The meaning of life

[Master Bates]

What is the meaning of life? It is the age old question which does not have an answer, or so it seems.

I was thinking about this the other day and came to the conclusion that the meaning of life is nothing more than to ,"better yourself as a person and human being". It is why we exist in many ways, if you really think about it. All living things exist and evolve over time to better understand and cope with the world around them. This helps to explain how we (as people) have progressed so far mentally, socially, politically and technologically. It also goes to show that we still have much to learn about the world and room to grow from our understanding of the world in every aspect.

The meaning of life is to always keep fighting, to strive for more and never settle for less than what you can achieve.

The meaning of life is different for all people. Because each person has different goals and aspirations life, the meaning of life is specific to how that person really wishes to better themselves. It is rather ambiguous but if you really think about it, it makes sense.

[Weston Super Saint]

What is the meaning of life? It is the age old question which does not have an answer, or so it seems.

I was thinking about this the other day and came to the conclusion that the meaning of life is nothing more than to ,"better yourself as a person and human being". It is why we exist in many ways, if you really think about it. All living things exist and evolve over time to better understand and cope with the world around them. This helps to explain how we (as people) have progressed so far mentally, socially, politically and technologically. It also goes to show that we still have much to learn about the world and room to grow from our understanding of the world in every aspect.

The meaning of life is to always keep fighting, to strive for more and never settle for less than what you can achieve.

The meaning of life is different for all people. Because each person has different goals and aspirations life, the meaning of life is specific to how that person really wishes to better themselves. It is rather ambiguous but if you really think about it, it makes sense.

How did / has a slug evolved to cope better?

[Master Bates]

How did / has a slug evolved to cope better?

Better traction underneath them so they don't slide off slippery surfaces when it's wet.

I k****d 2 slugs this morning, true story, but don't quote that bit.

[St Landrew]

Everything reason is a philosophical man-made one. The true meaning of life is the survival of the species, nothing more. What we make of it beyond that is entirely what we want it to be. If you want to do the Victorian progress thing, then do so. If you want to minimise your impact on the planet, then do that.

I don't buy all that bettering yourself to the best you can, because we all fall short of that every time we're a tiny bit selfish, or a tiny bit greedy, or we pick up a beer, or we take the rise out of someone who can't defend themselves. Life is what people make it, and nothing more. The pursuit of happiness is a good one, and it doesn't have much to do with accumulating money and property. It's mostly how we feel within ourselves.

[miserableoldgit]

Everything reason is a philosophical man-made one. The true meaning of life is the survival of the species, nothing more. What we make of it beyond that is entirely what we want it to be. If you want to do the Victorian progress thing, then do so. If you want to minimise your impact on the planet, then do that.

I don't buy all that bettering yourself to the best you can, because we all fall short of that every time we're a tiny bit selfish, or a tiny bit greedy, or we pick up a beer, or we take the rise out of someone who can't defend themselves. Life is what people make it, and nothing more. The pursuit of happiness is a good one, and it doesn't have much to do with accumulating money and property. It's mostly how we feel within ourselves.
I would agree with most of this, but surely there is no "Meaning of Life" as such. We just exist. We just are in the same way as all living organisms are. Unless you get religion involved the only driving force within us is just to pro-create and prolong the life of our species. Is there a "Meaning of Life" for a zebra or chimp for example or do they just eat, drink and stay alive?

The BIG advantage that we have over virtually all other species is that we have advanced far enough that we are able to control and direct ourselves to make the decisions that enable us to "Do something" with our allotted life-span, but I think that that is a different thing to "The Meaning of Life". Interesting discussion though. Certainly a bit more thought provoking than the "What Did You Have for Lunch" thread - although I did contribute to that one as well!;);)

[Jillyanne]

I would agree with most of this, but surely there is no "Meaning of Life" as such. We just exist. We just are in the same way as all living organisms are. Unless you get religion involved the only driving force within us is just to pro-create and prolong the life of our species. Is there a "Meaning of Life" for a zebra or chimp for example or do they just eat, drink and stay alive?

The BIG advantage that we have over virtually all other species is that we have advanced far enough that we are able to control and direct ourselves to make the decisions that enable us to "Do something" with our allotted life-span, but I think that that is a different thing to "The Meaning of Life"

I wouldn't consider that to be an advantage tbf. I would much rather be a cat or a bird, I hate being human its rubish.

[scott_saints]

..... and there was me thinking it was to drink as much beer and sleep with as many women as possible!

[miserableoldgit]

I wouldn't consider that to be an advantage tbf. I would much rather be a cat or a bird, I hate being human its rubish.
I quite understand your sentiments. So many traits of the human race can be viewed as "good" or "bad" depending on your viewpoint.:(

[OLYMPIC]

42.

