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  1. - Top - End - #1
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    AssassinGuy

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    Default What is the meaning of life?

    I'm a young person starting to grow up and mature. I'm going to be on my own relatively soon. But i've got some plans and options but not completely know what I want to do with my life. But that's a deferent problem and is not what I'm exactly asking.

    What I'm asking is, what is the meaning of life?
    If it sounds like I'm trolling I'm really not.

    I'm not the smartest thing ever[even know I can seem like it] so I'm going to be wrong some times so just call me out on it.[i swear I'm not trolling]

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    Pixie in the Playground
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    We can solve this problem using mathematics. We all know that the only two things certain in life are "death" and "taxes". In order for something to be the "meaning of life", it has to be certain in life (or it would not be the meaning of life, since it would not be certain to some people that are quite certainly living); thus, only "death" and "taxes" can qualify as true meanings of life.

    Death is automatically eliminated due to being the antithesis of life. Thus, by process of elimination, the only remaining thing are "taxes".

    Thus, I present my postulate:

    If a meaning of life exists, then the meaning of life is "taxes".

    Hope this helps.
    Last edited by Azurefenrir; 2014-09-28 at 10:27 PM.

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    Barbarian in the Playground
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    That's entirely up to you. Life has no meaning by itself, you need to give it meaning.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    OK, who wants to say "42"?

    Your life will have the meaning you give it. Will your career give your life meaning? Your hobby? Your family? Your friendships? Your artistic expressions? All of the above? It all depends on your choices.

    You shouldn't expect yourself to know what is most important to you in life until you have actually experienced some different things. Read, travel, meet people, get out and do as many interesting things as you can, before you make up your mind about life.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Azurefenrir View Post
    We can solve this problem using mathematics. We all know that the only two things certain in life are "death" and "taxes". In order for something to be the "meaning of life", it has to be certain in life (or it would not be the meaning of life, since it would not be certain to some people that are quite certainly living); thus, only "death" and "taxes" can qualify as true meanings of life.

    Death is automatically eliminated due to being the antithesis of life. Thus, by process of elimination, the only remaining thing are "taxes".

    Thus, I present my postulate:

    If a meaning of life exists, then the meaning of life is "taxes".

    Hope this helps.
    Taxes is not certain in life so it can't be the meaning.
    If it sounds like I'm trolling I'm really not.

    I'm not the smartest thing ever[even know I can seem like it] so I'm going to be wrong some times so just call me out on it.[i swear I'm not trolling]

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Taxes are usually pretty much certain.

    It's PAYING them that's in question.

    EDIT: It is possible that you may not live long enough to pay taxes, so maybe you're correct.

    Ignore me, I'm functioning on no sleep.
    Last edited by Mystic Muse; 2014-09-28 at 10:55 PM.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    It's a Monty python movie featuring a piratical tax agency.


    *


    More seriously, this question has evaded many for centuries. You won't get a quick and easy answer. That said, everyone else is wrong. The meaning of life is to be excellent to each other.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by SiuiS View Post
    It's a Monty python movie featuring a piratical tax agency.


    *


    More seriously, this question has evaded many for centuries. You won't get a quick and easy answer. That said, everyone else is wrong. The meaning of life is to be excellent to each other.
    And...

    PARTY ON, DUDES!
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    smile Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by golentan View Post
    And...

    PARTY ON, DUDES!
    I think that part is optional, and just an example of how excellence towards each other can be promulgated and achieved.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    So siuis you believe that are own reality and meaning to our lives is created by others?

    I don't think the question have been evaded for centuries for if it had been evaded then there would be no such thing as philosophy or purpose or even religion(non Speak of religion again so the moddys won't banish the thread to the nether realm.)
    If it sounds like I'm trolling I'm really not.

    I'm not the smartest thing ever[even know I can seem like it] so I'm going to be wrong some times so just call me out on it.[i swear I'm not trolling]

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    I always thought it was to plant a tree for the shade you'll never see. But that's just me.

    In all seriousness, though, life can mean whatever you want it to mean. It can mean being excellent to each other, or loving your fellow man or what have you, but it could also mean raising a family or creating something that will last beyond your lifetime. Life's a bit of an enigma, but never let that get you down. As long as you still have a dream in your heart and a spark in your mind, you can shape your life however you want.

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    d20 Re: What is the meaning of life?

    The answers are starting to sound the same, so if I may I'll ask something extra.

    What brings meaning to your life?
    If it sounds like I'm trolling I'm really not.

    I'm not the smartest thing ever[even know I can seem like it] so I'm going to be wrong some times so just call me out on it.[i swear I'm not trolling]

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    What brings meaning to your life?
    Oh, I'm a simple man with simple tastes. I enjoy crushing my enemies, seeing them driven before me and hearing the lamentations of their women.

