Voltaire said:
“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.”
Wise words, as it’s through asking questions that we grow, evolve, and make progress. Raising new questions can give rise to new possibilities and to the ability to regard old problems from a new angle.
The crux lies in the underlying intent of the question. Because questions can be asked in a variety of ways, for example…:
- With genuine interest in the answer…
- Without really caring about what the answer is (like many “how-are-yous” and “what’s ups”)…
- Or in a rhetoric way, either to point out something blatantly obvious with a rhetorical question that doesn’t require an answer, or to put someone on the spot by giving them a hard time.
The latter case is often used as a subtle way to try and discredit the messenger with a question that’s impossible to answer. The lack of a (satisfying) answer is then used as an argument that everything they say must not be true or worth mentioning.
While I get all types of questions, this particular kind is one I receive with a certain degree of regularity. Occasionally the question is a subtly disguised attack on me personally, other times it goes somewhat along the lines of:
“You think you know the answer to everything… So since you’re obviously such a smart-ass, answer me this: What’s the meaning of life? Bet you don’t know the answer to that one…”
Now truth be told, the age-old question of “what-the-hell-it’s-all-about” is an interesting one to ask. Many of the greatest minds of all ages have devoted their lifelong attention to it.
But since a lot of us are still asking it, it doesn’t seem like a universally satisfactory explanation has been found yet.
So then the “smart-ass” must know, right?
Now I admit:
During my relatively short time here on this plane of existence, I’ve asked myself this question too. Many times actually.
And I’ll tell you my personal answer in a minute.
But first, a little background…
(Smart-Assed) Backdrop
Let me make one thing abundantly clear:
In no way whatsoever am I trying to be some big-time guru with all the answers. Nor would I ever pretend that I know the answer to anyone’s questions.
In fact, in my experience, those who pretend they know the answer to everything there is to ask (particularly the ones that shout the loudest), are usually merely confirming that they don’t.
All I can do is share with you what I have come to understand from my own experience. Then it’s up to you to see if that resonates with you, and if it’s something you can put to use for yourself.
The truth is, no one does have all the answers, because we’re all having a subjective experience. The language of life and ‘the universe’ is one of paradox. And ultimately, only you have the answer to your particular questions.
As for me, I’ve been asking my questions of “what-the-hell-it’s-all-about” from an early age.
In part, this was probably encouraged by the situation I grew up in. I have two younger brothers who both have a mental/intellectual handicap, one of whom is also autistic to top it off. Since this was just always the way it was and in a sense I simply never knew any better, for the better part of my childhood I never really gave it any thought.
But ultimately, I started to wonder:
Why was I gifted with the intellectual abilities that allowed me to roll through grammar school and get me two university degrees without much trouble, on educational fields that I didn’t even like, while my younger brothers were more like the exact polar opposite?
In a situation like that, a dude is bound to ask questions, such as:
- Where does this extreme intellectual contrast come from?
- Was I just ‘lucky?’
- And [recalling a vivid memory of an actual event] what the hell am I doing here analyzing the financial viability of this plan for optimizing this middleware application for decision-modeling evaluation of whether or not to state-subsidize local shrimp farms in this far out ‘no-man’s-land’ corner of this insignificant country I live in anyway (even though I’m paid well for this meaningless and mind-numbing ‘work’)? What’s that all about?
- Who am I anyway… and what the hell are we all doing here anyway?
I had to admit that I didn’t know… which only added to the inner friction I felt at the time.
So the next step was to try and put it all in perspective, by making sense of the rest of the world. I read newspapers and watched the news… and all I saw was war, famine, disease… you name it.
So again, in a situation like that, a dude is bound to ask questions, such as:
- Am I just lucky?
- Who the hell am I anyway?
- What the hell are we all doing here anyway?
- What’s this fuss all about?
In short, I stumbled upon the age-old questions that wise-cracking sages of all times and from all over the world have bent their wise heads over.
Many people go through the twists and turns of their own lives and ultimately reach a point where they start asking similar questions. And when they can’t seem to find a satisfactory answer themselves, they look for others to answer their questions for them… such as religious leaders, political leaders, clever professors, “smart-asses,” and so on…
But for me personally, none of them were ever able to give me any answers that were satisfactory to me.
So for years I kept pondering, giving myself a hard time because everything I did with my life seemed so insignificant. But I kept doing what I was doing anyway, wondering why the hell I was even doing it…
And I can tell you one thing:
Devoting my life to doing what I really didn’t want to do, while not seeing any perspective or purpose in what I was doing, did not uplift my spirit…
In fact, the whole thing became rather depressing, and after a while I even started manifesting in some ‘physical’ health issues.
But then one day it suddenly occurred to me… ironically through a song I heard that was titled “The Answer:”
“Oh, the answer lies beyond the pain
All the questions in our minds, we surely ask in vain”
I suddenly understood that there is no single answer to all the questions of life. My experience had already confirmed that idea, because every new answer I found merely brought up a new question. As such, in the words of the song, they were all asked in vain.
Now you may wonder:
“How the hell does that help me?”
Well, stick with me for just another moment… Because once this realization really kicked in, it was one of the most liberating experiences of my life… and it also became my answer, as well as my pragmatic approach to the question of the ‘meaning of life.’
Wanna know what it was?
Sit down for this one:
For all intents and purposes, life might as well have NO MEANING AT ALL.
No really, let me explain…
“How Can Life Possibly Have No Meaning??”
Our lives are just a subjective experience of ourselves (and our inner states). However, that doesn’t mean it’s just a mere shuffle from cradle to grave with some weird stunts and streaks in between. Instead:
For the pragmatist, the key is to give it meaning… i.e. to deliberately and actively bring meaning to it yourself.
