I know that these are pretty slim, but it's all I have "documented" I would like to think that my contributions to the class have been much more then this, just in a different form.
On Ali's blog-
Skyelilly said...
"The religion has no main text, instead they learn through exchanging experiences." <- I didn't know that... learn somethin new everyday huh? Love, Bun
November 26, 2007 6:01 PM
I interviewed my uncle on his meaning of life and he since wrote me an email:
From: DLEBTT@yahoo.com
To:Skyelil179@yahoo.com
Hey Lil,
I want to thank you for calling me and letting me be a part of your class, "The meaning of Life." It was very important to me to be able to discuss with you my opinions on the subject because I know that we have not gotten a chance in the past.
It's sure not everyday that someone approaches you with such a meaningful question. If I can help you in any other way please let me know.
Love, Leb
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Christianity: The meaning of life Draft 1 & 2
Draft 1:
Christianity: As told by Wikipedia- "Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as depicted in the New Testament.[2] Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, and that the New Testament records the Gospel that was revealed by Jesus. With an estimated 2.1 billion adherents, or approximately 33% of the world's population in 2007,[3] Christianity is the world's largest religion."
My interpretation: Acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal savior, following his teachings in your life and also having a personal relationship with God.
The Scriptures: Christians believe the holy bible, (The old and new testament) to be the "word of God"
The interviews: Person 1
The first person that I spoke to was my cousin who is a pastor. (paraphrased)
Why we’re here : God is giving you the opportunity to learn to love. When speaking to Jews who had 1000s of years of experience in religion Jesus said this, summing up how you should live your life which was very bold– “Love god and love people. Do that and you’ve done everything.” You have to put others ahead of yourself. Find the fullest expression of love spend life on god and other people expressed in actions. You can have everything in life but if your life lacks love you still would feel empty.
What is love: love is defined as a choice- you chose to love or not to love. Make the choice and express it. Love is a choice, giving of yourself to benefit or enhance the inside or the outside , the physical and the emotional.
Meaningful life without religion: I Do not believe it's possible to live an eternally meaningful life without god. God must manifest in your life.
Draft 2: (Include passage from draft 1 and add below)
The next person I spoke to was my Uncle who is a born-again Christian.
What is the meaning of life: One aspect is to prepare for your ever lasting life, make life meaningful – being a father and raising kids to the best or your ability... Learning how to love your neighbor ,someone who you would not naturally love , and enjoy life. Being a Christian – relates to this because there is the two main points of being a christian loving the Lord with all your heart, body, mind and soul. Love your neighbor as yourself. Spend life doing that.
What is love: Serving god and caring for and being of service to others.
Should you do this as an obligation or because you want to: You can’t do it as obligation because it wouldn’t be love but it is challenging
Mol w/o religion: I am split- I think the physical everyday version of life that you can, but you cannot without tapping into your spiritual self and having a relationship with god accepting jesus as the son of god.
What do you see when you think of Jesus: Not a person, had an experience, what usually see and feel is the experience which was very intense acceptance and feeling of love and hard to describe.
An interesting card that was handed to me on the train that explains someone (who is a christian's) idea of the meaning of life:
"Quick Quiz: Do you know... 1. How long one day is? 2. On what day Man landed on the moon? 3. How will you do on Judgment Day? Ever lied? Stolen? Used God's Name in vain? If you've broken these God sees you as a lying, thieving blasphemer. Will you be innocent or guilty? The Bible warns that if you are guilty you will end up in Hell. That's not God's will. He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you. ' God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please, repent (turn from sin) today and trust in Jesus, and God will grant you everlasting life, then read your Bible daily and obey it! God will never let you down. "
Answers 1. 23hrs 56mns 4scs 2. July 20 1969 3. See John 3:16-18
John 3:16 (new international version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
John 3:17 (NIV)
17"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:18 (NIV)
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Here is a christian websites idea of how to be a christian
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/evidence.htm
"To be a Christian, you must repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus.
REPENT means saying, "I'm sick of sin and living my own way. I want to live under God's commands!"
BELIEVE means believing that Jesus died for your sins, was buried and rose on the third day and accepting His sacrifice for you. It means saying "Yes Lord! I love you! I want to serve you!" James says the devils believe and tremble--saving belief is more than acknowledging that the claims of Christ are true."'
After all, I've decided that the Christian (born- again) meaning of life is based on the religious teachings that God will come down and Judge us all on Judgement day and see if we have eternal life with "him" or perish forever in hell. To live a meaningful life according to christianity: love God, have a personal relationship with him, accept Jesus as your savior, do not sin, Love God and Love your neighbor.
Christianity: As told by Wikipedia- "Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as depicted in the New Testament.[2] Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, and that the New Testament records the Gospel that was revealed by Jesus. With an estimated 2.1 billion adherents, or approximately 33% of the world's population in 2007,[3] Christianity is the world's largest religion."
My interpretation: Acceptance of Jesus Christ as your personal savior, following his teachings in your life and also having a personal relationship with God.
The Scriptures: Christians believe the holy bible, (The old and new testament) to be the "word of God"
The interviews: Person 1
The first person that I spoke to was my cousin who is a pastor. (paraphrased)
Why we’re here : God is giving you the opportunity to learn to love. When speaking to Jews who had 1000s of years of experience in religion Jesus said this, summing up how you should live your life which was very bold– “Love god and love people. Do that and you’ve done everything.” You have to put others ahead of yourself. Find the fullest expression of love spend life on god and other people expressed in actions. You can have everything in life but if your life lacks love you still would feel empty.