    I think life is whatever you make it. Find something you enjoy, people you enjoy being with... that's all.
    Last edited by Haruki-kun; 2014-09-28 at 11:36 PM.

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    Barbarian in the Playground
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    The answers are starting to sound the same, so if I may I'll ask something extra.

    What brings meaning to your life?
    Ah, now that is a question that can be answered.

    My family
    My community
    My job

    Trying to leave a positive impact on the world. To stand out and make a difference, rather than just be a cog in the machine.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    There are 20 different meanings of life if you're using the word as a noun, and 4 if it's an adjective.

    See for yourself.
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    I wish it was possible to upvote here.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by enderlord99 View Post
    There are 20 different meanings of life if you're using the word as a noun, and 4 if it's an adjective.

    See for yourself.
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Taxes is not certain in life so it can't be the meaning.
    In case it's non-obvious, it was a joke. It's like the high-school-era mathematical proof that girls are evil, given that girls are time and money, time is money, and money is the root of all evil (although that's based on the flawed presumption that girls=time*money rather than time+money).

    Taxes are pretty inevitable in some form or other though.
    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    So siuis you believe that are own reality and meaning to our lives is created by others?
    Are you familiar with the concept of consensus reality? It's an interesting idea, and is relevant to your question.

    I don't think the question have been evaded for centuries for if it had been evaded then there would be no such thing as philosophy or purpose or even religion(non Speak of religion again so the moddys won't banish the thread to the nether realm.)
    It's not that the question has been evaded; it's that the answer to the question has evaded everyone. Except Homer Simpson, and Deep Thought, but unfortunately, they're fictional.

    To be honest I've always felt that much of the problem is with the question. It's just really vague. If you ask "what is the meaning of <>" devoid of further context where <> equals almost anything (and assuming that it's not enclosed in quotation marks so that the question is asking for a literal definition) it's difficult to come up with a useful response even if that subject is very well understood.

    What is the meaning of lunch?
    What is the meaning of fish?
    What is the meaning of music?
    etc.

    (Douglas Adams obviously also identified this, so once the meaning of life had been determined in Hitchhiker's Guide the real problem became determining the proper question).
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    I don't think the question have been evaded for centuries for if it had been evaded then there would be no such thing as philosophy or purpose or even religion
    On the contrary, that's exactly why all those things exist to begin with. If everybody knew what the meaning of life was, we'd have either stopped pursuing the above or never invented them to begin with.

    But yeah, the real meaning of life is thus: GOATS.
    And what gives purpose to life? Iunno. Motivation. Wanting to buy things. Wanting to fix problems you have. Et cetera.
    vape naesh

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    The answers are starting to sound the same, so if I may I'll ask something extra.
    I've got to ask, with all the forum rules, what were you expecting? As you pointed out there are entire fields of study on this topic. If you want wide ranging topics I'd suggest going and looking at those instead of a highly moderated PG rated Message Board.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    The real meaning of life is the pursuit and enjoyment of cuddling.

    There are many tangentially related meanings. Delicious food. Music. The acquisition of knowledge. The invention of new and terrible jokes. Getting completely lost. Dying happy. Leaving a legacy. A million other things.

    All of it boils down to finding and enjoying meaning in the things you do.
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    Quote Originally Posted by turkishproverb View Post
    I am not getting into a shootout with Golentan. Too many gun-arms.
    Leiningen will win, even if he must lose in the attempt.

    Credit to Astrella for the new party avatar.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Either the meaning of life is to travel through the gates of existentialism & find your own meaning, "Make more Mans," or there is no meaning so you are free.

    IIRC
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    It seems most of the good jokes are taken, so I suppose I'll have to be serious for once.

    Life is meaningless. On a cosmic scale, everything that you know of is so insignificant that it would not make even a 1/10th of a percent of difference to the rest of the universe if it all suddenly disappeared one day. Nothing you do will ever matter to almost the entirety of the rest of the universe. There is nothing you can do to change this - you are miniscule and powerless.

    Consequently, this means that the meaning of your life is whatever you make of it - so do what you want to. Find someplace that you want to be, and work towards it. You can always change your mind later on.

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    What brings meaning to your life?
    This. Life is inherently meaningless - so figure out what things you find meaning in, and pursue them.
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    So siuis you believe that are own reality and meaning to our lives is created by others?
    I believe many things and create many beliefs, but they are not forum relevant.

    I don't think the question have been evaded for centuries for if it had been evaded then there would be no such thing as philosophy or purpose or even religion(non Speak of religion again so the moddys won't banish the thread to the nether realm.)
    Stop, reverse. Not that the question has been avoided, the answer has been hard to find.

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    The answers are starting to sound the same, so if I may I'll ask something extra.

