In our utter loneliness and despair we see and feel a decay of meaning and a sudden inability to appreciate existence. How do you-and all reflective beings should feel it-endure the emptiness through to greater life? You personally, what gives YOU meaning?
2006-07-01 05:50:45 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I love your questions, because you always seem to ask exactly what I'm feeling, and you put into words what I am unable to express.
I am at a stage in my life where I am reflecting on my life and my accomplishments. I feel like I haven't done enough, I haven't lived a true, authentic life. I want to break free of the chains of my current existence. I almost feel like running away, starting all over again. I've lost sight of what gives me meaning. I wish I could help you in your darkest hour. The only solace I can offer is that you are not alone.
2006-07-02 17:49:20 · answer #1 · answered by Optimistic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems like you are taking personal feelings and turning them into a philosophy. It is true that many times inner feelings can "transform" into attitudes about everything else. A feeling of meaninglessness and emptiness is problematic, although many people feel it. What would help would be to make friends with people who have a healthier outlook and who are connected to the world with friends, interests, mentors, and the like ... and slowly try to adopt their energy. In other words, find someone who has what you want, in terms of thoughts and feelings, and find out how they got it. If you can't find any one particular person, it could be useful to see a competent therapist who will help you explore the underlying beliefs that are "causing" your feelings. ... But to answer the question of what personally gives me meaning, it is faith. I came to faith very slowly, and after many years of struggling with feelings meaningless and emptiness. But I kept searching. The thing I learned was that I did in fact have faith in *something,* most of the time. For example, your asking other people what gives them meaning indicates that you have some sort of faith that someone else might have an answer. Also, clearly you have faith that something is meaningful--that is, language is meaningful (since you use it to ask) and other people are meaningful (since you think enough of them to ask them). That's just an example. But an inability to appreciate life is a problem for which there is a solution. You have to want to solve it, though ... and then you have to start looking for ways to solve it. Anyway, I myself have come a long, long way from how I once was many years ago, feeling that all was meaningless, empty, and futile. It can be done. It requires a lot of ultimately rewarding work, which is impossible to list in detail here.
2006-07-01 08:18:28 · answer #2 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life is a gift. Oh, I know, it comes with some sad parts, some hard parts. But I wouldn't give up on it. This might be the only one we get here on Earth. Yes, I can see the need for meaning. But I don't think it's something you attract. That puts it entirely in the hands of someone else. I think meaning is something you decide, something you take charge of. You must decide what feels meaningful to you and then pursue it. Because it's going to be something different for each person. If you cannot decide on something that brings meaning to your life, my advice to you is still not to waste your life or let it go prematurely. My advice is that you find a way to add meaning to the lives of other people. You have the power to make life better for someone else even if it's just a friendly word, a kind smile, or a gentle touch. Encourage someone else, help them. Volunteer. Maybe that will put the meaning into your life. Also, I think this is a temporary thing for you. We all go through times, you know. I wish you success in finding meaning and I hope you soon feel better.
2016-03-27 00:12:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Life is empty without appreciation. Emptiness only exists if you allow it. Open your heart and mind and the emptiness will be filled. What truly fulfills me is is my thirst for knowledge not just math and science. The knowledge of love and humanity. Of course life would be empty without love. I LOVE life!!!!
2006-07-01 06:20:37 · answer #4 · answered by loreerocks 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
love your avatar. if one feels that life is empty, then that person needs to give more of himself to those who are in need (charity, volunteer). appreciation comes in the satisfaction that i have given someone else a reason to be thankful and to live life to its fullest. by doing this, i may be able to reach out to those who are in despair and help them find meaning.
2006-07-01 06:03:49 · answer #5 · answered by rockchalk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel elated whenever I come across goodness in various forms
2006-07-01 05:56:19 · answer #6 · answered by Padmini Gopalan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, no one knows. Does existence need you to appreciate it, or does it know you will every now and again?
2006-07-01 05:53:59 · answer #7 · answered by The Witten 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ill appreciate if you could use proper English.
2006-07-01 05:52:32 · answer #8 · answered by ash_m_79 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if all is meaningless, the what is the means of this question, and what is the meaning of my answer, am i meaningless for this answer, or is this answer meaningless for i am the answerer.
2006-07-01 05:56:07 · answer #9 · answered by her half dead lover 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