[St Landrew]

42.

That's as good an answer as any other here.

Thank you Douglas.

[OLYMPIC]

But nobody writes jokes in base 13.

[Al de Man]

We are nothing but a transportation device for deoxyribonucleic acids. Get over it.

[OldNick]

MB but i thought your idea of the meaning of life was big bewbs

[revolution saint]

Everything reason is a philosophical man-made one. The true meaning of life is the survival of the species, nothing more. What we make of it beyond that is entirely what we want it to be. If you want to do the Victorian progress thing, then do so. If you want to minimise your impact on the planet, then do that.

I don't buy all that bettering yourself to the best you can, because we all fall short of that every time we're a tiny bit selfish, or a tiny bit greedy, or we pick up a beer, or we take the rise out of someone who can't defend themselves. Life is what people make it, and nothing more. The pursuit of happiness is a good one, and it doesn't have much to do with accumulating money and property. It's mostly how we feel within ourselves.

Yep, I'd agree that there probably isn't a 'meaning of life' unless you subscibe to a universal creator with a divine purpose.

For everyone else then the pursuit of happiness is a better idea.

Of course philosophically we can't even prove our own existence so it could be a moot point. When Descartes said 'I think therefore I am', all he could actually prove is there is a thought which may or may not be our own. All quite interesting but ultimately pointless.

[Jillyanne]

Number 23.

[Ponty]

Number 23.

42.

[Jillyanne]

42.

no! 23.

[Ludwig]

Does life have to have a meaning?

[simo]

Its !

[Ponty]

Does life have to have a meaning?

Are you saying life is pointless? Don't let half the main board hear you say that.

[Ludwig]

Or does life have to have a meaning to us, is the meaning of life such that it is belittled by us or its importance incomprehensible to us?

[Deppo]

It certainly helps if we can attach a meaning to life,hence people clinging to religion and the promise of an afterlife.When you consider the ephemeral nature and transience of our existence in the grand scheme of things,and try and get some real perspective on it,you start to go mad and realise that it's all pointless in the end.

[Deppo]

I did,anyway.

[tombletomble]

We are nothing but a transportation device for deoxyribonucleic acids. Get over it.


Just what I was going to say.

It may sound empty but the sole purpose of life for any organism on the planet is to reproduce and to pass our genes on to their next vehicle

[Ponty]

It's basically about sex.

[Deppo]

It's basically about sex.

Then my life is largely worthless.

[saint lard]

We are here to procreate,to beget or concieve offspring,thus enhance the propect of the longevity and creation of our species.IMO.

[miserableoldgit]

It's basically about sex.
I was surprised that this thread was started by MB but now it all makes perfect sense!;)

[Deppo]

What about people who don't have kids?The world is becoming overpopulated anyway,and not everyone is a breeder.

[saint lard]

What about people who don't have kids?The world is becoming overpopulated anyway,and not everyone is a breeder.

they are using up valuable oxygen and leaving a carbon footprint for no reason at all,they should be ashamed.They have no meaning in life.

Seriously, i think we are basically designed to create more of our own,some people choose not to,others are unfortunate not to be able to,but that does not detract from the fact that we are here to have offspring and continue our species IMO.
kingdom,phylum,class, order,family,genus,species,we are here like all living organisms to preserve those 7 catogories which are the mainstay to life itself.

[Deppo]

What's your favourite phylum?Mine was Goodfellas,but I'm not sure now.

[tombletomble]

We are here to procreate,to beget or concieve offspring,thus enhance the propect of the longevity and creation of our species.IMO.


No, each gene is interested in making sure it is passed on to the next generation. There are some gene families (such as the Hox genes) are nearly the same in all animals.

Our genes do not care about the survival of our species, only about there own survival (although not literally, as they cant think ;))

Anyone interested should check out books by Richard Dawkins. The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype are both very good.

[saint lard]

No, each gene is interested in making sure it is passed on to the next generation. There are some gene families (such as the Hox genes) are nearly the same in all animals.

Our genes do not care about the survival of our species, only about there own survival (although not literally, as they cant think ;))

Anyone interested should check out books by Richard Dawkins. The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype are both very good.

You are obviously much more clued up on this than i will ever be so i won't dare to take issue,but if genes can't think they cannot have any conception of protecting ones self exsistance,whereas we do so the decision making process is done by us to procreate thus create another lifeform.

Not all people choose to do so, but the fact we are equipped to procreate,like most other living organisms,in one form or another,to sustain our species surely means our time on this planet is to do just that,reproduce.

