You know that one time when I went looking for that person who knew the meaning of life?
[No, not him.... I found her!]
A lot of people told me then, and a lot of people tell me now that the meaning of life is almost non-existential. I disagree. You see, the meaning of life is what you want from life, and how you want it to turn out for you.
For instance, I am going through an overwhelming phase. My parents celebrate 30 years of their union tomorrow; that’s a LONG time committed to a single cause. I have lived through 27 of those years and I think there is a sense of realization that their battles, and their causes are unique. Atleast I havent personally seen the same happiness in any other couple. Simillarly, a number of people have taken it upon themselves to educate me on the do’s and don’ts of a happy blissfull marriage; all I can think of is – hmm, really?
Last wednesday night, I was in the company of 2 of my colleagues, and the conversation turned philosophical. One was married for 22 years, and the other 30. Their advice to me was – listen to everyone, it’s their wisdom, their experiences; but paint your own picture – the colours on your canvas will be perfect only in your eyes.
It’s ironic that the meaning of life, whatever you do in life, is actually pretty trivial. A lot of us go in search of the perfect way to lead life, yet we forget that each one of us is an individual who connects with people at every step of the way on the metaphorical ladder of life. We try so hard to be someone, conform to trends and fads, and in the process – we forget to live life in our OWN way.
Perhaps Dante Shepherd is right; we need to live life without that fear to conform, or fit in, or exist. If you do one thing today, then just live life the way you want it to be. That IS the meaning of life.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=0394c1da-c198-431e-b212-6c6c17a045c0)
The meaning of life seems to change at every step of the way doesn’t it.
It used to be all about making something of yourself. Studying hard, finding a job. And now it switches to finding someone to share it with. And if all accounts are correct… that will change to watching your kids do the same.
I wonder if Douglas Adams had it right all along.
42.
[Reply]
biscuitinabasket Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
@NidalM, Actually, the common factor in every meaning of life is happiness; then be it the job that you do, or the degree that you get. I think one can’t achieve happiness without doing things the way they want to…. it’s your own personal seal of approval…. don’t you think?
[Reply]
“the meaning of life is what you want from life, and how you want it to turn out for you.”
I find this very true..
Nice post.
[Reply]
biscuitinabasket Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
@Missice, Thanks… and welcome to the blog!
[Reply]