Essay on The Meaning of Life

Life, it might be argued, is the distinguishing feature of all organisms and may most usefully be thought of as involving various kinds of complex systems of organization providing individual organisms with the ability to make use of those energy sources available to them for both self maintenance and reproduction. Underlying this deceptively persuasive definition, however, lie those persistent traditional problems inherent in the search for an essential, distinctive substance characteristic of all forms of life. Additionally, as evolution theory makes clear, there is the problem of borderline instances, organisms of which it is not easy to say whether or not they may be defined as being alive. One such case

How does one find the meaning of life? There is no map with an X that marks the spot where life’s meaning is discovered. It takes a journey to truly discover it. As they say, it’s not about the destination it’s about the journey. In William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Hamlet uncovers the purpose of life through his journey of avenging his father’s death. Hamlet’s compulsive thoughts toward vengeance cloud his mind from rational decisions. His mind is clouded with suicidal thoughts which make him perceive death as the purpose of life.

Do you ever wonder why you are put into situations that you don’t know how to deal with? Would it disappear if you just closed your eyes to the many lights that life produces? Well most cases it doesn’t, the light is shining in your eyes like the sun and you have to deal with it. Sometimes I wonder why I act the way I do, and why I have to deal with situations that aren’t always the most comforting. You think you have something, but you realize that you have nothing on that one piece of life’s puzzle. When you sit down to think in silence about the world revolving around you, you realize that piece is near you. However, it is not close enough to grab with your hand or heart. You want to react with your mind, but

What is the meaning of life? This is basically the most powerful question that we humans could ask ourselves. Probably the most instigating question too. “For the meaning of life differs from man to man, from day to day and from hour to hour. What matters, therefore, is not the meaning of life in general but rather the specific meaning of a person's life at a given moment.” Viktor E. Frankl.

In the book What’s It All About? Julian Baggini discusses philosophy and the meaning of life. This reading was able to bring different perspectives on ideas of the meaning of life that I thought about before. I was also able to learn about these concerns about life 's meaning or meaninglessness in a philosophical standpoint. Some of the chapters that I found interesting included the chapters titled looking for the blueprint, here to help, and becoming a contender.

The human condition is what motivates people to search for a deeper purpose in life. Essentially it takes people on a journey to find the meaning of life or as Dr. Roush believes the human condition is a lifelong adventure. He states that one must take “educated risks in life to get to your final goal”. Life offers many opportunities with unforetold paths that may end with a reward or another difficult obstacle. The path goer must decide to take a risk by choosing a path with an unknown future. Likewise, Cornel West believes that people must always find the meaning of life. The meaning to life is used by people to justify what they do and their beliefs. The meaning of life will vary from person to person, however, every person must take on the adventure, no matter the path.

The concept of life holds a complex philosophical definition. The meaning of life remains an abstract thought that many interpret in a variety of ways. People must acquire a reason to live to spur personal development as they maneuver through life. Every individual lives life for a different purpose; for example, some live life to devote themselves to their religion while others devote themselves to sports or the arts. Humans have a variety of inspirations that motivate them to conquer challenges greater than imagined. Valuing life gives people an incentive to achieve tasks no matter the obstacle, depending on their level of passion. Some individuals move on to accomplish unthinkable deeds because they developed a strong

I’ve played guitar for the past five years and absolutely adored it. Music is something I believe everyone should have in their life as it allows for the simultaneous use of multiple regions of the brain, helps reduce stress, and is downright fun. If I were to teach a class, I’d teach an introduction to playing guitar. Over the span of a week I’d go over the basics of reading treble clef and guitar tablature. I’d explain how to hold the guitar properly and explain the pneumonic “Eddie Ate Dynamite; Good-Bye Eddie” to name each of the open strings on the guitar. I’d move through every note on the strings of the guitar before teaching basic chords. As the week progressed, I’d give the class a few simple songs to play by reading both tablature and treble clef.

The answer to life’s biggest question, “What is the meaning of life?” is yet to be answered. However, the answer is a fairly simple one. The answer depends upon the person the question was for. Our beliefs, character, and background will affect the answer to this question. It was Lewis Vaughn who said, “No one can simply hand you the meaning of life as if it were a gift basket. The process of examining the question of life’s meaning or purpose is personal. You have to take that journey for yourself” (Vaughn, 365).

What is the meaning of life? Well known Greek philosphers such as Socrates and Plato believed that our purpose in this life was to gain knowledge in preparation for the next life. Other Philosophers such as Epicurus believed that pleasure is the main goal in life. After giving these ideas lots of thought, I have come to my own conclusion that the true meaning of life is far more complex than either of these; far too complex for any human to fully comprehend. In fact these two different philosophies are only part of the grand picture. If it were that easy for men to figure out our lives wouldn't be so messed up now. The meaning of life revolves around many different things. I

Life. Such a simple word; so much meaning. Life. Falling, I am on the ground life attacks me with the power of ten thousand volts, stretching my skin and contorting my body, letting me breathe only to do it again. Again and again. Over and over again, life comes and grips me and twirls me around, like in a dance, and makes me believe that I can actually survive it. Then, death, darkness, and everything else rears its ugly head. I think about it because it seems that, for a second, it would not come back. But of course, it always does; the nightmare is always there, and does not care whether I am prepared to face it or not"¦

It is interesting, too, that this idea of the meaning of life has ingrained in so very many parts of culture popular, spiritual, and philosophical. There was a full-screen movie called Monty Python's Meaning of Life that examined the question from a humorous

Life is a complicated twist of suffering, laughing, and learning all merging to tell a great story - or great many stories. Based on this view, "it is not the end goal or outcome of life that gives life meaning but rather the quality of the story, the quality with which one lives out and develops his or her role."

     I can remember as a child always asking myself the “why” questions of life. What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? Why do certain things happen? And is there really a God? I had always kept these questions to myself and eventually pushed them out of my mind altogether. I was raised in a Christian household and you just were not allowed to ask questions of that nature and doubt the faith. The world is the way it is because God made it that way and that is all there is to it. I was really excited to take this class because it would finally give me the opportunity to exercise my personal thoughts and beliefs. I have come to agree with Socrates that “the unexamined life is not

Life as we know it could vanish within seconds. The next day is not promised to anyone that walks on this earth. As we live our everyday lives peacefully, we tend not to think what our mission or purpose in life is. Instead, we think what we must do for that to be a “successful” person. Despite this way of thinking, just think for a second. What makes life meaningful? What is life anyway? These questions dive right into the heart of the philosophical, psychological, and the biological aspects of life and what the true meaning of life is. This is a very arguable topic due to every person’s different perspective on life and what it means to them. In summary, I personally think that life is simply what you make of it and each person’s accomplishments has its own merit