    What brings meaning to your life?
    Excellence to each other. Duh. I already said all other answers were wrong, didn't i? Pretty conclusive, that.

    Quote Originally Posted by golentan View Post
    The real meaning of life is the pursuit and enjoyment of cuddling.

    There are many tangentially related meanings. Delicious food. Music. The acquisition of knowledge. The invention of new and terrible jokes. Getting completely lost. Dying happy. Leaving a legacy. A million other things.

    All of it boils down to finding and enjoying meaning in the things you do.
    Yeah, excellence. towards each other. Your selves are included in that.

    Quote Originally Posted by Amidus Drexel View Post
    It seems most of the good jokes are taken, so I suppose I'll have to be serious for once.
    I'm taking this train and riding it into the gorge, like I was racing a Wyld Stallyn.

    Life is meaningless. On a cosmic scale, everything that you know of is so insignificant that it would not make even a 1/10th of a percent of difference to the rest of the universe if it all suddenly disappeared one day. Nothing you do will ever matter to almost the entirety of the rest of the universe. There is nothing you can do to change this - you are miniscule and powerless.
    Quite wrong, really. Meaning comes solely from subjective assessment. Saying that X would not make 1/10 of a percent of a difference, misses that 'difference' is based on meaning attributed by others.

    Really, though, it's a POV objection. The statement "life is meaningless" is not merely a logical statement, it's an emotional one. You're conveying value judgement. It's equally correct to say everything has meaning and you'll have to find which meanings are he ones you value enough to follow.
    Last edited by SiuiS; 2014-09-29 at 01:35 AM.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Aedilred View Post
    ... (although that's based on the flawed presumption that girls=time*money rather than time+money).
    I agree that girls =time*money is flawed as my wife and daughter have proven this weekend, it's more like time^money...

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    I think we have to distinguish between meaning and purpose here.

    The purpose of life is to basically act as a cosmic inoculation, but the meaning of life is what I said earlier.
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    Quote Originally Posted by turkishproverb View Post
    I am not getting into a shootout with Golentan. Too many gun-arms.
    Leiningen will win, even if he must lose in the attempt.

    Credit to Astrella for the new party avatar.

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    Ettin in the Playground
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Findpathfencer View Post
    The answers are starting to sound the same, so if I may I'll ask something extra.

    What brings meaning to your life?
    My wife
    My Daughters
    Books & Video Games
    The few close friends I have

    Giving kindness when and where I can as well, but that one doesn't happen much as I'm quite the hermit, and also very, very poor AND I'm disabled, so I can't even give through physical deeds.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Amidus Drexel View Post

    This. Life is inherently meaningless - so figure out what things you find meaning in, and pursue them.
    Life doesn't have a meaning, that we can find easily at least, that doesn't make it meaningless.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by SiuiS View Post
    Quite wrong, really. Meaning comes solely from subjective assessment. Saying that X would not make 1/10 of a percent of a difference, misses that 'difference' is based on meaning attributed by others.

    Really, though, it's a POV objection. The statement "life is meaningless" is not merely a logical statement, it's an emotional one. You're conveying value judgement. It's equally correct to say everything has meaning and you'll have to find which meanings are he ones you value enough to follow.
    I would disagree - especially given that I meant 'difference' objectively, and not from the very biased view of those of us who exist on the same planet as the OP. For clarity: If, say, I were to remove a galaxy (under the assumption that the OP has heard of the Milky Way) from a random galaxy cluster (not necessarily even in the visible universe - it could be anywhere), what do you think the chances are that anyone on earth - aside from perhaps a few astronomers who go and look for these sorts of things (assuming that the one I removed was even cataloged - even the most generous estimates for how many galaxies we have cataloged are only on the order of ~50 million, and this is assuming I picked one that's even visible to us) would ever notice? There are over 170 billion galaxies in just the observable universe, but only around 100,000 that are even close to being near to us (in our local supercluster) - and far less easily visible to the naked eye. I stand by my statement that, to the overwhelming majority of the universe (from almost every other reference frame), everything within billions upon billions of miles of us is utterly insignificant, or "meaningless", as I put it.

    Absolutely. I don't believe there is any inherent purpose or goal in life, so I see it as meaningless, but it would be equally correct to say that everything has meaning. That isn't the interpretation that I went with, however.
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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    Quote Originally Posted by Amidus Drexel View Post
    Absolutely. I don't believe there is any inherent purpose or goal in life, so I see it as meaningless, but it would be equally correct to say that everything has meaning. That isn't the interpretation that I went with, however.
    See above. Unless by meaningless you mean simply Without Inherent Meaning. Because Meaningless can mean something totally different.

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    Default Re: What is the meaning of life?

    *points to sig*
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    Oooh, and that's a bad miss.

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