What is the Meaning of Life Without Life?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the philosophical question of the meaning of life, particularly in the context of life existing without life itself. Participants explore various interpretations of purpose, existence, and the relationship between life and the universe, touching on theoretical, conceptual, and experiential aspects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the meaning of life is inherently tied to life itself, suggesting that without life, there can be no meaning.
  • Others argue that life serves a purpose beyond mere existence, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the universe and its wonders.
  • A viewpoint suggests that the purpose of life may be to accept that there is no inherent purpose, advocating for self-empowerment and personal responsibility in defining one's own meaning.
  • Some contributions highlight the idea that the universe itself may lack meaning without life to interpret it, raising questions about the relationship between life and the universe.
  • There are discussions about hypothetical scenarios, such as being born without senses or in a state of suffering, which challenge the notion of a universal purpose for life.
  • Participants also explore the idea that life forms, including plants, have specific purposes that contribute to the ecosystem, suggesting a broader definition of purpose beyond human experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the meaning and purpose of life, with no clear consensus reached. Some agree on the significance of experience, while others emphasize the absence of inherent purpose. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives present.

Contextual Notes

Participants' arguments are influenced by their individual beliefs and experiences, leading to varying definitions of life and purpose. The discussion includes hypothetical scenarios that complicate the understanding of purpose and existence.

  • #31
Chi Meson said:
We are all speaking our minds and stating our opinions. When we singularly announce our personal opinion as correct and denounce "All the rest is irrelevant commentary, pontification and aggrandizement," that is arrogant.

I wasn't meaning to be arrogant. I'm merely stating my personal opinion that the other reasons that people contrive to justify their existence are mere rationalisations. I'm speaking my mind, I apologise if it's coming off as arrogant or unfeeling.
 
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  • #32
I recind my comment.
 
  • #33
Chi Meson said:
I recind my comment.

I appreciate it, thank you. :smile:
 
  • #34
Absolfu**inglutely, guys. There's not much of a point in it.
 
  • #35
The meaning of life has already been fulfilled when mankind invented plastic bags so my cat can lick them.
 
  • #36
Whether or not life has meaning is a statement of faith. If you choose to believe that life has no meaning - a leap of faith - then that's what you get.
 
  • #37
A very subjective question - the meaning is in the mind of the beholder.

On the other hand, and being repetitive, this works -

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body.

The goal is to skid in broadside; tires smoking, body all dented, leaking fluids and fuel gauge on empty, thoroughly used up and worn out, and loudly proclaiming - Holy s#*t! What a Ride!" :cool:

Go for it, Man! :cool: :-p
 
  • #38
Astronuc said:
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body.

The goal is to skid in broadside; tires smoking, body all dented, leaking fluids and fuel gauge on empty, thoroughly used up and worn out, and loudly proclaiming - Holy s#*t! What a Ride!"
Absolutely loved this quote from the first time I heard it.

That is a healthy attitude towards life!
 
  • #39
Astronuc said:
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body.

The goal is to skid in broadside; tires smoking, body all dented, leaking fluids and fuel gauge on empty, thoroughly used up and worn out, and loudly proclaiming - Holy s#*t! What a Ride!"

Just so long as you keep in mind that you may have to drive around in that car before you actually park it. Of course if you know when and where to park your car, then that's not a problem.
I do get the idea that the quote is trying to communicate, but i think it's something that's hard to live by, unless you know you're dying in x days. In some aspects it's also unwise, life can be a valuable thing, and throwing it away just for the ride doesn't sound like the best strategy. It's best to find a happy medium between the two extremes.
 
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  • #40
Amazing, such a useless thread and its already three pages long.
 
  • #41
Rach3 said:
Amazing, such a useless thread and its already three pages long.
You're right. Let's start a thread about punctuation or something.:biggrin:
 
  • #42
Rach3 said:
Amazing, such a useless thread and its already three pages long.
Wait until you're about 50 or so, and start looking back. :wink:
 
  • #43
-Job- said:
Just so long as you keep in mind that you may have to drive around in that car before you actually park it. Of course if you know when and where to park your car, then that's not a problem.
I do get the idea that the quote is trying to communicate, but i think it's something that's hard to live by, unless you know you're dying in x days. In some aspects it's also unwise, life can be a valuable thing, and throwing it away just for the ride doesn't sound like the best strategy. It's best to find a happy medium between the two extremes.
Well, I'm enjoying the ride and making the most of it. Most significant to me are the people I meet along the way. Before I met them, I didn't know they existed, and the best part is when they become friends.

Sometimes the ride is smooth and relaxed, sometimes its bumpy and sometimes it gets intense - and the end is still on the horizon. And I do take time out to smell the flowers, watch sunsets or sunrises, listen to the songs of the birds, watch stars at night, wonder of the world and the universe, and think a lot.

Life is a journey (a trip!) between birth and death. As long as one is alive, do something meaningful and hopefully enjoyable.

Where there is life, there is hope.

If one doesn't like the path one's on, then one can change the path.
 
  • #44
The best quote I ever heard about the meaning of life was from Mindwalk.

Life is infinitely more than your or my obtuse theories about it (paraphrased).
 
  • #45
To seek meaning is a subliminal assertion of ones own emptiness..

...Purpose is just another fancy word to hide mans vanity...

...and All is Vanity :zzz:
 
  • #46
I never needed a reason...(to live)

Just Live...this is not a dress rehersal :smile:
 
  • #47
You fools. The answer is 42.
 
  • #48
Life's a piece of s**t,
when you think of it..

Therefore, we should always look at the bright side of it*


*Refers here to "life" not to s**t.
 
  • #49
arildno said:
Life's a piece of s**t,
when you think of it..

What leads you to think that way?
 
  • #50
Monty Python
 
  • #51
Evo said:
AARRGHGH!

How dare you stick a "meaning of life" thread in my forum??

We *do* have some standards here. :devil:
I'm doing my best to standardize it.
 

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