Topic awaiting preservation: The meaning of life revealed! (Page 2 of 2)

It's 42 WS

For those of you who don't know what this whole "42" thing is about, it's from a book called "The Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy," and, before I tell you anything more, go read it. Seriously! So 42 is a joke to people who know the context that it was used in during the course of teh book.

Why do I get the feeling that we're going in circles around here?

Been a long time since you've read it? Close WS, close.

edit: oops! Don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read it!
Bodhi - Cell 617

[This message has been edited by bodhi23 (edited 11-13-2002).]

Suho - don't be silly.

uhm, on that note, let me be the next to say "42" so we can start again

[removed because it might have been a spoiler]
_________________________
"I don't know half of you as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve" - Bilbo Baggins (S.R 1401)

[This message has been edited by Veneficuz (edited 11-13-2002).]

[This message has been edited by Veneficuz (edited 11-17-2002).]

I almost gave away the question a post or 3 ago... But it really would have been a spoiler, so I edited it out right after! The trilogy is worth reading (all 4 books!) so we really shouldn't blow the punch line...

Bodhi - Cell 617

I think the whole trick to life lies in learning how to just Be . Once you get the hang of that, the rest, be it pleasant or unpleasant, is superfluous.




when I know everything, will my brain
stop hurting so much when I code?

Well ive found the meaning of life - muahaha, and thats all there is. Webster had the answer all along.

1life
Pronunciation: 'lIf
Function: noun
1 a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body b : a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings -- compare VITALISM 1 c : an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2 a : the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b : one or more aspects of the process of living <sex life of the frog>
3 : BIOGRAPHY 1
4 : spiritual existence transcending physical death
5 a : the period from birth to death b : a specific phase of earthly existence <adult life> c : the period from an event until death <a judge appointed for life> d : a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
6 : a way or manner of living
7 : LIVELIHOOD
8 : a vital or living being; specifically : PERSON <many lives were lost in the disaster>
9 : an animating and shaping force or principle
10 : SPIRIT, ANIMATION <there was no life in her dancing>
11 : the form or pattern of something existing in reality <painted from life>
12 : the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something <the expected life of flashlight batteries>
13 : the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle) -- compare HALF-LIFE
14 : a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
15 : living beings (as of a particular kind or environment) <forest life>
16 a : human activities b : animate activity and movement <stirrings of life> c : the activities of a given sphere, area, or time <the political life of the country>
17 : one providing interest and vigor <life of the party>
18 : an opportunity for continued viability <gave the patient a new life>
19 capitalized, Christian Science : GOD 1b
20 : something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>

So there is the answer, the rest is to just do what the hell you want

[This message has been edited by H][RO (edited 11-17-2002).]

The point of life is to eventually come to the realization
that you are who you are, not who you dream you are.

Cell 816~ teamEarth ~Asylum Quotes

to be understood!
and these is just for me to endure...
Money, power, nude girls, black pills.

Technically I doubt there is a meaning but the purpose is sort of what wj demonstrated :

Born, mate, die

The first sets us up for the second. If you miss out that one then there is no point unless you can avoid the third.

[edit: Oh and as no one has siad it yet - 42]

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor

That's pretty grim.

there is no meaning.... perhaps an unmeaning.... it shouldn't be mean, life is nice if you let it be

"Here we go.. down that same 'ole road again.." - Dredg

Holy digging up old threads, Batman!

OK, I'm done now.

I just really wish people would stop worrying about a meaning of life...

and worry more about *getting* one...

Getting a life... with a meaning or without? double

the original topic of this thread caught my attention as I had asked myself just that question earlier today.. reading through the thread has cheered me immensely! I thought I was just going through a midlife crisis, but I see that inmates of all ages have considered the question

though the posters didn't define it as their way of *getting* a life, they have in fact shared that they have chosen a life with meaning! the pursuit of fame/ fortune/ happiness/ understanding.

bugimus - i think you have hit upon something very valuable here.. when considering the meaning of life, we need to consider for ourselves if we, as individuals, wish to live a life with or without meaning, before we look for a universal answer to the Meaning of Life. in our choices, we decide what is meaningful to us .. as for a life without meaning? it sounds empty, but it's late and i'm not sure what defines a meaningless life..

Hmmm...a meaningless life? Maybe it's not that it's a meaningless life, but one that avoids all the interesting, and incredible, opportunities and complexities of Life...

You know, not seeing the forest for the trees kind of thing?

I think that Life comes with a meaning...it's our task, if you will, to just recognize it...



[This message has been edited by WebShaman (edited 01-28-2003).]

WS, I know that other thread got messy but perhaps it's best to leave it there and not let it spill over here

I think one does have to answer whether or not there is meaning before getting too far down the road, velvetrose.

It should be very clear to everyone here that we humans either need or strongly desire meaning for our lives. Whether that trait comes from nothing or a Creator is the subject of many discussions here but the trait itself is never in question.

Personally I find a life with no ultimate meaning supremely depressing. Some atheists I've known say that even though life is meaningless, it is nevertheless a very good thing for us to make one up anyway because that is as good as it gets. They see the closest way to living beyond our physical existence is to be remembered by friends and loved ones.

I believe there is hope for much more than that, as you probably already know . Early in this thread I said to read Ecclesiastes because it is one of my favorite books in the Bible. A lot of people find it depressing but it's a real zinger. In fact, here is a recipe for depression.

1. Read the entire book Ecclesiastes through.
2. Go for a very long walk.
3. Repeat at least 3 times.

I'm told this has a very profound effect

You're right Bugs...sorry about that.

Let's get on with the topic...it's pretty good. Maybe I should edit that post?

I think an important distinction needs to be made between "meaning" and "purpose".

Everyone can have a purpose.

Things don't necessarily have a meaning.

true, however...

Pur"pose (?), n. [OF. purpos, pourpos, propos, L. propositum. See Propound.]

1. That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.

Mean"ing (?), n.

1. That which is meant or intended; intent; purpose; aim; object; as, a mischievous meaning was apparent.

2. That which is signified, whether by act lanquage; signification; sence; import; as, the meaning of a hint.

.. the meaning of the two words overlap with intent and from what i read, the intent of the posters in their answers was to define how they view the meaning of life.. if we choose to call that their purpose, then it follows, imho, that their purpose gives their lives meaning. is that the answer then for us? that we each must find our own meaning in life - of life?

I would say that...but that is just my opinion, of course...