I think i will take a peek at those books you suggested then i might get my head around it and be able to explain what i mean a little better.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Hmmmm, I might read those books also. However I'm worried that I may get more confused than I already am. :confused:

[Ludwig]

Anyone interested should check out books by Richard Dawkins. The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype are both very good.

Am flicking through 'The God Delusion' at the moment.

[revolution saint]

No, each gene is interested in making sure it is passed on to the next generation. There are some gene families (such as the Hox genes) are nearly the same in all animals.

Our genes do not care about the survival of our species, only about there own survival (although not literally, as they cant think ;))

Anyone interested should check out books by Richard Dawkins. The Selfish Gene and The Extended Phenotype are both very good.

Or the blind watchmaker by Dawkins which explains natural selection and genes very clearly.

[Ludwig]

The watchmaker analogy is awful in my opinion.

[Ponty]

The watchmaker analogy is awful in my opinion.
Agreed, I think he got a bit lost on that one.

[SNSUN]

As I see it, the meaning of life is to make others happy. This is a rather unselfish perspective on the age old question, but one that I try to adhere to.

[tombletomble]

As I see it, the meaning of life is to make others happy. This is a rather unselfish perspective on the age old question, but one that I try to adhere to.

Dawkins explains this very well

[Ludwig]

Dawkins is a knob if you ask me.

[tombletomble]

Dawkins is a knob if you ask me.


Why?

Have you read any of his work?

[Kingsland Codger]

Yep, I'd agree that there probably isn't a 'meaning of life' unless you subscibe to a universal creator with a divine purpose.

For everyone else then the pursuit of happiness is a better idea.



I strive to pursue happiness but am encumbered by being a Saints fan.

[Ludwig]

Why?

Have you read any of his work?

Yes.

[Red Alert]

Better traction underneath them so they don't slide off slippery surfaces when it's wet.

I k****d 2 slugs this morning, true story, but don't quote that bit.

3 months on and I still cant figure out what this word was meant to be. For the best part of 6 weeks I was happy to go with killed, but I cant see why the swear filter would not like ille ??? Guess I may never know the truth.

[Whitey Grandad]

The meaning of life is life itself. Doesn't help much does it? Ask yourself these questions:
Why is the sky so beautifully blue if only mankind appreciates it?
Why are there other stars and galaxies if not to teach us that there is more out there.
Is this all there is?

[Master Bates]

*EDIT

[Master Bates]

3 months on and I still cant figure out what this word was meant to be. For the best part of 6 weeks I was happy to go with killed, but I cant see why the swear filter would not like ille ??? Guess I may never know the truth.

3 months?? Try 1 year and a few months.

The word killed might have been filtered?

[Whitey Grandad]

The word killed might have been filtered?
Oh, I thought it was 'kissed'. :eek:

[Master Bates]

What is the meaning of life? It is the age old question which does not have an answer, or so it seems.

I was thinking about this the other day and came to the conclusion that the meaning of life is nothing more than to ,"better yourself as a person and human being". It is why we exist in many ways, if you really think about it. All living things exist and evolve over time to better understand and cope with the world around them. This helps to explain how we (as people) have progressed so far mentally, socially, politically and technologically. It also goes to show that we still have much to learn about the world and room to grow from our understanding of the world in every aspect.

The meaning of life is to always keep fighting, to strive for more and never settle for less than what you can achieve.

The meaning of life is different for all people. Because each person has different goals and aspirations life, the meaning of life is specific to how that person really wishes to better themselves. It is rather ambiguous but if you really think about it, it makes sense.

I must have been drunk when I wrote this.

At the moment life sucks very much for me, however I must listen to what I say especially "always keep fighting".

[Crab Lungs]

Master Bates, I think I've just witnessed your wettest post ever.

Very philosophical though.

[Al de Man]

Why is the sky so beautifully blue if only mankind appreciates it?

Rayleigh scattering. Seriously people, the sooner you all stop getting so philosophical and accept that science has already the answered 99.9% of the questions posed since the beginning of time you'll be able to get on with your lives.

[Pancake]

I must have been drunk when I wrote this.

At the moment life sucks very much for me, however I must listen to what I say especially "always keep fighting".

Funnily, I hadnt seen this thread before and reading it I assumed it was a new one. Chin up Bates me old mucker

[Whitey Grandad]

Rayleigh scattering. Seriously people, the sooner you all stop getting so philosophical and accept that science has already the answered 99.9% of the questions posed since the beginning of time you'll be able to get on with your lives.
Ah, but that is my point! Only by asking questions can we get answers, grasshopper.

