This is a question I've been strugling with. I have a BA degree and will be attending a top MBA program but I can't shake the feeling that it's all meaningless. I'll work my whole life to try and make it to the top and then when I get there I'll retire and die in a few years. What's the point?
2006-10-18 09:37:33 · 22 answers · asked by QnA00789 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The point is that you're here so you might as well make the best of it. Also, if you are successful, you will, in the process, lift the status of your children and your grandchildren etc. and life will be a little easier for them. Like it or not, education and success defines who we are in the US.
2006-10-18 10:55:07 · answer #1 · answered by uscmedguy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to care about other people, or there is no point. At this time in history, we do all die. Until we start working on a genetic solution, there is no hope. Even if we find a genetic solution, the chances of it working retroactively, i.e. for people already born, are low. Even when clinical immortality is achieved, we still can die from accidents or natural catastrophe, and eventually will. Barring all of that, the universe will probably gradually cool to such a state that nothing can live, so if we become/create immortals, they will also die if current theory is correct.
That being said, we have some time here, so let's use it. And people may yet follow us, and more may yet follow them, so try to generate a little actual wealth to leave lying around for them to get a leg up with. Leave it in a charity trust fund when you die, if you don't have loved ones.
2006-10-18 09:46:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're really right; there isn't an actual point to life. We live, we die - et voila. But if one accepts this, then they can't be happy in their life, because we're so impressed into the idea that we ought to succeed that we'll feel we haven't. So what I do is I try to get to the top for the sake of knowing what it's like to be there - out of curiosity, I guess, and to pass the time I have here. After all, I've been given a life... I might as well do something with it, even if it's all meaningless, right?
2006-10-18 10:44:08 · answer #3 · answered by skylark 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you're depressed. I am urging you to get help. Please! I'd like to counter your question with this: If we're all going to die, why not make life meaningful? It would be pointless to go through life with your bad additude if we're all going to die. Why not live life to the fullest? Just something for you to ponder. Also, If you make it to the top, you can be wealthy, and have a good retirement. If you don't try, you'll have to work through your whole life, rather than living it up in Cancun or somewhere else fun. If you don't try, you can't fail, but then there's no point at all. Falling down is half the fun of getting back up. Listen to me. I'm at least a decade younger than you. If I can tell you thins, but you can't tell yourself, then you have some serious psychological issues. The End.
2006-10-18 09:51:05 · answer #4 · answered by *SaTaN*KiTtY* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sort of agree with BH. The question is what makes you happy? If getting to the top makes you happy, do it! If it doesn't, don't. I think THAT is what we are here for...the pursuit of happiness. Lets say you do make it to the top and then retire, if you enjoyed it, loved it, then you can accept that you lived a fulfilled life and won't feel so "threatened" by death. No unfinished business (or regrets) is the best way to go!
Good luck!
2006-10-18 09:52:42 · answer #5 · answered by Mega 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So then don't do it...stop where you are, get by as best you can, and leave this earth when it's time for you to go.
Some people just want to do more with their life or enjoy the challenge and struggle. If everyone were apathetic because "we're going to die anyway" nothing would get done, no advancements would me made...we'd still be living in caves hunting wild animals and picking berries.
2006-10-18 09:40:09 · answer #6 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To enjoy the journey
Have you ever seen the movie "City Slickers" with Billy Crystal. Cool movie and it boils down to just one thing but each person must know what their one thing is - people of faith that is their purpose to follow God. It give meaning to their life. I believe that way also but there are plenty of people that are not faith driven but find their one thing.
Utilizing your current logic - why eat you are just going to have to do it again - why wash your clothes because you are just going to have to wash them again - To enjoy life to its fullest you must have a purpose be that purpose to help others - to make lots of money - to follow your faith - to have a family to love
I think that we all go through times where it does seem meaningless but everything goes full circle. Good luck and enjoy your journey, you get to continue your education and learn and perhaps there is something larger than you imagine and it will all work out. Better than the alternative, you give up and then find out to late it is all eternal
2006-10-18 09:51:30 · answer #7 · answered by freemansfox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe you should just concentrate on feeling happy with your life and enjoy the things you do. If you are working towards that goal, you'll make your life worth living, and sweeter, because it'll have to come an end at some point, and then you can tell yourself that you at least enjoyed it.
2006-10-18 10:03:20 · answer #8 · answered by shoupart 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not the destination that holds the meaning. It's the journey. You should enjoy the time you have here because you don't know when your time will be up.
It all depends on what "the top" is for you. I hope, for your sake, that the "top" is your happiness and not money....
2006-10-18 09:51:52 · answer #9 · answered by Memento 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know exactly what you mean. Death is a difficult thing to accept. I think maybe when we get older and closer to death we can accept it with peace... but I don't think I ever will be able to. I think a lot of us (especially this generation) are wasting our lives in pursuit of pleasure and entertainment, totally unaware of our own mortality.
I know God made me (and you) for a purpose, however short our lives may be, and I hope He shows you what that purpose is and gives you happiness.
2006-10-18 09:44:04 · answer #10 · answered by Lanani 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