So, once I came to "there is no God", I had to ask myself, so, what's the point of... anything? The conclusion I came to (ok, I'm not at a 'finished' point) is that, I LIKE justice; I LIKE people to be kind to each other; I LIKE the natural world to be... natural, etc. We ARE here. Why not make the best of it?
Then, there's the "nature of things". We know that quantum entanglement exists (I wrote something along these lines in the late 70s in a paper in college I entitled, "Quantum Mechanics and Miracles" - I was an evangelical at the time, but it had some merits), we see the connectedness of all things. We know that there is history that reports events, stories, episodes of fantastical phenomena. All cultures experience some aspect of the "numenous". That's not proof of anything. Just suggestions of something bigger than all of us individual entities, or maybe better yet, maybe, a la the mystic Rumi, it IS the sum of all of us individuals (including the so called 'inanimate world'
. I got a picture of a Rumi quote recently that I really like: "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop."
So what gives YOU purpose, meaning? Why do YOU get up in the morning? IS there a meaning to existence? If so, what is it, if not, why does anything matter?
Peace,
Mark
3
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7 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.There is no meaning to life but there is meaning in life. We create and appreciate what is meaningful.
gearl
Level 8
Dec 13, 2017
0
Can you say anything more about that?
I get up in the morning because I gotta pee.
TommyMeador
Level 7
Dec 13, 2017
1
Indeed.
I don’t think there is a purpose to life, except to reproduce and spread. And that is completely from a biological standpoint.
Annaleda
Level 8
Dec 13, 2017
0
So, curious, how does that playout in your life, choices?
I’m biologically successful, in that my offspring has lived to have offspring.
The choices we make for anything other than survival and reproduction are from sentience. I get up in the morning, because I wake up. Enjoying things are different than purpose.
So, I have 3 kids, so from a biological perspective, my life's purpose is done. But my kids may not have kids. I can't help but think that overpopulation, especially from us North Americans who consume SO much of the world's resources, is a serious problem for the Earth as a whole. I guess that speaks to my choice of "purpose" (to try to make the world a better place). Does this concern you at all?
@minglis, your kids have to have kids for you to be biologically successful. And that is strictly a definition from a scientific standpoint.
Yes, overpopulation concerns me a lot. I’m was a zero population control believer, hence my two kids. This is only reproducing to replace yourselves, two or less children. I am now a negative population control supporter. This is having one or no children. I’ve posted, and shared these opinions of mine before. My son has chosen to not have any children, my daughter has stopped at two. I hope I’ve influenced these decisions.
I am also a huge supporter of fostering and adoption. Though I do not like adoptions from out of the country. They can’t wait an extra six months for an American child?? What is wrong with our children here?? They don’t want a Mexican or Black baby, but buy a Chinese one?? I actually had someone tell me that any child in our foster system if fucked up. I truly believe that we need better resources to educate the ignorant. These kids need, and DESERVE, love and family.
I get up in the morning because I have adult responsibilities. Work. That is the one thing that is helping me feel like I belong in this world. I live with depression, but when people are around me, I hide it very well. It's what is keeping me going in life.
Sarahroo29
Level 8
Dec 13, 2017
0
I hear you sister.
I probably will have a different answer than most members. Five years ago I received a death sentence and I've been fighting and winning (oh I hate that word). I look forward to each day-knowing there will be a tomorrow. I am here to live my life again-I'm healthy and want to do what I can to help others.
sassygirl3869
Level 9
Dec 13, 2017
2
Amen!
My avocational interest gives me part of my purpose, meaning. I'd like to find a way to make a difference that satisfies me, right now, it's just my wish to be active in what pleases me whether that's reading, learning Linux, quilting. I'll get up tomorrow morning because I join a group of people who share a common interest. The only meaning I can give to existence is through my epistemophilic drive; ie. learn more about myself, the world, and others so that I can have relationships that are richer, more meaningful to me.
I_dont_know
Level 7
Dec 13, 2017
1
I like it. Thanks for the new word: epistemophilic.
Life! Live it on your own terms and to the fullest. Kindness, compassion, and empathy for your fellow human. Respect life and do no harm. That's what I like. 
Betty
Level 8
Dec 13, 2017
1
Amen! I came to this through my upbringing and subsequent experience that supported that childhood belief structure. How about you?
I was lucky to have an open-minded mother who had a heart of platinum. They were her beliefs and I grew up seeing the respect she got from everyone she came in contact with. She was my inspiration.
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