Topic: Meaning of Life
We all have ridden a bike in some point of our lives. We all have different reasons on doing so, different meanings. Some of us have used a bike before with the means to commute to some place, others have used a bike with the means to get some exercise in. The point is, that we all have had different means in doing so. However my presentation today isn’t about the reason why people ride bikes, but the bigger picture here; the concept of meaning. I am going to try my best in explaining meaning, the importance of it, how each and every one of our lives has meaning to it, and what we can do about it.
Of course there are religions, like Buddhism, that gives meaning to life and death, such as reincarnation, where after we die our souls take on another entity. Christianity also gives meaning to life, they claim that we are on this earth to serve God and spread His word. But if you don’t believe in these things then you probably have trouble knowing your purpose on earth, if you’ve ever thought about it. Or you just don’t want to know. I am Christian, however I believe there is a greater, more personal purpose for me on earth.
The problem that people have when figuring out life is that it can get really complicated, however it doesn’t have to be.There are three simple steps of life, birth, stuff in between, then death. Here is an example of this, from my favorite show Rick and Morty. *show video*
So let’s go through the steps of life here of Mr. Meeseeks. Step one, birth: Mr. Meeseeks was born out of the Meeseeks Box with a push of a button. Step two: Mr. Meeseeks fulfills the request that he was given. Step three: he “explodes.” And that’s it! His life is complete from birth to death. But this begs the question, what is our purpose? Are we just another version of Mr. Meeseeks that has only a single reason to live? This is an example of simplification, something that we covered in this class a few weeks ago, because step two of life is more complex than this.
It turns out that meaning itself is found in three human activities: Communication, Understanding, and Service. Meaning is found through the communication of others because through this we share our stories and experiences of our lives with each other. The deeper the connection, the more meaning. Communication can also consist of discovery, like going to a country you’ve never been to before. This is exciting and thrilling, something that seems to give meaning. Meaning is found through understanding. This is about the pleasure that can be felt whenever we correct confusion and puzzlement about ourselves or the world. Lastly meaning is found through service. We get a sense of satisfaction like no other when we help others. Making a difference to someone else gives meaning to ourselves.
So if this isn’t enough meaning to life then all I can tell you is that life can mean as much as you want it to. The meaning of life isn’t objective, rather relative. By that I mean we take charge of our own lives, and our futures are in our own hands. So might as well make the most out of it while we can. Give your own life some meaning. What Benny said on his talk, do something that you’re afraid to do. Make meaning out of your own life. Thank you.