That’s ultimately the decree of what I’ve referred to as ‘creative mode’ in other articles. (<– For example, learn more about ‘creative mode’ here…)
But hey, I’m just some ‘smart-ass’… Don’t take my word for it. Here’s a video of a wise sage dedicating a few words to the topic: (<– The most relevant part in the context of this article starts at about 1:45 minutes in and runs until about 3:08…)
Now that’s a smart aleck!
Or otherwise, take Viktor Frankl… He was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who spent years as an inmate in bestial Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War.
While his father, mother, brother, and his wife died in the camps or were sent to the gas ovens so that his entire family perished (except for his sister), he himself is well-known today as a Holocaust survivor.
So how in the world could this guy… with every possession lost… every value destroyed… suffering from hunger, cold and brutality… expecting extermination on an hourly basis… find a life worth preserving?
He chronicled his experiences in a book, and wrote the following:
“Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life. To life he can only respond by being responsible.”
So sure, you can keep asking questions (in vain), but you’ll never find anything but new questions… Because there will never be an answer until you deliberately embody whatever yours is. And that realization is the only thing any guru or (or smart-ass for that matter) will ever be able to help you with.
Once you stop trying to fill supposed voids in yourself and decide to release the pain, anger, guilt, frustration, or whatever it is that’s holding you back… you’ll know what it is that will bring meaning to your life.
That’s why all my articles, materials, and communications merely try to give you tools and insights to help you see beyond barriers that you may or may not have noticed yet… even harmonize the fundamental inner imbalances that may be distorting your entire outlook and causing those barriers… and thus to get you to learn to think for yourself from an undistorted, honest, genuine place.
This way, you can come up with your own answers, and respond to life in a way that’s an expression of who you define yourself to be.
Remember that song “The Answer” I mentioned? It concludes as follows:
“Now I know the answers never meant a thing
And with each instant that I breathe, I feel the joy that life can bring”
And that brings us to the conclusion of this article…
So What To Do Now?
Here’s a thought:
Bring meaning to your life in the way that genuinely gives you the feeling of doing so. That’s how you live on purpose instead of ‘at random.’ And that’s how you’ll make yourself happy and fulfilled.
No one can tell you your purpose, or the meaning of your life. We all need ask that to ourselves. And we all must accept the responsibility that our answers prescribe.
In this regard, it’s worth noticing that life constantly gives you hints. To begin interpreting those, ask yourself:
- What gives me genuine joy and fulfillment?
- For me, what would give a sense of meaning to my life?
Your answers to those questions will provide clues to what would be the right direction for you.
Often, it’s merely a matter of admitting to yourself what you really want out of life. From there, seek out ways in which you can either make that happen all by yourself, or somehow make an active contribution to a relevant endeavor that extends beyond yourself alone and allows you to align with like-minded spirits.
That’s how you give yourself a sense of purpose, and that’s how you bring genuine meaning to your life. Because you’ll step into a mind space that’s built on your concept of genuine happiness and fulfillment. And that’s a prerequisite to stepping into your authentic ‘flow’ in life.
You don’t immediately have to stop everything you’re doing and start dedicating your entire life to whatever it is for you… Nor do you have to figure out the whole caboodle and all the details of how to it in advance… Just take some initial strides to get yourself going… and the next steps will reveal themselves along the way.
And as you continue on that path and remain consistent, you’ll find that life will reflect the happy and fulfilled inner state that results from this, and will thus start delivering more and more of what you really want.
“Famous Last Words”
So what are you waiting for? Find a way to bring meaning to your life, and then take the steps to actually do it!
It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. We’re talking about your life here… not some random shuffle from cradle to grave.
And besides the fact that this is the only way to bring a sense of true happiness and fulfillment to your own life experience, the truth is that this isn’t just about you… There’s actually a lot more to it:
We’re often conditioned to think that making ourselves a priority in life is egostistical and selfish, but in this sense it’s not. (<– That is, as long as you come from ‘creative mode,’ and especially if your gifts are ultimately put to use for the benefit of others – whether that’s directly or indirectly.)
The dance of your life is part of a much larger play… the beauty of which nevertheless does depend on your individual performance… at least in part.
Author Steven Pressfield perhaps said it best: (<– emphasis mine…)
The piece was good. You are absolutely true that life itself has no meaning and it is we who have to give meaning to our life.
One should not forget the fact that our existence is temporary and I am not sure if we will be reborn. One thing for sure is this one birth. Its a rare gift. Can we afford to lose it or underutilise it ? Being unsure of any more births, in the absence of any credible proof, we need to realise the value of this birth and do our best to live a full life.
There should be a part for self realisation through sitting in solitude. People need to gather courage to spread the message of love and compassion and shed the feelings of separateness by identifying with religious dogmas and rituals.
By our foolishness we have divided ourselves into a separate class and by our idiotic inteliigence we have even made the God bad. Which God says kill the other person. Can God be unkind. God is a personification of love. He can never be unkind even to the worst criminal. Our perception of worldly things iis wrong and we try to hand out justice.
Its a shame that we the so called educated are destroying this world either deliberately or by sheer indifference to all the rot that is happening around or out of fear.
I am sure the God is watching all this and HE is capable of handling it.
I love you all.
Hariharan
THE MEANING OF LIFE….HMMMMM….
WISDOM IS EVERYWHERE, DOES IT PENETRATE? SOMTIMES.
LIFE IS SO SHORT & THE MOMENTS SO LONG, SO MUCH SUFFERING
MAYBE IT’S TO:
REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE
BE FREE, ESCAPE FROM ALL THE WEIGHT OF YOUR COPORATE LOGOS
BECOME MORE PATIENT, TOLERANT , LOVING & COMPASSIONATE
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL
OR MAYBE
IT’S JUST TO LEARN TO PERFECT THE ART OF TAKING OURSELVES SO SERIOUSLY.
KYRIE ELIASON, CHRISTI ELIASON.
