What is the meaning of life - in very simple terms

[Lotuslots]

Why do some people get to be born in such happy gentle and supportive families and live such happy lives being oh so happy and gentle and supportive.
Why do some of us grow up with absolutely shit parents who give us no support; who we actively have to try and overcome just to live a non-criminal and non drain on society life.
Why are some born so beautiful. Life at their feet just because of how they look.
Are most of us just meant to be ordinary. Struggling through life and then dying with no real thought of what it was all about.
Is there a higher purpose we should think about everyday - those of us already seemingly confined to an "ordinary life". But circumstances shouldn't really constrain us from knowing something more meaningful.
Does this make any sense at all?

Leave the Earth a better place than you found it.
And have a bit of a laugh along the way.

Surely this is why some people have religion. Others have woo.

I think you choose your own purpose. Without that your life will probably have little meaning. Where we start off in life is random and no doubt has a bearing on where we end up, but I also believe we can change our lives by the choices we make.

You sound very angry OP.
My philosphy is to enjoy the simple things and take each day as it comes.
Try and be kind (often fail at this one as I retaliate when annoyed)
Oh .....and HRT!

well, life escalated quickly

I have asked mumsnet to delete this whole thread. I hope they do soon. I don't know why it all turned to shit. I honestly would have hoped for uplifting and inspiring posts.

OP I think the meaning is to leave the world a better place than you found it. If you had a shit beginning you can do a better job, sounds like you are trying.
I think the easiest way to make the world a better place is to be kind. You may not find much kindness on this thread but go and put some out in the real world and I hope you get some back. Take care of yourself OP.

I was never angry . I was always realistic. Are people just defensive.

come on its mumsnet anything can happen lol

Oh really?? what sort of name is 'Lotuslots' then!

The only thing on the thread that was "shit" was your terrible attitude. People gave perfectly reasonable responses and you insulted them and told them to "fuck off".
Good luck with that op.

I just want this deleted. I thought I would get reasoned and intelligent response. Please delete mumsnet.

I think it turned to shit because you shat in it OP😅😂🤣

You sound very angry.

If you want to reasoned intelligent responses it is best to pose a reasoned intelligent question 🙂

there is no answer to your question, as everyone sees life differently

To my colleagues I am chipper, I get shit done - they see someone upbeat and determined, kind and helpful...

I see this same person as insecure, I am far from upbeat with recent losses and dramas in my life, I question everything i do and get a bit shouty with my family sometimes.

The people you see with happy/gentle/supportive families aren't like that all the time, they have hard times too - you just don't see it.

I'm sorry you feel the way you do, but life is very much about perspective, when you see a dandelion, do you see a flower or a weed? What do you want to see?

I have now realised why so many people say this place is crap and leave. :)

Why do you assume the answer is "uplifting and inspiring"?

I don't think there is any over arching meaning to life. Just the chaos of the universe and for just a teeny tiny amount of time we exist and are aware we exist.

I do my best to appreciate the moments, because that's all we have. Just a brief flash.

To misquote the great Donald Trump, just fucking leave then

Unfortunately on MN, OP, if anyone ever has the temerity to raise any spiritual issue, the smug know-it-alls pounce with glee to piss on their chips. Don’t you know you’re just being a bit thick and old-fashioned to think there might be more to life than what we see? Not like all the really clever people who know this is all there is!

I thought your question was a reasonable one, OP, and I’m sorry you’ve had some piss takers. You might get a more serious response to your question on the religion/philosophy board.

Come on people, lotuslots has apparently told people to fuck off so as to inspire them to give her some reasoned and intelligent responses.

You have a bit of an attitude problem, don’t you.

You should probably report your OP to MNHQ and get it moved to the philosophy section or whatever it’s called, as it’s more suited there, and maybe adjust your attitude a little so that people will actually want to discuss this with you.

I'm not sure why you're so upset with the replies given.
No has given you a definitive answer, because there really isn't one.
Some peoples purpose is to spread joy and happiness, others to gain power or money, and yet other people feel that their purpose is to nurture the earth or their family.
Biologically, the purpose of our existence is to reproduce the next generation, you see that in the May flies that live for 24 hours, shag, lay eggs and die. Humans are just glorified May Flies, here to continue the species existence.
Be kind to yourself and others and the ride to the end may be more satisfying.

There are some good reads out there.

I found Yuval Harari’s ‘Sapiens’ a good read for putting our lives into perspective.

Also kohlberg’s The Sixth Extinction - won the Pulitzer non-fiction prize in 2015.

Give them a try OP.

And yet Tolleshunt you haven't ventured an answer either?
Far from being "smug know it alls" most posters have readily admitted they have no idea.
I'd love to hear your reasoned and intelligent response to the op, I really would. Please elucidate.