If life is truly meaningless, is suicide the only rational response?
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Many other similar questions give rise to existentialism. Existentialists believe that people are born as blank slates and are responsible for creating their own meaning in this messed up life. However, Albert Camus rejects this notion. He argues that all people shared a common human nature, on that bounds human through mutual goals–one is searching meaning despite the world’s chaos and misery. His answer to the question is “NO.” He argues that while there may or may not be explanation for the world’s injustice, continuing to live is the ultimate act of freedom.
Some may argue that meaning is not something to be 'found’ but something to be 'build upon,’ through connections, favors or even in quiet random moments. A cup of tea with a friend/family, a walk etc. But one wonders, “Why bother?” How about using how rather than why?
I say, it is human's innate nature that we are made in such a way to seek purpose, to crave for things, to write stories that make sense of the mess. But, have you ever wondered, if this mess itself is the holistic point? What if the hustle with the questions is where meaning lies? So, is any of this worth it? At least, I’m still alive, breathing and trying. Trying to be alive and feel alive.
Of course, there is no universal answer to fill this space. For some, there is hope in every dawn, for others, it’s useless. Some may thrive for passion and others may prefer nothing. This whole rational path depends on who you ask, what they have live, what they still crave for. Maybe the answer is not the philosophy or logic itself, but in the raw, hidden truth of being human: flawed still craving and yarning endlessly.
So, what do YOU reach for, even when the world gives you nothing to grasp?
