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Original poster

What do you think the meaning of life is ?

68 replies

JennyTals · 09/12/2024 08:53

not mine but someone I knows uni final project will be doing a dissertation on this subject, am I’m thinking where the heck do you start with that, as such a big subject

my initial thoughts are love and pro creation

OP posts:
Original poster
JennyTals · 09/12/2024 09:45

It’s mad to think tho that after say 3 generations you will mostly likely not be remembered

you poor all this love time and energy into your children and then 2/3 more generations down pffft you’re gone !

OP posts:
JaninaDuszejko · 09/12/2024 09:55

There is no meaning, we're just a random set of chemical reactions. Kind of cool really, that we're just here by accident for the blink of an eye but our world is so complex and beautiful and we (as a species) are so hopeful and creative. Aren't we lucky?

Thewrongdoor · 09/12/2024 09:59

There’s no meaning.

frozendaisy · 09/12/2024 09:59

Pursuit of knowledge
For most creatures to reproduce and defend their territory

HardlyLikely · 09/12/2024 10:02

JennyTals · 09/12/2024 09:35

Don’t the unis have tech that can check if the students have found it on chat gpt?

No, because ChatGpt generates new nonsense every time someone feeds it something to generate an essay — so it’s not as if it can be checked on Turnitin, which checks a student essay against academic sources, other student essays, internet sources etc. Having said that, it’s blindingly obvious when someone’s used ChatGpt to write an essay.

Also, in my field (Eng Lit), it invents texts, plotlines, characters etc. I had an essay last year on several poems Seamus Heaney never wrote, and an essay on a novel which had entire plot lines and several characters which simply weren’t in the novel and which, obviously, anyone who had read the novel would know…

Sprampy · 09/12/2024 10:05

I asked Gemini

The meaning of life is a question that has been pondered by philosophers, theologians, and individuals for centuries. There isn't a single, universally accepted answer, as the meaning of life can vary greatly from person to person.
Some common perspectives include:

  • Intrinsic Meaning: Some believe that life has inherent meaning, often tied to spirituality or a higher purpose. This could involve fulfilling a divine plan, achieving enlightenment, or contributing to something larger than oneself.
  • Extrinsic Meaning: Others find meaning through their experiences, relationships, and accomplishments. This could involve pursuing personal goals, making a difference in the world, or simply enjoying the journey of life.
  • Nihilism: Some believe that life has no inherent meaning. This perspective can be liberating or daunting, depending on how it's embraced. Ultimately, the meaning of life is often a personal and evolving journey of discovery. It's shaped by individual beliefs, values, and experiences. Here are some key ideas to consider:
  • Purpose: Many people find meaning by pursuing a sense of purpose. This could involve contributing to a cause, helping others, or pursuing a passion.
  • Connection: Meaning can also be found through deep and meaningful connections with others, whether through family, friendships, or romantic relationships.
  • Growth: Personal growth and self-discovery can be a source of meaning. This could involve learning new skills, exploring different cultures, or overcoming challenges.
  • Acceptance: Finding meaning often involves accepting life's challenges and uncertainties. This can lead to greater resilience and appreciation for the present moment. It's important to remember that the meaning of life is not a destination, but a journey. It's something that can be actively created and explored throughout life. If you're struggling to find meaning in your life, here are some things you can do:
  • Reflect on your values: What's important to you? What do you believe in?
  • Set goals: What do you want to achieve in your life?
  • Connect with others: Build strong relationships with people who support and inspire you.
  • Seek out new experiences: Try new things and step outside your comfort zone.
  • Practice gratitude: Appreciate the good things in your life.
  • Seek professional help: If you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, a therapist or counselor can provide support and guidance. Remember, the meaning of life is a deeply personal question. There's no right or wrong answer, and your understanding of it may evolve over time. The most important thing is to live a life that feels meaningful to you.
biscuitsandbooks · 09/12/2024 10:06

Why does everything have to have a deeper meaning?

Cynic17 · 09/12/2024 10:09

There isn't one. We are just animals. We're born - we breathe in and out for a few years - we die. That's it.

rumred · 09/12/2024 10:10

There's as many meanings as there are people. Various philosophers and writers have explored meaning - the Stoics, existentialists and Victor Frankl spring to mind. If I was doing it I'd read around philosophy and look at theories. Then put my own nihilistic spin on it 😁

AceofPentacles · 09/12/2024 10:17

We are the universe experiencing itself in millions of different ways.

