Atheist, what's the point of living if you're just gonna die?

Question

Athiest, i have read a lot of your answers here, and you guys really have a logical reason for not beleving in God.
But the problem is, how can there not be an afterlife?
What's the point of living if in the end you're just gonna die and dissapear in the end?
What's the point?

Answer 1

To me life seems like it has a lot MORE meaning if there isn't an afterlife... Do you really want to think of life as a prelude to something larger and "more important"? What kind of a purpose for life is that? It's infinitesimal in size when compared to eternity, so it is ultimately COMPLETELY insignificant if one's consciousness is around for all eternity...

Why can't the point be living and having a good life? Enjoying one's self and living a helpful and fulfilling life to the best of one's ability without it just being an act to get into the right club?

Is living your life as a means to the end, just trying to accomplish a goal that one can never know if they've accomplished any more fulfilling than living life to feel fullfilled?...

Answer 2

I appreciate the question, but it's the logic behind it that is a misinformed way of thinking.

Just as we all were born, we all will die. Not a single person alive had a hand in their own creation. Being conceived is simply one of those "roll of the dice" things.

So, if that is the case, why must there be a metaphysical afterlife to justify our corporeal existence? Therein lies the answer: there doesn't have to be one.

Theists view life as an exercise by which they earn their place in the afterlife. Atheist, on the other hand, tend to simply recognize life within the corporeal plane, and therefore, value it in a different way.

I myself do not consider life an exercise of any meaningfulness. But, rather, it is something that I was given, and something that I appreciate for all that it is worth.

Becoming an atheist did not make me detest living simply because I believe there is not higher meaning to it. In fact, it made me appreciate earthly things so much more because I do not create any illusions about what life is.

For me, life is simply living, and when I die, it will be over, and I will not have the ability to know I existed at all. Therefore, atheism has taught me to enjoy it while I still can. Life is a wonderful gift, and I do not intend on wasting it.

Answer 3

You gotta make the most of your life while you are here. Before you are born, you don't exist, then your gone when you die. Does anyone really know what the point is? Even the most devout of christians can only tell you what is in the bible and for me, that is not enough evidence for an afterlife. Personally, I feel the whole afterlife idea was concocted because people don't want to believe that 'this is all there is'. When it comes down to it though, who really knows what happens.

Answer 4

To be a truely good person, to help other people, to make an impact on society. I live my life to the full and I will always go out of my way to help other people have a better life. Where's the point in living now if you think your going to a better place after you die, why not just die now? Why seek medical treatment if your afterlife is so much better?

Answer 5

That is a silly question. The point of living is to LIVE! You only get one chance, milk it for everything you've got. Live well, love freely, die without fear! Don't you value you're own existence? Have fun with it, have a fullfilling, enlightened, compassionate life and you will not fear the end of your own existence. Nothing lasts forever. You are going to die, that will be the end of you, period. This might be your last night of conscious awareness.

How do you want to spend you last night on Earth?

Answer 6

see, asking for a point or a goal is very human. It is a human concept. It does not map well to nature, and life is a natural process.

The 'point', in the strictest natural sense of the word, is to pass on your genes. And because our particular evolutionary path has given us self-awareness you can make a 'point' over and beyond that simple requirement. It can be anything you want.

that is not depressing, that is fantastic. Well, it is, as soon as you get over your childish ego that insists it is the center of the frigging universe (not saying that is you, just saying a lot of people seem to have problems getting over themselves).

Answer 7

Actually I am Agnostic and so I acknowledge the possibility that there may be an afterlife.But, I would say that the point to life is to live it the best you can and to learn and grow and make a positive impact on those around you.

Answer 8

There is no "given" point of living. You are free to give your life a point, a meaning, and you are also free to throw it away as you please. I hope you find some meaning for yourself.

Think of it like this: A child depends on others to tell him how to live. An adult does not. That's the point of growing up. Make your own decisions. Do not rely on wishful thinking. Take responsibility for yourself.

Answer 9

because life is not bad, considering the alternative, and of course, it's the only one you get, there are no repetitions.
but, if believing in the afterlife is what helps you pass the day, go ahead, but remember that there is no way to complain if you found out that you have been cheated, since dead people do not complain.

Answer 10

Ha ha! I just love your questions!

Living IS the point! The 'end' just gives us a focus and makes sure we don't waste too much time on Y!A when the sun is shining, our friends are waiting and there's wine to be drunk!

Namaste.
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