Hi
Nice article.
I strongly believe life is nothihng but a series of experiences. The sum of all ourexperiences is our life. Our good experiences and bad experiences both will teach us the meaning of our life provided we are ready to listen. When you are bored with repetitions it may b e success or failure you are bound ask this question what is the purpose of my life? When you ask this question it means you are looking for a change in your life.
Looking for more articles from you.
Regards
Suresh
day is day and nigth is day without the light ,then life is you with me and your nothing without me so life can only be allthings togehter as a unity to function in this circle of life
GypsyWolf
The information provided is really useful. We must try to make our life meanigul in every aspect. We should improve our mind power. For it, you can use the following link into your browser:
There is only one book to find the meaning of life, thats the BIBLE and one way and thats asking Jesus into your life. The emptyness left me and gave me meaning to life, The hole in the pit of my stomach was filled with HIS love, I have never been lonely since, nor have I any fear. His peace is upon me, His love is ever encreasing. The world may be going through a turmoil, but my life is at peace for I know that His promises are for me for this time and forever.
The meaning of life= the quality that distinguishes a vital and functioning being from a dead body. I will interject here, that there could be instenses that somebodies actually are dead while being. These have no purpose in life and that is the meaning of life. Life is a gift. the gift may be usefull, or simply to be displayed. In any case, the receiver of life gift, is subjected to use one way or another; purpose and that is the aswer. It is your gift, your life. What you do with it or how you use it is your choice. Your expectation of life, either pleasurable or not. You use it for good or the opposite of good, it is your gift; enjoy it or throw it away……………..You make/add to life the meaning…………….
My question to you: With such a purpose to life, why do you dishonor your self by your chosen name of, “jack ass”? ‘Humble your self and be wise’, use your gift not abuse it.
Dear all,
Life is empty , we have to service the life with the devine meaning.
thanks for all
thank you
Hi,
Wonderful answer!
Yes,we bring meaning to life.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks,
kannan
hi friend,
this is one of the wonderful and thought provoking article I have ever read…thanks.. It is true that LIFE IS MEANINGLESS AND EMPTY. In a different way William Shakesphere are given his ideas ” Life is a Tale told by an Idiot, full of sound and fury and signifying nothing.”This idea gives us full freedom and do whatever we want without any shackles of the world… It allows you to live in the PRESENT. I have been wasting my many precisous years doing ‘so called Decent Job’. and leading a family life which contribute only worries, anxieties and depression. Even though financially sound and well settled life, I could not find any satisfaction or fulfillment in my life. If we look at all the great people, they have become great ‘cos of their selfless service to humanity. Hence, service should be one’s motto. Rest of my life I would like to devote my life for the service of humanity in whatever way I can. I am well acquainted with YOGA and ALTERNATE MEDICINE and I am thinking how well I can utilize my knowledge and experience for the welfare of society and the people around me. Thanks a lot once again.. for opening my eyes… Prem
GOD IS REAL
The meaning of Life? I think of it as FULFILLMENT in all ways that we live. Yes i’m only A human being.
Thanks Henk for another great article. When I was at my most thoughtful (I was about 20), I remember deciding that the meaning of life wasn’t something that could once and for all be decided on. In as much as – the meaning of life for a man dying of thirst is water. The meaning of my own life seems very clear to me at the moment and it is something that I am endeavouring to attract, create and allow. Somehow my focus is improving as the days go by despite some resistance to the meaning of my life.
Good Content, The truth is out here, where ? in your heart. Silence must be heard, to find the truth.
what they said frank c. its not about trying to impress people with the meaning you get for yourself. you live so other people can live. like it or not the more u live the more other people can live. you cannot take away from true happiness you can only step away from sadness. whatever pain you might be experiencing is potential joy in hindsight. wisdom’s price is sorrow besides your life is not your own. other people are connected to you in strange ways just for being here. no matter what hardship you been through, your ticket is already paid for, and you might as well experience the ups of the ride not just the downs before you decide to go aborting your mission. (i will just post a link to this in my site coz last time i tried to write they did not let me post).
yes, i do believe in “Karma” because it is the basis of your purpose in life.
you are responsible for your life no body else, so life is what you make it. meaning of life would be as you percieve it.
Reena
HI,
First I want to say that I really enjoy the information that I receive from you. I was one of those people who asked myself what was the meaning of life and what was my purpose from the time that I was 12. I have 5 six foot bookcases filled with books on spirituality, self growth, psychology, etc. And I have actually read them all.
I have gone from being a Good Girl, to an incarcerated drug addict. Seventeen years ago, I began a journey back to my authentic self,.
I have had a few revelations. First, no book or program can give me my answer. The most they can do is present ideas, point me in a direction and at times misdirect me. I must take what I need or what resonates with me, listen to the guidance within, form my own concepts and have the courage to trust and act on them.
Sometimes I have to be okay with not knowing exactly where life it leading me. But I must still watch and be aware of the sign posts so I don’t miss my turn or my destination.
How I do something is more important than what I do.But focusing on my passion, is what makes my life fulfilling. However, my passion may not always pay the bills. But I still get paid.
You can not please society, your employer, your family, your friends and yourself. Choose.
Following your heart does not lead to selfish behavior. But trying to avoid your fears, your insecurities, avoiding or repressing unpleasant feelings, keeping up an image, and trying to control the outcome does.
If you are not an avid reader, follow this three short concepts, and your life will improve.
1. Treat others the way you would want your family or yourself to be treated.
2. To thine own Self be true.
3. And following is the way to do the above.
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change ,
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference.
In closing, this is to Frank C. I was where you are for a long time. I used to ask myself, “Is this all there is?” And then I’d answer, “Well, screw this!”
There is more, but you have to know where to look. If you need to talk, email me at: freedom at cinci.rr.com.
