The Meaning of Life

[Human No More]

Originally Posted by Banefull

I have a question for you. Maybe I'll learn something from your answer. Have you ever felt a disconnct between your mind and your "heart?" I find that there are some things I cannot change no matter how hard I try. If I were in that situation and simply walked away, no matter how many logical justifcations I gave, no matter how much I told myself otherwise, I cannot remove that feeling that I should have at least attempted to do something. In effect, I cannot change this.

Not really - the two are the same things. Different parts of the mind certainly, with different motivations and different forms of instinct, but for that reason it is no different than considering options such as 'should I go to x or stay at home?'.

I might find your answer to this to be rather surprising also. Should we even be concerned beyond whether it simply affects us? Do you think that actions ultimately matter or not? If not, why should we even bother to live life at all?

Nothing matters, because every millisecond, we are presented with decisions and chances. Each one will change the future, in any way from a huge way to an almost imperceptible way. There's no 'going to happen'

It includes other things. If I am hungry, I cannot fully focus on a given task. In that situation, I can still make choices but I cannot fully live out my vocation.

It's a basic biological need. The fact that people can ignore it and others even to the point of negative consequences if they are so willing is a good example.

I could say the same about science and logic. Not every culture (few even) had a concept of science to begin with. Science has its own fundamental assumptions (nature is uniform, set laws can describe how nature works, etc). If someone raised from birth never had an introduction to science, he or she may not even discover it. (Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely love science and logic)

Not all had a formal structure, but they still made observations, looked for patterns, and applies them similarly. That is found in every single culture, or indeed, group of animals, not even limited to sentient beings. Even if they had superstitions or misunderstandings, they are usually applied in a consistent manner. Someone with no formal introduction may not know exact methods or the theory behind knowledge, but they will still make observations and seek patterns - that is the one thing the human brain is actually very good at doing based on its structure.