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?

Why are some people so dismissive of the OP’s question? Just because there isn’t an easy answer doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth thinking about.

For me, “42” in its beautiful absurdity probably comes closest to an answer.

Life is probably absurd but that doesn’t mean that our actions don’t have consequences, good or bad. Life also isn’t “fair” I think, which the OP seems to struggle with. But I do think we all are powerful, more than we realise, and can use our life for good.
Every morning when I cycle to work I pass a lollipop man. He greets everyone who goes past with a big smile and a wave and a friendly “good-morning”. That man makes the start of lots of people’s days much nicer and maybe they in turn pass on that good mood and friendliness.

I guess you can only do your best and make a difference to those you care about.

I believe in something beyond the here and now, not quite sure what exactly but I kind of think your body is just a vessel for life and your 'soul' is something separate.
Unfortunately no one has answers to this and you have to have your own beliefs

Life is what you make out of it.

This is one of the more bizarre reactions I've seen in here lately, and that is REALLY saying something.

Sorry, OP, you really DESERVE better from us. I hope your uplifting and enriching friends can provide for you where we so obviously let you you, your intellect, and your very SPIRIT down. Please forgive us, enlightened one.

And even though you really don’t deserve it since you’ve been so shitty to those who’ve taken time to answer it, my answer is this:

I don’t believe there’s an inherent meaning to life. We’re here because we are: We are the result of sperm and egg, nothing more. We each make our own meaning in life - We live, experience love, sadness, joy, pain, whatever, in a rather random way. Some people draw the lucky cards, others don’t.

My meaning in life comes from living well - being good to those I come across, wherever possible, and leaving my little corner of the world better than it could have been. My main responsibility in life is to myself, then to my daughters and the man I love, then to family and friends, and finally, to anyone I might come across on the periphery of my daily life.

I take comfort from the beauty in life, the beauty in humankind, the beauty in nature.

I don't think anyone gets to float through life without times that cause untold pain. Nothing will prevent grief, ill health can't always be stopped. Look at all those families devastated by the tsunami, families devastated by drugs, ripped apart by accidents. The length of life makes it a great leveller for many people.

Okay. You will all think I am deficient....how do I request this gets deleted, ? Is there a button?

I am enjoying this thread.
Please don't delete it MNHQ.

Fear not op, I suspect several people have already reported it considering you have been extremely rude to them.

Where is the button....someone just tell me.....

MNHQ don't delete threads specifically at the op's request unless there are privacy or security issues.

Its over there ------->

Whatever. I am praying they do it in conjuction with deleting this thread, . Praying.

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?

Of course it makes sense. 'Ultimate Questions' feature in most people's lives.
Religions - eg Christianity - would tell you that the meaning and purpose of life is to praise God.
Philosophies - including New Age make it up as you go along but some of it seems sensible stuff - would tell you that you are in this life, now, so that your inner self/spirit/soul can learn something it needs to know in order to move on.
It might be that there is no meaning or purpose and we are all simply accidental by-products of some universal goings-on.

There are inequalities in life. We aren't all the same, we don't have the same experiences. That might not be 'fair' but it seems to be true.

Posting at this point in the hope the thread isn't already deleted...

Are you ok? Is there a particular reason you posted this today? You seem quite agitated, is something going on in your life?

If you’re struggling maybe you could write out what’s actually going on instead if being so rude and aggressive to people who are bothering to answer your question.

What did you want us to say? What were you looking for from this thread?

If you wanted to get definitive answers, I’m sorry but that’s not very realistic, is it - humankind has been struggling with questions like these for millennia...

There’s no need to start on me, Ellie

What you’re after OP is a religious faith. Have a look around at the options and choose one. There will probably be one that fits your ideas about suffering and struggle, and which will provide comfort through promise of higher purpose and reward.

I'm not "starting" on you 🤣If you're going to call posters smug know alls then at least expect to be challenged for your alternative view.

Ultimately life is meaningless and absurd

Wow, that escalated...!

I thought the responses were interesting and well-considered.

Seriously...how do I report this post and ask to have it deleted. Can someone else do it.

You may recall that I didn’t name you, Ellie. Though if the cap fits...

The meaning of life is to learn unconditional love, giving and receiving.

Ninkaninus has made some very good points.

You're clearly suffering op, we all have very difficult times in our lives with very different coping strategies.

Coming on a forum and being unpleasant to people probably won't help much.

I really hope you feel happier soon.

Mnhq don't randomly delete on request. You can hide the thread though, if you're on a desktop the button is just below the last post.