Lauren
If I at all cared about life what you’ve said might mean something to me. I have long since given up on life.
It is really not worth living. I can’t wait until my life is over.
Profound and very true! A few years ago I read The Secret, my first ever hearing about this Law of Attraction. It made sense but I didn’t take it too seriously, at least not on a conscious level until about a year later when I picked it up again and realized how many great things had happened since that first reading.
I just wanted to say good reading and I’m going to forward to a few people I know who have daily pity parties at their own expense.
Pamela
I used to go to church and the church taught that your purpose in life was to overcome and be a better person and to rule with Christ with his Saints for a 1000 years over the nations and that the gift of God is Eternal Life. God gives eternal life and we don’t have it. The whole universe is waiting for the sons’ of God to rule and recreate the physical universe. The universe is waiting for us to give it life because all the planets out there are all dead and we the sons of God will give life to these dead worlds. There is milliions or billions of lifeless planets out there waiting for us.
I enjoyed the blog, but more so the comments. I’m delighted to know that many others are on their own Path, with the commonality of the Laws of Attraction in play. Knowledge, Experience, Claiming, and Sharing all rank high in my attempts to define meaning in life.
Wisdom requires Knowledge and dictates Action, Compassion requires Sharing, Claiming ones’ Ownership expands Experience, etc. Make your own connections. I sense that reaching a plateau in consciousness only allows to see further to perceive the next plateau.
Growth might be my distillation of one of many fundamental principles/practices. Namaste!
It is absolutely, amazing that everything about me should start from me.
What is Your Experience?
The Meaning of Life will be based on how you deal with the three basic Laws of the Universe.
The three are:
1: The Law of Attraction
2: The Law of Deliberate Creation
3: The Law of Allowing
I must say, You can break mans law all day long, however you can’t break Universal Law, ever.
#1: The Law of Attraction brings to you any and everything you think about for an extended period of time. If you will remember, Thoughts Become Things. Name anything that wasn’t a thought first? Your Car-House-Clothes-Coffee table, etc. Someone thought about these things long enough to have the answers brought to them via the Law of Attraction. ” Warning: The Law of Attraction switch is always on.”
As one gets excited about a project that only serves to add more thoughts to the mix until you suddenly find a solution to your dilemma as to how to do a thing or build a thing or get something. The Law of Attraction will bring into your realm anything, person, or place or thing that you need to get you to what you are thinking about. (light description I know)
#2: The Law of Deliberate Creation: This is when you give thought to what you wish to be until it is. Meaning, you are thinking about what you DO want, Not what you Don’t want.
Most folks think only about what they don’t want and wonder why the same things keep happening to them.
When you KEEP a thought on something that you don’t want, and you don’t shift that thought to what you do want, you can’t expect anything different than what you are thinking on or about. I’m sure you have never said, “What was I thinking?”
When you find something you don’t want it is not a bad thing because it helps you to DECIDE what you do want. Another words, when you have experiences in your life your not wanting, it is easy enough to say “I don’t want that”, now the hard part: ” You Have To Think”, and decide what you prefer to experience instead of what you are getting, don’t just say I don’t want this -you have to follow this with what you do want and only keep thinking on that which you do want.
This is in fact telling a different story than what is happening to you currently. Because what is happening to you now is only your thoughts up to this point, change your thoughts and get different results for yourself. No one can think something into existence for you, only you can create for yourself. Just like, no matter how badly you wish for something to be different for someone else you can not think it into place for them-they must do it for themselves. I know you have heard it said that no one can be helped until they are ready to help themselves, they need to be willing to attract for themselves, that is the Law at work, Universal Law is in play at all times and IS there for everyone no matter what.
#3: The LAW of Allowing: This is where you allow your thoughts to become things without question. To believe is shy of your purpose, Knowing is what it takes. Know that it is and it will be. Know that your thought what ever it is, will be, and get out of the way. State your thought as if it is a real thing present and accounted for, and Know it will be in your experience very very soon and you must watch for it. It will be because you have said it is and the Law of Attraction can’t tell the difference between if what you say is real or not. If it is in your mind and in a thought form as if it is there, then the Law of Attraction must deliver it to you-It is Law.
This is why all the crap that happens to you in you life is because you think about it one way or another. What where you thinking? Thinking in a positive manor on money, gets money. Look at those who have money-what are they thinking. Those who wear a smile on their face and are happy-what are they thinking. Thought comes before things.
Is what is on your mind what you want, or don’t want? You decide. It’s your choice and has always been your choice.
Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.
It takes practice to get the hang of different thinking, it won’t happen over night.
The way you can tell if you are getting close to what you want, be it a person, place or thing is how you FEEL about your thoughts on the subject. Your feelings are the indicator like a gas gauge on manifesting you thoughts into things. The better you feel-like goose bumps- or a good feeling wave going through you is a good indication you are getting really close to bringing your thoughts into your reality.
With this information at hand, What Would be the Meaning of Life-for you?
The above statement is a very light explanation of the 3 basic Universal Laws.
I know this is enough data for some to make major changes in their life, if they so desire.
To me the purpose of life is to find a purpose for living,being that purpose to find that part of god that is within each of us that makes us feel better about ourselves and makes life worth living.
humberto
In asking “What is the meaning of Life”, we should consider first why we ask.
Is Life meant to be lived in certain ways? in war and conflict, in unhappiness and struggle or is Life meant to be lived differently, in a way or ways that may be hidden from view temporarily?
Is the question intellectual in which case there is no intellectual answer as the intellect is not even one percent. Is it a really true question, does one truly want to understand?
Then surely, that interest and passion will help one to understand all the wrong ways to live so that Life then begins to become full of meaning and significance.
In asking “What is the meaning of Life”, the person asking must surely be leading a Life of no meaning, otherwise they wouldn’t ask.
I love the the way God almighty said ” I am what I am”. Life is what Life is!
