What to do
What is the meaning of this life if one cannot make something of themselves worth being happy for? And if they are just mediocre, how can they survive without relying on another? I feel as though there is no hope.
41-45, F
Canuckle · 51-55, M
The purpose of life is true happiness. This can only be found within and not through external sources. I can only control my behaviours and actions, so I can only do my best to achieve a goal that aligns with my internal being. I cannot control the external judgment of my efforts. Mediocrity comes from allowing externals to influence your internal self. You have control to be happy at all times. This is barring some other external influence such as one’s body or more specifically mind that may be stuck in a depressive or manic episode, where control cannot be achieved without assistance. In summary I feel if one concedes to externals one’s will - true happiness cannot be found - which is in my opinion the meaning/purpose of life.
I hope you find your path to happiness, even in darkness. The light is always present and the darkness is also.
I hope you find your path to happiness, even in darkness. The light is always present and the darkness is also.
Disgustedman · 61-69, M
Well, I had that feeling. I wanted to be someone, a goal was before me, but before I was 11, that goal was blocked. However, I didn't realize it till I was 25.
By the time I was 26, I'd basically said "I'm here for my pleasure, not others" yes, rather selfish, but that's the vibe I got from family, among other issues.
I no longer tried, only maintained life. I kept it up till now. My "Happy place" is but months away (and 3.5 hour drive) then I will shun the internet, social media and focus only on the nearby.
At times I'll gamble a bit, if I win, purchase various items (mainly booze) mix it with other drinks and enjoy my last year's in quiet solitude.
By the time I was 26, I'd basically said "I'm here for my pleasure, not others" yes, rather selfish, but that's the vibe I got from family, among other issues.
I no longer tried, only maintained life. I kept it up till now. My "Happy place" is but months away (and 3.5 hour drive) then I will shun the internet, social media and focus only on the nearby.
At times I'll gamble a bit, if I win, purchase various items (mainly booze) mix it with other drinks and enjoy my last year's in quiet solitude.
Gloomy · F
Objectively life is meaningless all we can do is create or find our own individual value.
Whether someone or something is mediocre in this context is a purely subjective statement and I am not even sure what you mean by it...
We all have to rely on each other.
if they are just mediocre, how can they survive without relying on another?
Whether someone or something is mediocre in this context is a purely subjective statement and I am not even sure what you mean by it...
We all have to rely on each other.
originnone · 61-69, M
@Gloomy not completely fair, G. People would accept absolutes are usually happier and more fulfilled than nihilists like me....
reflectingmonkey · 51-55, M
@Gloomy @originnone it is very interesting how you two have each brought up two opposite but equally unavoidable angles on the meaning of life. on one hand, its obvious that any proposed meaning was created by people so any meaning seperate from human imagination illudes us and probably there is none. on the other hand meaning, god and the idea of afterlife make life more fun. so what to do? live in a sweet little fairytale, believe in vertu,love and purpose and then life is more fun and meaningful OR be realistic and understand that there is no meaning. logially, once someone has understood these 2 truths there are 3 ways to deal with this : 1: "repent" and run back to the belief system and never doubt again 2: train your mind to not need meaning, become comfortable with the void. this is sort of what Camus says and buddhists to a certain extent. 3: choose a meaning and run with it, which in a way is kind of a compromise between reason , which hates illusions, and the heart that needs meaning. this is what Sartre says. but which is the best?
rationality is logic aplied to a goal, so which way makes more sense depends first on what we think the goal of life is? is it knowledge, or happiness? if its knowledge ,then believing is out of the question, this is why i left religion because I wanted to stay open to discovering something even more true but the second you think you know it you become closed on your own mind so new knowledge might be missed. but if the goal is happiness then maybe believing is the best choice and we need to stop thinking.
rationality is logic aplied to a goal, so which way makes more sense depends first on what we think the goal of life is? is it knowledge, or happiness? if its knowledge ,then believing is out of the question, this is why i left religion because I wanted to stay open to discovering something even more true but the second you think you know it you become closed on your own mind so new knowledge might be missed. but if the goal is happiness then maybe believing is the best choice and we need to stop thinking.
Pfuzylogic · M
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originnone · 61-69, M
The current prevailing school of thought is that you define and create your own meaning and purpose if you can't find absolutes like with a god....
Alyosha · 36-40, M
You need a significant other to lean on.
PoetryNEmotion · F
@Alyosha She must learn to find the hope, faith, and happiness within. It would be a heavy burden to put that upon someone who cared and who loved her. It is too much. I wish people would work on themselves before getting into serious relationships. Then they would grow together instead of causing unnecessary conflict and stress. If the ex-spouse had evolved himself, it would have been better for both of us. Yet he did not. Helping him with his esteem was like trying to fill a bucket with a large hole. It never filled nor worked. So many problems. Insane to think it would have ever worked. Now I know I am happy and I am the person I want to love. So finding those qualities in another seems a better, optimistic task.
PoetryNEmotion · F
What made you feel this way? You make your life. Life doesn't make you. Mediocre? One can survive independently. Do you feel you must depend upon someone? Why? There is always hope. What is going on? Spill.
Alyosha · 36-40, M
You lack a significant other.
Alyosha · 36-40, M
You can suffer alone until someone comes into your life.
OogieBoogie · F
What's wrong with being mediocre?
There are times I've learned for an average life.
There are times I've learned for an average life.