The Meaning of Life

Hello everyone. I had typed this essay up for my philosophy class and figured I would share it with you.

TL;DR people need not apply!

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THE MEANING OF LIFE: ONE OF MANY THEORETICAL VIEWS​

Humanity is a crucial and vital aspect of life in itself, but what if we ceased to exist? Obviously, our civilization and organisms that inhabit this earth serve some sort of purpose. Whether that purpose is to serve a higher being, or simply to go about life in a biological standpoint, it is currently unknown to the entire human race. Ceasing to exist provides an insuperable puzzle, which in turn provides the existence of thought. The famous quote, “I think, therefore I am,” by René Descartes provides a theoretical explanation of our existence, but it doesn't explain the reason behind our existence. In order to understand nothingness, one must exist to possess the thought of nonexistence. But the question that remains after observing this philosophy; what has caused us to exist? Scientific and philosophical thoughts have been proposed throughout the years to answer this lingering question, but no one entirely knows for sure.

Scientifically speaking, cosmologists and astronomical physicists have developed what could be the most important theory in all of scientific documentation, the Big Bang. The Big Bang Theory goes on to explain the correlation between our existence and what was claimed to be a large galactic explosion. According to this theory, our existence has been propelled through a sudden outburst of energy in space, which, in itself, originated from large concentrations of potential energy. This proportionate energy has been dispersed throughout space over the course of billions of years, and it continues to grow. A fascinating thought would be the conjecture of what is beyond that dispersion. Referring back to our existence, areas that have not yet been touched by this galactic distribution cease to subsist, and in turn, do not yet exist. An even more enthralling thought that comes to mind is the consideration that humanity was once under such circumstances, but we were not present to witness such conditions. In fact, no one, thing, or entity would have been around to witness that status of being. With that being said, it is difficult to provide our humanity with concrete scientific evidence of this theory even occurring. This uncertainty brings forth a contradicting element in supposition, philosophy.

Philosophical standpoints have been firmly asserted over the course of human history. Whether or not these philosophies are accurate, or even relevant, to the topic of existence, no one would be able to tell. On the contrary, philosophies of theorists have brought humanity one step closer to solving the conundrum of existence. Such viewpoints have been represented by Plato, which date back to 427 BC. In brief, Plato foretold the existence to come from not universal, but rather, a heavenly power of entity. His view of the meaning of life by humanity was if we were able to attain this heavenly power. Even though this seems on the impossible side of the spectrum, it is actually quite close to accomplishment. Humanity will inevitably have their own views and opinions of what morals and aspects to believe in. That aside, each individual has their own view of what is a divine power. This divine power could range from personal goals to a probable afterlife; each and every human being holds a different sense of morality and mindset. Though every individual possesses a unique state of mind, there are consistencies that subsist among groups of those individuals. Religion, for example, is a remarkable and ever evolving facet of humanity; it has provided a whole new impending dimension to our existence.

Religion has been around since the beginning of time, and has brought forth many different ways of thinking in civilization. Dating back to the ancient ages, religion has developed and constructed dedicated personalities held by many. Many believe that our existence was in the hands of some sort of divine power, which completely contradicts and disregards the scientific equivalent, The Big Bang. It is socially acceptable to believe that this power has created us, because the very thought of this creation was brought forth by religion. Religion is practiced and regulated by humans every day, and will, perhaps, continue into the very last day of our existence. Many find it comforting to develop the mindset of believing in a religion, because it gives them a hypothetical purpose to living in existence. Even Albert Einstein, one of mankind's greatest intellects, was quoted as saying, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.”

The meaning of life cannot obviously be directly answered, for there are too many theories to narrow down into one answer. What can be answered, however, is the belief in one of these many theories. A belief boils down to a thought in each of our heads, and a thought transcribes to our very existence. So, what is the true aspect and ideal explanation to existence? The very thoughts that run within our head, each and every moment in the time continuum.