I am just enjoying life…every moment of it
When the student is ready, the teacher appeared.
Thanks!
Life is what you make it , is what you make of it , is what, I AM, right now . Awareness of the
principles of life , enhance life’s wonders , application of the truth in your life will set you
free . Freedom is the choice of Life or Death . If you don’t know what life is ? You limit
your choice to, Death . Live in Peace , at Peace , with LOVE and understanding for yourself ,
so that you may have LIFE and have it abundantly .
Ahh, we are back to the existential premise of life has no meaning and we have to make meaning of it.. Im with the other dudes here who said, aha.. like… we know this already.. HELLO…. But i suppose there are quite a few here who never thought of it that way, so the insight was rather informative (for them).
Simply put, the purpose of life, is to experience. Think about that for a while.. Everything we do, want, etc. is for the experience. So long as we are living in the present moment, and experiencing what is important (to us) in the moment, then we are (in a very natural sense) living our purpose.
There u have it.. or at least, thats what i think..
Really glad I read this. With limited time for reading emails, and so many coming in it is sometimes hard to decide what to read and what not to. It is so good to hear someone say they don’t have the answers to it all for everyone. After all, we are the only ones who can find our own answers and what gives meaning to our life. Great work Henk…
Lynn from Australia
I think Jesus’ words are worth pondering. “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the intellectuals and worldly wise and for revealing them to those who are as trusting as little children. Yes, thank you, Father, for that is the way you wanted it. I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Perhaps meaning comes by revelation…
Life has a meaning, if you are in Christ, you must live in Christ, for Christ, by Christ. Life means “time”, once life is gone, time is also gone. WHATEVER YOU CAN DO, DO IT NOW, THAT IS LIFE.
When I was in High School (53 years ago) I had a dream in which I was reading a text book. The book was thick and the type was small. Upon awakening I heard a masculine voice say, “It is all so easy.” It took me 45 years before I understood that dream. As I returned to the Bible to investigate its ‘truth,’ I discovered Life does not judge, Duality is an illusion, as is good, bad and evil. That our purpose in life is to forgive [love in action]. As Jesus indicated and his Disciples understood, reincarnation is fact and “the measure you give will be the measure you receive.” “What you sow you will reap.” And – once we understand , and not just Believe – Life is Perfect. We may not be, but LIFE IS! When we realize we control our lives – Life Is Perfect…
Very informative and educational….
Wow… What an incredibly well-said, very simple, no-nonsense answer and indvidual interpretation. I am immediately going to plagiarize this view and indoctrinate it into my philosophy!
Thank you so much for expanding my thought process and opening a new door!
Hehe…….you saved my day! I love your writings……
Life is a mystery to be lived and not a problem to be solved. Live the mystery !
You’re In Heaven
Do you know the meaning, You’re purpose in life?
I’ll cut straight to the point without use of a knife.
Just these words and wishes are all that you need,
To bring cosmic orders to you at warp speed.
I am the teacher, don’t tear through this rhyme,
The secret inside has blessed through all time.
See me as the words that need to be read,
As you build you’re future with thoughts in your head.
As gardener of Eden, I command you take head,
A thought will grow true, so plant a good seed.
Think what you do want, and so that you know,
Forget what you don’t want, you reap what you sow.
The Wizard in me says ”you should think well”,
You’re mind holds true power, much more than a spell.
You hold the true magic, yes, you are the master,
When you realize this, you will manifest faster.
As I am the lamp, just rub and be faithful,
you’re wish will be granted but, you must be grateful.
If you’re wishing well and you’re feelings are true,
An abundance of wealth will be coming to you.
We are one and all , so insist on world peace,
Please don’t destroy Earth, The waring must cease.
Respect others on earth, you must care and be kind,
This is you’re heaven, right here in you’re mind !
Merlin 2008
L.I.F.E. Living in full expectancy.
G.O.A.L. Go Out and Live.
Life’s not about changing a thing. It’s about unfolding, what it reveals to you, is that purpose. and it surely is a taste of heavan, because you’re not sleeping anymore.
Conscious of your Life, and that itself is a purpose. Meaning? Well… that’s the thril of the chase, never the victory.
Life’s good.
You are streets ahead of us oldies,
many of us still have not found a reason for living other than the every-day-stuff,
mind you for some that is “the answer”.
Love and Blessings
Annamarie
You beeing young and alreday wise is the reason I read your mail.
It makes my heart sing.
Hi everyone,
What a great article by Henk. What a great bunch of responses by great thinking people… But, I’m very surprised that people are still desiring to know the answer to such important questions, when this one in particular and many, many more have most definately been answered. And not only answered… but answered by the Universal Mind… in print… in black and white… and through the medium of a physical being, who, like Henk and myself and obviously like many of you here, was seeking answers.
If you want to hear the answers that Neale Donald Walsch recieved from ‘God’…or God energy… source energy… Universal energy… or whatever you choose to believe in – or call it, start by reading ‘Conversations with God,’ book 1 – ‘An uncommon dialogue’.
This is NOT a book on religion. This is a book about YOU. And if you are open-minded enough to understand and believe that this imformation is coming from a Higher Source… then be prepared to have your life experience rocked and exhilerated. And be prepared to have your mind exercised, because if you’re anything like me, you are going to have to read book one over and over again, just to absorb, understand and to let the ultimate truth replace all the untruths that you have been programmed with.
WE HAVE FOR-GOTTEN… the meaning of life, and that’s the way it was planned. Life is about… RE-MEMBERING. This is explained within the first few chapters of book 1. And if you are listening and if you Love that book, book 2, and book 3 will serve to take you even further ‘out of your mind.’
These books are VERY personal and VERY powerful, and to me, they are the most sacred gifts I own.
