I have not read the long book and am not tempted but just the general impulse towards self destruction on the basis of discovering life is meaningless strikes me as an allegiance to requiring utility in existence. The meaning of life has been explored many times at this site and much of it seems to be related to personal evaluation of usefulness to society or conformity to theological standards. Probably inability to find much in either leads to thoughts of ending it all. There is little doubt that current society as well as the overwhelming bulk of historical societies have aspects of little attraction in general although individuals within these organizations can be extremely admirable.
My own attitude is to eliminate as much hubris as possible from my existence. I have lived longer than most and am totally satisfied to consider myself on the same level as many of my contemporaries which includes people, sparrows, frogs, horseflies and a host of others. Merely being alive is an exceptional opportunity over a rather short time and somehow that is quite sufficient for me. It will end soon enough all by itself and needs no special efforts. Anybody who is bored by this small lucky peek into existence simply hasn't acquired the appreciation it deserves.
06 Jul 2011, 9:54 pm