[Whitey Grandad]

I must have been drunk when I wrote this.

At the moment life sucks very much for me, however I must listen to what I say especially "always keep fighting".
I was onece told: 'Always remember that the Good Lord will not heap on your shoulders more than you can carry.'

[BadgerBadger]

Can we have your liver?

[KK the 2nd]

Life's a ***** and then you die

[Al de Man]

Only by asking questions can we get answers, grasshopper.

That sounds a bit racist. If I was Chinese, I could take offence to that.

[Whitey Grandad]

That sounds a bit racist. If I was Chinese, I could take offence to that.
I was only using grasshopper as an example, it could have been any other creature of the order orthoptera, or perhaps a follower of a football club in Zurich. ;)

[Weston Super Saint]

Rayleigh scattering. Seriously people, the sooner you all stop getting so philosophical and accept that science has already the answered 99.9% of the questions posed since the beginning of time you'll be able to get on with your lives.


I was onece told: 'Always remember that the Good Lord will not heap on your shoulders more than you can carry.'

You two should have a dinner party :)

I'm wondering if it would end in a fight??

[Doctoroncall]

I must have been drunk when I wrote this.

At the moment life sucks very much for me, however I must listen to what I say especially "always keep fighting".

surely your porn sites can give you a bit of a lift?

[Victor]

Rayleigh scattering. Seriously people, the sooner you all stop getting so philosophical and accept that science has already the answered 99.9% of the questions posed since the beginning of time you'll be able to get on with your lives.

So, tell me, when DID time begin?
And what came before that?
And were people asking questions as soon as time began?
And were there scientists there to answer them?
Correctly?

[Big John]

How did / has a slug evolved to cope better?

Did slugs not evolve into snails with tough shells that would protect them from things? Slugs are disgusting too meaning that they don get eaten by me, snails on the other hand are tasy (especially with garlic) and come in their own little cooking vessel (their shell), so poor old sluggy got it wrong imho.

[Big John]

Just what I was going to say.

It may sound empty but the sole purpose of life for any organism on the planet is to reproduce and to pass our genes on to their next vehicle

Sounds like a good explanation, also in the process we destroy as much and as many other species as possible.

Is it just 'survival' or survival 'at all costs'? If the former then then we would be a lot more docile and if the latter then we would start messing with that DNA stuff that really could unravel it al, or perhaps the answer is so beyond our understanding that many can't cope with the truth, like God.

[Whitey Grandad]

So, tell me, when DID time begin?
And what came before that?
And were people asking questions as soon as time began?
And were there scientists there to answer them?
Correctly?
The question has no meaning and therefore no answer. Before time began there was no time.

[Ludwig]

Rayleigh scattering. Seriously people, the sooner you all stop getting so philosophical and accept that science has already the answered 99.9% of the questions posed since the beginning of time you'll be able to get on with your lives.

Utter tripe. From what sort of questioning did the natural sciences as we know them develop from? You tell me.

[Whitey Grandad]

Utter tripe. From what sort of questioning did the natural sciences as we know them develop from? You tell me.
Which part? I think you'll find that Rayleigh scattering is the commonly accepted reason for the sky being blue and not that God is a Pompey fan, which is so preposterous that we can discount it without further discussion.

[Ludwig]

Which part? I think you'll find that Rayleigh scattering is the commonly accepted reason for the sky being blue and not that God is a Pompey fan, which is so preposterous that we can discount it without further discussion.

The claim that any philosophical inquiry is pointless and this so-called 'science' is the only thing able to claim knowledge of anything. (I'm not disputing Rayleigh scattering)

[Robsk II]

There is no meaning, fools. The closest one there is is 'breeding', or Sartre-esque existentialism in making your own.

[Ludwig]

There is no meaning, fools. The closest one there is is 'breeding', or Sartre-esque existentialism in making your own.

no no no. Existentialism can go away.


Meaning is use.

[Whitey Grandad]

The claim that any philosophical inquiry is pointless and this so-called 'science' is the only thing able to claim knowledge of anything. (I'm not disputing Rayleigh scattering)
But what is the point of rhetorical questions?

[Ludwig]

But what is the point of rhetorical questions?

If that's all you think Philosophy is, you are sorely mistaken. (And very funny, also)

[Master Bates]

Either way, tis a sad life to go through :(

[Verbal]

The watchmaker analogy is awful in my opinion.

That's what Dawkins says. Or worse: the idea of a watchmaker is wrong.

[Verbal]

Either way, tis a sad life to go through :(

Even if, as someone quite rightly said, it's all about sex?

[Master Bates]

Today yes.