Love, Joy and Truth, be with you all… Kurt,- UK. (kurtwrebel at hotmail.com)
INTERESTING with 40+ e-mails a day it,s hard to know what to open and not im glad i opened this one today BIG THANKS GUY,S ,,,,,garry in ozz
I decided a while ago that I had to become self sufficient. Grow my own food, create my own power (and get an electric car), not because it is greener, but because I am independent. But the meaning of life for me is knowledge, with the intention of becoming ‘wise’.
Being wise will then allow me to be able to offer advice to those who ask, and to allow me to see the world for what it is.
Ok, I admit what I want” I really want to have a good life, doing just what I like, when I want having all the money I need to travel, in a VIP class, healthy and secure and free.And so….???
Answers to the most complicated questions or things are always the simplest and “down to earth”. Thank you for opening our closed eyes. We should all try to live according to the
divine nature of our creator.
The meaning of life – to live your life, to remember who made you, and their lives and make memories for future lives. To learn from experiences, to grow, to mature, to become wiser, to be a child, an adult, a parent, a teacher, a friend, to have relationships, to enjoy life and to live it all with open eyes and an open mind.
Well, OK; but let’s check: what is the meaning of the word “Meaning”? Dictionary: “What is meant; significance, importance”. Whereas, “mean” means: “1. Have as one’s purpose, have in mind. 2. Design, for a purpose.” So then, it has been said that the purpose of each person’s life is to achieve an increase in consciousness (of the soul that reincarnates as many times as necessary to attain as much enlightment as third-density experiences can provide). In that case, perhaps the meaning of life is: the significance-importance of the experiences that you cause to happen to yourself during your current life in regard to the increase in consciousness-enlightment that results.
To tell the truth, I am a bit surprise at your discovery because I really think that there is some objective reality out there which permit some objectivity to life.
For me life has meaning outside what I give it and such meaning exist for all who will follow that path. That path is one found in being a Christian But you may say that is my reality.
However, I amsure I hav3e discovered soem sense of objectivity and enjoyment in life to work with.
What I want now?
Some real cash to build myself. I have school fees to pay many more debts to catch up wit;
Rent to pay;
Food to buy,
and you name it
I would do well with some big bucks. I have tried some of the things you have suggested and they do not seem to be working. Help m,e pay my school fee for this semester and this will be greatly helpful.
Thank you
Sorry, I have not gotten a web yet
Need one and a credit card to earn some money.
Publish all this if you care.
I think therefore I AM! The meaning of life is “to me” is to live, and not only to live but to live purposely in the world I choose to create. Everything is energy and I am just shaping it through my thoughts. I try my best to drop judgement, increase empathy, experience whatever I may and be happy doing it. I strive to allow others and while allowing myself and realize that my choices will not always be in line with everyone elses, nor do they need to be for that matter. I like to test the waters personally, and see how much I can stretch comfort zones and current belief systems. I will get under your skin at times and make you love me at times, but I will always be interesting and thought provoking. Earlier someone mentioned something about your use of smartass and it made me smile, it’s interesting to me how one word could taint a persons opinion of your overall article. Or for that matter how one action can taint people’s overall opinion of another, context and the feeling behind the action or word “to me” is most relevant. To balance his statement your article would have held the same weight or more weight “to me” if you would have used something like “motherf*cking smartass”! :^) To me labels are labels, adjectives are adjectives, and words are words. Tomato/Tomatoe/Potatoe/Potato. Personally, I feel the feeling behind your words and appreciate you for being the unique instance of the divine you choose to be, regardless of how you choose to convey it. Oh and in case it isn’t obvious, in the words of the late great Bernie Mack, “I ain’t scare of you motherf*ckers” and if I can humbly add the unsaid to his skit, “because all you motherf*ckers are just like me!”. May God and the Universe Bless you and may your experiences here always be fruitful.
One Love
This is all very true, but it is alays a very tricky question. Are we only the result of the coital activities of our parents? Am I the net sum of their genes, one cell created from one cell from each of them, which multiplied into zillions of cells to form all the organs and glands of my body and brain? Hullo, is this all I am, plus the cultural, socio and economic environment in which I was raised. Plus all the good & bad experiences in my life?
I often wonder whether there is any purpose at all. Except when I write new songs & musical pieces. This brings meaning into my life & I certainly feel alive when I listen/experience good sounding music.
Thank you for revolutionizing us.
Its soo true
i think many of us have struggled with these questions of why am i here?
what the hell is this all about?
and thats the greatness about it all…..you have to ask those questions in order to experiance true meaning in ur life. Somethings telling u wake up….wake up….start creating start living who cares about those others who are living their way…you live the way you want to live. But my god have fun.!!!!!! Cause if your waiting for that certain day that will change ur whole life to be happy, well the journey is surley going to disappoint you! and that day will never come…….Just be Happy and get on with it! thats all that really matters anyways!!! You create your own world……….by your thoughts………..you derive pleasure in knowing that these thoughts are solely yours……………you live eagerly but never anxisously cause you know the LOA is allwayys in effect, so you surrender, drop your gloves and allow your self to have fun in the meantime………hahahahahahah i tottaly went on a rant there….Music is my meaning, beautiful yummy heart pounding tear jerking music…….and therefore my love of music, allows me to create music. Which allows more and more music…..which allows others who love music to create …….lol… anyways,
thanks for this article….was fun bringing up my meaning of life …..everyone should do it!
At my best I treat life as a game and so the meaning of life for me all depends on how I play the game. But it can be like a chess game, one can play offensively of defensively. In other words, we can play life or we can let life play us.
I like playing life and having it my way even in situations where it seems I have no control over the outcome. Truth is that it is the way I perceive a situation that makes it mine. Every step along the way is an opportunity for success in the game.
I love the way you approach the metaphysics of reality. Thank you
That makes a whole lot of since. I appreciate your insight.
