Meaning of Life
It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know his own beauty or perceive a sense of his own worth until it has been reflected back to him in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.
― John Joseph Powell, The Secret of Staying in Love
What's the point?
Without a belief in God or an afterlife, how can one find meaning? What is life's purpose, if there is no God? What is life's purpose, if you don't exist after this life? What is the point?
(Of course, I would also argue the meaningless of life even with these beliefs, but that is for another blog post.)
Some argue, "well, if we had no meaning, if there is no God, what stops somebody from 'going crazy' and just blowing everybody up?" Honestly, there might be some who feel this way. Those who do have lived unfortunate lives and more discussion will be had on this later.
What is the purpose of ending all human life? What meaning would be given then? Would it give more meaning to nature, the earth, or the universe? Perhaps the existing plants and animals could live lives unaffected by human touch. This large rock on which we live, circumambulating the boiling fusion reator providing heat and light, could lose unnatural pollution, drilling, disfiguring, and other forms of change. But would this bring meaning to life?
What is the purpose of ending all human life? Would it be to eliminate suffering? Would it be to eliminate their own sad existence, but have some strange sense of futility or vengance and wants the rest of the world to leave with them?
Do we need God and eternity to have meaning in life? Would life really be meaningful if we spent eternity sitting on a cloud, playing a harp and worshipping God for eternity? Would life really be meaningful having spirit babies over and over again, watching them do exactly what we did here? Sure, we don't know everything that God does. "Mysteries of God" and all that. Based on everything we know, even in Mormon theology, there doesn't seem to be much "purpose".
Imagine for a minute that you lived forever, on this earth, and had no chance of dying. Even imagine that you could do whatever you wanted, and that you wouldn't be hindered in any way. What could you do that can provide meaning? What would you need? Also imagine what would cause you to feel that life is meaningless, even with all these incredible opportunities?
What would this be? Deep connection with other people. Another person, or people, with whom to experience this existence. Others who see you, who value you, and they know you see them and value them.
A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.
― John Lennon and Yoko Ono