AgileGreenSeal · 09/12/2024 10:17

JennyTals · 09/12/2024 09:45

It’s mad to think tho that after say 3 generations you will mostly likely not be remembered

you poor all this love time and energy into your children and then 2/3 more generations down pffft you’re gone !

Your thoughts here were shared by the ancient king of Israel, David, in poetic form about 3,000 years ago.

“As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.”
Psalm 103: 15-16

ErrolTheDragon · 09/12/2024 10:24

HardlyLikely · 09/12/2024 09:22

I like @ErrolTheDragon’s reply, but my immediate response is that this doesn’t sound like a final year dissertation project any supervisor, in any academic department, would approve.

Yes, it's surely got to be something a lot more focussed than 'what is the meaning of life' - as with Adam's' satirical '42' what question are you really asking? One which can give such diverse answers as already shown on this thread doesn't sound like a suitable topic for a student thesis.

Maybe you could check OP if it's 'meaning' within some particular context?

Colourbrain · 09/12/2024 10:43

I think the only way you will ever even begin to answer this question in your dissertation is by coming up with your own ideas and reading reputable books and sources.

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 09/12/2024 10:46

There's no objective / external meaning of life given to us.

Well, I suppose there's a purpose for all lifeforms and that is to reproduce and keep the species going.

Beyond that I think the meaning is whatever the individual believes it is.

For me that means fuck all. Get through it. Head down and wait for it to be done.

Cosycover · 09/12/2024 10:58

Nothing. There's no point to any of it imo.

MrsSkylerWhite · 09/12/2024 11:01

To continue the species, like other animals.

WildFigs · 09/12/2024 11:06

I'd recommend The Myth of Sisyphus, OP. No meaning outside itself but we can live as if life is meaningful as a sort of rebellion against meaninglessness.

I leave Sisyphus at the foot of the mountain. One always finds one's burden again. But Sisyphus teaches the higher fidelity that negates the gods and raises rocks. He too concludes that all is well. This universe henceforth without a master seems to him neither sterile nor futile. Each atom of that stone, each mineral flake of that night filled mountain, in itself forms a world. The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.

Sprampy · 09/12/2024 11:07

MrsSkylerWhite · 09/12/2024 11:01

To continue the species, like other animals.

I don't think that can be the meaning of life because what about people who don't have children or can't have children or die before they have children? Also you can still ask why, why continue the species, what is the purpose when it comes to humans?

ViciousCurrentBun · 09/12/2024 11:16

There is no genuine meaning or reason it’s why all the people who I have met who studied or taught philosophy overall had a bit of a haunted look.

On the reproductive note DH friend committed suicide when they were at University because he was gay and was never going to reproduce. As much as there are ways and means that was how he felt.

petedicks · 09/12/2024 11:33

Blueberrymuffin8 · 09/12/2024 09:17

The meaning of life is to LOVE. That's it. In fact, that is all that really ever exists, so everything else is an illusion.

Can you define that?

petedicks · 09/12/2024 11:38

There is no one meaning for the human race.

So it's up to individuals to find their own. I think finding something with purpose is helpful. Whether it's your job or doing good outside of that. And then setting your own goals - things to achieve or squeezing as much fun out of your life as possible. Learning, educating yourself. Build a rich life in whatever way you define.

I don't think the meaning is just to procreate, personally. As I once heard someone say, to say your greatest achievement is to have children and for your children's greatest achievement to have their children.... That's the ideology of a cancer cell. It's the least interesting thing humans do.

TakeMyLifeAndLetItBe · 09/12/2024 11:43

Speaking as a Christian, I would have to say to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Resilience · 09/12/2024 11:43

Personally, I don't think there is a meaning to life in the sense that life has evolved rather than been designed with a purpose.

However, in terms of what makes people happy, I don't think you can go far wrong with considering Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Anecdotally, I see people who have a sense of fulfilment and strong connections with others seem to be those who are happiest.

Caffeineneedednow · 09/12/2024 11:48

JennyTals · 09/12/2024 09:35

Don’t the unis have tech that can check if the students have found it on chat gpt?

Ours doesn't but I work in a medical school and Chat GTP is crap at scientific writing. We can spot the ones written by Chat GTP a mile off and they generally just get worse grades. In fact I use exerts from it in my writing workshops as examples of how not to write.

newtb · 09/12/2024 11:55

Hitch hiker's guide to the Galaxy, thé answer to the question as to thé meaning of life - 42.

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