It’s nice to know that folks who think deeply about spiritual matters usually wind up on the same page. Neale Diamond Walsch (Conversations with God) came to a similar conclusion. Isn’t it great that there is a unity?
Thank you for your efforts at enlightening people.Your answer is an absolute truth.I also used to ask the same questions in my teens and the answer I got is that “MY LIFE IS A GIFT TO ME & WHAT I DO WITH IT IS ENTIRELY MY OWN BUSINESS”. I therefore decided that I should be doing things that enhance my life and stop doing things that are detrimental to it.
Thank you Henk per usual for your wonderful insights, and I enjoy reading the comments to your insights as well. I have recently been struggling with this question because at age 54 I am deciding to go back to school and get another masters degree. I have little qualifications (prehaps) for the program for which I am applying if you look at it traditionally. From another perspective, and the reason that I am applying is because I see it as a potential “next step” in fulfilling my purpose, or one of my purposes that I have been inspired to believe is my purpose (bringing forth Ekotecture, helping people through 100% self sustaining architecture as outlined by my late genius husband). I have struggled so much in my life, and sometimes I wonder if it is just about enduring, with a few moments of great joy. I recognize that I have set the bar very high, and I’ve heard it said God doesn’t give us what we can’t handle. It’s the joy, the moment by moment joy that let’s us each know that we are on the path…There is no struggle, of this I am certain, but I haven’t reached that place inside. The articles uplift and inspire, and perhaps by the mere fact that I am taking them into my consciousness brings me closer to that inner joy, which is when I know I will be on purpose…when there is no struggle…
We go to the movies, the theater, and the television to watch other people and other lives. We are moved, excited, and enthralled with the creativity, drama, and humor and pay to see these events unfold. Why not do this for ourselves? Each day is an opportunity to write the best screen play ever created. Enjoy.
so true
Thank you for your inspiring clear insightful article… love the easily digestible, lighthearted style in which you write..indeed as I always tell myself : “The meaning of existence is the existence of meaning..;)” or whatever meaning you give to your experiences in your relationship to them, there really doesn’t appear to be anything more to it from what I have been able to discover.I can relate to your experiences a great deal btw as I too was an academic high flyer with a younger brother who was autistic & I often found myself asking similar questions to the ones you mention above.Keep up the good work.
God.dess Bless 🙂
Through !!! I found the answer when I stopped asking the question .
I have to disagree. If life wouldn’t have any meaning, there would be no life.
In my experience the meaning of life is to discover all your unique gifts and talents and express them to the fullest. This way you’ll get led to your unique purpose in life.
That means, for instance, you’ll find eventually the work you’ll love to do and it will fulfill and satisfy you completely. And out of this deeply felt joy, accomplishment and harmony, everything else in your life will fall into place as well.
What a simple and easy to understand way of explaining this very important subject. Among us Native Americans we seem to have lost track of this important fact and our young ones are constantly going astray of our traditional teachings.
Love your answer Henk! Way to go…We must each find our own “niche” and be the best we can be and improve on ourselves on an on-going basis ! We do have to bring our own unique gifts to the universe and realize “it’s what we can offer and contribute” that will make us more fulfilled than “taking all we can get !” Looking within our own selves for a talent that is fulfilling to us will also benefit others because in keeping it buried will be of no use to us or others and who can tell another what that would be ?? We all must “Decide” that we are all here to help each other grow in “Spirit” and share our “understanding” with others and we can all choose “thoughts” that are empowering, peaceful, joyful, and harmonious ! Praise the Lord and Amen !
Dear Henk
When truth is revealed with integrity, It penetrates the soul of the hearer
Just me is valid because there is a greater context of just us and just a functional creation that has purposeful connections to help us recognize “me”. That “me” through the joy of life and experience connected to the evolving mentality because of the recognition of counscousness will help us to contribute what ever we do to the whole universe and each other. Hey! there is nothing wrong with being connected and saying “just us/just me/just the universe!” I believe it is a greater grand divinity and ‘more fun’ and a sense of being.’
I think the best explanation to the meaning of life was in Freiman’s Current Events, Conservative Outcomes. He devotes the final section of the book to explaining what he see the meaning of life to be through a psychics eyes. He talks of seeing a set of scales that is filled with internal things on one side and external things on the other. We have to learn to balance the lists and when we do we will find happiness. He even goes on to explain that it is very difficult and people are expected to lose balance from time to time. It kinda changed my life. I just focus on the various aspects and balance and I don’t stress nearly as much. No prozac needed. LOL
What is the meaning of life? Need you ask? But, I guess I can only answer for myself. That’s something I questioned as far back, in this lifetime, that I can remember. The conclusion I’ve come to, is, Life is a VACATION and a vacation, to me, is an experience that is fun, uplifting, very pleasurable and an escape from the mundane. It’s a journey toward wholeness. The experience gives more “meaning” to mentalness. The human body is a vehicle for the experience of the soul in it’s journey toward wholeness. Allow every day to be a wonderful journey. For example, it’s one thing to “know” something is hot and another thing to “experience” hot. Therefore, life is to experience as much as possible. Get away from mentalness and into the realm of experience, interaction and intuition. Don’t be afraid to try new things all the while KNOWING you are a divine being. Can we be “separate” and still loving? Affirm daily, “My soul is in charge of my conscious mind”. Be ALIVE, BE LOVING, BE GIVING!!! GOD is Love, Love is GOD, I am Love, I am GOD. Love brings meaning…not love from another, but from within yourself. Life is a journey, enjoy the ride. Just be! Be me! JustMe!
It is true that we can give meaning to life and our input contributes to what happens to us and also contributes what happens to the whole. This means what I do, think and feel affects what happens to me and contributes to what happens to all of us. No person is an island of no or individual consequence.
