I like that one too; as long that person doesn't force their viewpoint on the rest of us and do harm. It works on many levels.
Several years ago, I met a guy who was a foil to me. He had my name, similar physique, espoused Socialist ideals like I had (though different ones, since two Socialists never see eye to eye on anything), and I think he went to the same college (can't remember), maybe more -- I only spoke with him for an hour or two. Anyway, he was unmarried and had no job. A relative had died and left him an inheritance. It wasn't a lot, but it was enough that it would last him a lifetime if he spent only $30,000 a year. So, he quit his job and lived on this money. He'd read, go to the park, go to the museum, whatever. His decision to not work was tied into his Socialism -- something about not being party to the subjugation of the worker or some such. I share his distaste for working, and there is a charm to living modestly but leisurely. But, his life seemed so empty and without meaning. No wife, no children, no profession, no contribution to society (he wrote, but not for publication), what's the point? It really struck me. Unfortunately, I'm in a worse spot. I have a wife, a child, a profession, I have to work everyday and have little time, money or energy for leisure -- and I still feel like my life has no meaning. If I'm going to live a meaningless life, I shouldn't have to sell all my time to some crappy-ass company. Thanks, now I'm all depressed.
I honestly don't like to think about my life in terms of a mission or any kind of meaning. I think the best we can do is enjoy life to the fullest while we're here, treat people like we want to be treated, and if we're going to leave a mark on the world after we're gone, just try and make sure it's a positive one.
I don't believe in a "life mission" or "purpose." I'm one of the few people (especially among fellow Christians) who believes nothing happens for a reason (i.e. I don't believe in the "everything happens for a reason" mindset). There are things that I MUST do: - Serve God - Secure current and future happiness and well-being for my family And then there are things that I strive for: - be a pleasant person (though my posts come over very negatively) - Enrich the lives of the people I come in contact with And then there's just stuff I hope I can achieve some day: - retire early - be a good pianist - paint portraits and murals (I've done some murals before) - sculpt - learn German, French, and Japanese - travel More (Australia, New Zealand, etc.) - play golf frequently and break 80 -- droxford
There is no point, no purpose. You can try to delude yourself with religion or mysticism or whatever other form of hope you can muster up to get you out of bed each day; but in the back of your mind, where only clear, unfettered logic dwells you know, your ultimate fate is only oblivion. Have a nice day
