Why does research, discovery, diplomacy, art, music, sacrifice, compassion, feelings of love, or affectionate and caring relationships mean anything if it all ultimately comes to naught anyway?
2007-10-05 06:26:46 · 21 answers · asked by Saved by Grace 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe that we make our own purpose. We can sit idly by and waste this cosmic chain of events that led to us, or we can improve ourselves, and grow beyond the sludge from which we came.
2007-10-05 06:31:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it makes us feel good, obviously.
Theists are fond of saying that if there is no god then we ought to be out stealing, raping, murdering and torturing each other... but clearly we could never have got to the kind of civilisation we live in if that was our nature. If we were like that then we could never co-operate, work as teams, support each other, be compassionate, give up short term gratification for long term gains etc. - all the things that allow us to live in a complex tight-knit society. We've obviously evolved to be this way because it's an enormously successful survival strategy - an excellent way of passing on our genes. Why then do theists think we would want to reject human nature and behave in the ways they describe? It makes no sense. But then, I'm firmly of the view that there is absolutely nothing in religion that makes any sense at all. If there is, I've yet to see it, in 40-odd years of observing it.
2007-10-05 06:30:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't consider it "coming to naught." These things better my own life while I am alive and leave the world a little better for the people who will come after me. For example, I love my husband, I'm looking forward to spending the next 50 years of my life with him. Why should I only appreciate that love if I'm going to benefit from it for eternity? It's fifty good years, years that will be better with him than without him.
2007-10-05 06:33:12 · answer #3 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do we need to learn fr this life here on earth to enjoy them if/when we goes into after life? Of course not. All those things u talk bout is to make a better life for mankind & to leave a legacy that humans can enjoy, cultivate further so that the world will ultimately becomes a better place for all...humans, animals & all other living things,,,
2007-10-05 06:38:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost nothing has an inherent meaning; in fact, almost nothing can be directly shown to exist (except for consciousness itself). We give meaning to our lives. We decide what we will emphasize and what we will downplay or ignore. This is freedom, and ultimately joy.
And being an Atheist does not mean not being spiritual. Many Buddhists, Taoists, Vedantins, etc., are atheistic.
2007-10-05 06:33:53 · answer #5 · answered by neil s 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Eleventy summed up the illogic of your question.
As for research and discovery, what does that have to do with spirituality? It runs counter to religious dogma I think.
2007-10-05 06:38:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are social creatures. Part of living is the drive to preserve our kind. All of these things lead to that.
By the way, living for the moment, instead of some far off life, can be exhilarating!
2007-10-05 06:32:20 · answer #7 · answered by in a handbasket 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who says it comes to naught? Those things mean a great deal to one's happiness.
2007-10-05 06:30:18 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really don't appreciate all those things? Gosh, I find them quite exciting and worthwhile, myself. I guess life must be really unworth living for you if you can't find satisfaction in those things without some kind of illusion about living forever.
Your must be like the girl who was crying as she was stuffing her face with breakfast, because she didn't know what they would have for lunch.
2007-10-05 06:31:54 · answer #9 · answered by Matthew O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because it enriches life. It most definately does not "come to naught". Even if it's something that I wouldn't benefit from, but my children could, it's still worth pursuing.
2007-10-05 06:32:41 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