To say that life has no meaning but what we give it is an absolute belief statement that has developed through subjective looks a what we call the reality of our individual and corporate experiences. But it is a still a conclusion based on how look at life through our eyes and only that which we open our eyes to see.
The fact that we can agree that there is a system through which we can suggest that we can give life meaning (even though that is a possible evolving conclusion) indicates to me that we are only possibly glimpsing at a grander system that gives its parts and functions purpose in which we possible see our lives as experiences through which we exercise our existential prowess. That system because it suggests purpose then through function suggests meaning.
Everything is like, OH but I always knew that, yes, yes, but someway in the path I forgot it. I lovede the way you explaines it, please keep on sending the rest
A lot of People are lost, and it is obvious that you are very much lost, follow GOD,keep his comandments, and you WILL find your purpose in life.
May GOD’S blessings be with each one who read this.
An excellent statement. Life has no meaning; except what you give to it!
That is a simple yet profound way of stating the obvious, bravo, kudos, and thanks.
Be Blessed
It was nice to read and was kind of a thought provoking article. It is really true that “Life has no meaning until we bring meaning to life.” Thank you very much for this Article.
The meaning of life; (is) to confirm what it is to be. Amen!
Marsha
Hello Henk ,
I really like your take on THE MEANING OF LIFE!
It directs us to be self-responsible by making the effort to find the answer within. As we are living in a world of polarities every question therefore can be reflected upon from two opposite angles – the subject and the object being the activator, so to speak –
I agree very much with you, as it rings true …. well, that’s my personal opinion 🙂
It also reminds me of the essence of the quote that Einstein mentioned:
~ All Philosophy is based on the premises that we think, yet it is equally possible that we are being thought ! ~
Thank you for your e-mail. It is always great to hear from you both.
Love, Peace and Light
3nity
Nice! …for me, the meaning of life is a life of purpose, and that purpose is to remember who I really am.
Namaste….
Henk, thanks again. that was beautiful.
Good answer. That’s exactly what Joseph Campbell said! And he added: “Life just IS.”
AND, IMVHO, If a word fits~~~use it…smart ass is fine. It’s not like you used something really vulgar. Personally, my nose isn’t at all out of joint over it. Mark, get a helmet.
Good answer, I can empathise with the writer. I have two children now in their twenties, a son with autism and a daughter with Aspergers syndrome. My daughter is the very smart one who sailed through exams without going to school and is now in university. She would probably have come up the same answer if asked.
please avoid words like “smart ass” and so on as they really drain sophistication out of the article which is norm in all high quality writings. Otherwise the ariticle is excellent.
Great answer…we are who we are and how we treat those around us. I have said for years know who you are and be true to that. Respect yourself, your family and your friends. Dave
You are never too old to learn something new.
Good answer, for me it is how you live your life gives it meaning. For me I am trying to forget all I was taught and conditioned to believe so i can actually remember the joy of who I am,
Thank you. Any chance of an audio version of this. I’d like to add it to my collection of “What’s it all about interviews”.
well said … be free and happy my friend
Dear Henk
I always look forward to your article.Sometimes we know(of course vaguely)
the answers but the way you put it is fantastic.I go through your articles
whenever I am depressed to lift my spirits.
I appreciate your contribution to mankind.Please keep it up.
DSM
In my opinion we choose to live in this physical world that our linear time weighted life presents to us. We have the opportunity to experience all that we can create once we understand how the universe works. . Just as some people have chosen to live or die, we can choose to mold our lives into something fun and worthwhile. So, life is what you make it in your own way. However, their are others people’s power and influence that also shapes your reality and can be limiting at times What I find so facinating about life is the power we have to shape it with our thoughts. The discoveries in quantum physics is very exciting to me because it shows us that their is much more to this physical world than meets the eye. The last few years have been a period of discovery for myself that has changed and will continue to clarify my perception of life is countless ways. I am as excited about life now as I was when 7 or 8 years old.
I came here for the experience to be, do, and have availble to me everything in life that is good ! Having a lot means you can share and give away a lot. I like that dated Army recruiting slogan… be all you can be !
If you want to know what the meaning of life is than read the books on this web side may be you will find your answer with out being a smart-as I hope get your anwer I did
How great it is to wake up in the morning to such an uplifting article! Thank you.
I like the idea that the real meaning of life is what ever we decide to put forth, excellent and no one offended ……
Yay !! and now… to implement all of the wonderful information you’ve given. 🙂
I’ve now seen a few messages about
this . And if there is one thing I can tell you.
Its that the Approach/Connection is the hardest part!
How To Immediately Stand Out, How to Perform, How To Carry Off The Essential . Ultimate technique to Stand Out .Ways of Remembering it is about how you say it and how real you are in
the moment…instantly tap into the power of social proof.
Master the art of social charisma.
YOUR REALITY is going to be good.
No doubt about it!
Wow, I always knew that We were just meant to be happy, but you explained it In Layman’s terms, I am truly impressed!!!
Of course – It’s not what life gives you: it’s what you give to life.
But we knew that, didn’t we?
Here’s a poem I published about life, entitled “Play the cards you were dealt?”
Well that’s the cards you were ,son, they say.
And you know; they lie to your face.
They don’t even know, that they don’t know,
That the world doesn’t work that way.
For you’re never stuck with a hand in this game
Unless you ‘think’ that you are,
And if you want things different, instead of the same,
Then you’ll have to raise your bar…
It’s ‘not ‘ the cards you were dealt in life;
For you pick each one by name,
And if you still don’t like the hand that you made,
You always can change the game.
When it’s getting late, and time to ‘cash in’,
You’ll find with a peaceful grin
That you never could have lost the game,
You only always win!
That’s life!!!
Great answer! Like I always say, it’s your own best guess. Thanks.
looking forward to whatever you write. Living on purpose, great!
good content
I like that answer! I have come across many people in my life that think they know the answer and not one of them impressed me. Thanks.