- Written for a philosophy exam: All things considered, what, in your view, is the best, most convincing, response to the question ‘What is the meaning of life?’ (One possible answer, of course, would be that there just isn’t any meaning of life.) Defend your view as best you can.
The meaning of life as a whole? That is beyond my perspective. What I do see though, is that there are patterns all around us in life which can be used to determine the meaning in our life.
- Patterns
First of all, existence in itself is a series of fractals. It is organized, repetitive, and ever growing. The start is the end and the end is the start, it goes on forever. Studies show that looking at fractals calms people down, and many studies indicate the calming effect nature has on people. Nature is made up of fractals. This implies the importance of seeking out patterns to imply causation, or in this case, determine the meaning of life.
- Adversity and growth
Second of all, no human leaves the earth unscathed – life literally starts out as an adversity, with the big bang. Our Mothers face excruciating pain and we tear through that hole balling our eyes out. We all go through pain, but in saying that, we also grow from the pain we endure. Adversity that precedes growth is a fractal in all of nature:
- Exposure to viruses builds our immune system.
- Many seeds require exposure to cold temperatures to break dormancy and germinate.
- Some tree species, like the sequoia, require fire to release seeds from their cones, leading to new growth.
- Tree roots grow deep so they can reach high, they get stronger with wind.
- Plants in arid regions develop deeper roots to access water, improving their drought tolerance.
- Crustaceans, insects, and arachnids must shed their exoskeletons to grow, a process that leaves them vulnerable but is essential for expansion.
What does this symbolize? Perhaps that one of the meanings of life is to grow from pain. And while the crown of a tree may stop growing, its roots continue to grow. The same is true with us; our physical growth may stop, slow, or recess, but our internal development is a lifelong journey. So here, growth refers to moral development moreso than physical growth.
- Being of Service
Finally, Everything creation has something to leave behind. Trees give us oxygen and leave fruits that carry seeds that sprout into more trees. Beavers combat climate change by regulating the river ecosystems. Elephants use their trunks to dig water during dry seasons and provide it to other animals. We have the ability to contribute to society by leaving behind ideas, solutions, children, technological advancement, art, and much more. Every person that is alive has contributed to evolution in some form. Contributing to society is a basic human need. This is because we are designed to work, it is a basic human need. Being of service also feels good, with studies indicating increased depression in people who are out of work. These patterns are a recurring reminder from nature to find how we can be of service.
4. Love (connection)
We all know that nature is deeply interconnected. In ecosystems, each individual part contributes to the proper functioning of other parts. These parts collectively allow the entire system to function. The same way, as humans, we need each other to thrive! Not just in an evolutionary survival way, but in a soul-nourishing way. Our soul grows when we give love to each other. Loving others makes us feel more connected and fulfilled. Love is emotional nourishment.
Tying everything together, objectively speaking, existence is a set of endless patterns. As humans, we are drawn to patterns. Two major patterns across species and nature are adversity leading to growth, and all of nature leaving something behind. This translates to the universal meaning of life for us which is to grow through pain and do something good for the world. Now, integrate this with your own story, skills, proclivities, and resources to discover your unique subjective meaning in the world. You are a valuable piece in the puzzle of life; without you, life would not be complete. So, tell me, what pain have you suffered and how have you grown from it? What tickles your empathy receptors or gets your engine running? What does life want from you?Throughout this process, let nature remind you of our interconnectedness and inspire you to love the people around you. Love is what makes life worth living, and is a reminder of who you really are.
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