being will always arise and ask itself "why?"
Either that or the alternate universe will collapse on itself before that happens and nobody will be there to ever know it ever existed in the first place. If a universe collapses in the void and it never evolved intelligent life to observe it, was it ever there? Nevermind.
What is the purpose of our existence?
But the important thing is that it's not the will of some supernatural being that causes us to exist, our existence is simply inevitable. But that inevitability can also be seen as the will of the divine, being carried out in the interactions of every atom in the universe.
The purpose of human existence is the pursuit of happiness and well-being. This is taught to us by our neurons and their relentless attempts to make our bodies do things that lead to survival and reproduction. Our purpose is to do what our neurons tell us to do, as well as it can be done.
How do I find personal meaning in my own life?
Finding personal meaning is harder in a universe where no supernatural being is there to tell you what that is, but not that hard. Everyone is able to find something that inspires them, something they enjoy that makes the world a better place for themselves or those around them. It is up to each individual to find out what that is and pursue it.
For some people their work is meaningful. Others have jobs they hate but families, friends or hobbies they love. Some find meaning in charity, others in creativity. Some people are leaders, others are just doing their part to keep society running. All are capable of finding meaning and joy in life.
We have been given a gift that few clumps of matter ever receive--consciousness. The meaning of life is to make the most of it.
How do we do that? Evidence-Based Best Practices!