What is love: love is defined as a choice- you chose to love or not to love. Make the choice and express it. Love is a choice, giving of yourself to benefit or enhance the inside or the outside , the physical and the emotional.
Meaningful life without religion: I Do not believe it's possible to live an eternally meaningful life without god. God must manifest in your life.
Draft 2: (Include passage from draft 1 and add below)
The next person I spoke to was my Uncle who is a born-again Christian.
What is the meaning of life: One aspect is to prepare for your ever lasting life, make life meaningful – being a father and raising kids to the best or your ability... Learning how to love your neighbor ,someone who you would not naturally love , and enjoy life. Being a Christian – relates to this because there is the two main points of being a christian loving the Lord with all your heart, body, mind and soul. Love your neighbor as yourself. Spend life doing that.
What is love: Serving god and caring for and being of service to others.
Should you do this as an obligation or because you want to: You can’t do it as obligation because it wouldn’t be love but it is challenging
Mol w/o religion: I am split- I think the physical everyday version of life that you can, but you cannot without tapping into your spiritual self and having a relationship with god accepting jesus as the son of god.
What do you see when you think of Jesus: Not a person, had an experience, what usually see and feel is the experience which was very intense acceptance and feeling of love and hard to describe.
An interesting card that was handed to me on the train that explains someone (who is a christian's) idea of the meaning of life:
"Quick Quiz: Do you know... 1. How long one day is? 2. On what day Man landed on the moon? 3. How will you do on Judgment Day? Ever lied? Stolen? Used God's Name in vain? If you've broken these God sees you as a lying, thieving blasphemer. Will you be innocent or guilty? The Bible warns that if you are guilty you will end up in Hell. That's not God's will. He sent His Son to suffer and die on the cross for you. ' God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' Then He rose from the dead and defeated death. Please, repent (turn from sin) today and trust in Jesus, and God will grant you everlasting life, then read your Bible daily and obey it! God will never let you down. "
Answers 1. 23hrs 56mns 4scs 2. July 20 1969 3. See John 3:16-18
John 3:16 (new international version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
John 3:17 (NIV)
17"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:18 (NIV)
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Here is a christian websites idea of how to be a christian
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/evidence.htm
"To be a Christian, you must repent of your sins and believe on the Lord Jesus.
REPENT means saying, "I'm sick of sin and living my own way. I want to live under God's commands!"
BELIEVE means believing that Jesus died for your sins, was buried and rose on the third day and accepting His sacrifice for you. It means saying "Yes Lord! I love you! I want to serve you!" James says the devils believe and tremble--saving belief is more than acknowledging that the claims of Christ are true."'
After all, I've decided that the Christian (born- again) meaning of life is based on the religious teachings that God will come down and Judge us all on Judgement day and see if we have eternal life with "him" or perish forever in hell. To live a meaningful life according to christianity: love God, have a personal relationship with him, accept Jesus as your savior, do not sin, Love God and Love your neighbor.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Reconsidered Essays: Draft 1 & 2
Draft 1
Now to vent about the meaning of life. The meaning of life is the same thing the actual question and the questions answer. There is NONE. It's all answerless. There is to this question. There isn't even a question. It's almost funny to me. Just this whole thing. No one knows what the f*** they're doing here and no one even knows what question to ask to get the answer of what someone is doing here.
What's the meaning of life, what does that mean? I gues when I ask that question I mean what do you live for or what makes you happy. But what is happiness? What does someone live for, for their kids or something like that? Is that why we're all here? Because all our parents thought they needed something to live for or to make a "future?" For now I want to say - the meaning of life - is simply to see what will happen tomorrow. But what will you do to fill up time? What you enjoy? Or just whatever it that makes others happy.. what happens if what makes you happy doesn't make you any money? What are you supposed to do ... Because you never know what next day will bring, what if you decide you're going to do whatever it is that will make you enough money to live youre life the way you want and then when you get enough money to finally do what makes you happy you'll do that. Then, what if you die before that? Was it a waste of time to work towards a goal that never happend or was it a "meaningful" life just because you tried? I feel right that I'm almost worse off then when I started with a million more questions about the actual question and also, no closer to the answer to this question that barely exists.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? <- But then what the f*** does that question even mean? Sometimes I understand why people have religion. They know that they're here to serve god or whatever, they even know where they're going to end up, say , heaven or hell or wherever else their religion put them in the end. If only I could just believe that, or want to end spending eternity with Jesus if I was God servant... Oh man, I know this is f***ing scattered but it's the only way I can write about this topic. Again, a problem with the articulation - very frustrating! I'm mostly frustrated that everything in life that is most important to me or has the most affect on me as a person (death, mol, where this all ends up, why things are the way the are etc...) are the exact questions that no one will ever have a certain answer for.
And finally- WHy the f*** do I even feel this is important.Why does anyone need to even question this- we're here because we're here right? End of story. Can't I just live my life as a happy little robot? That would make this whole thing a whole lot easier. blahhhhhhhhhh
Draft2
With the unit coming to an end, I must now reflect and come up with my final ever changing answer to the meaning of life.
What the question means to me right now: What are you doing here on earth? What keeps you going everyday?
So, with that in mind, I will say that right now I am here to learn. I am here to learn about life and see where everyday brings me. Spend the small amount of time that we have here on earth to have an affect on something or someone, hopefully make a positive change in the universe, even if it's just being as aware as possible to what's going on around me. While making positive changes to the world, I can spend time with my family and people that I love, doing activities that I enjoy. At this moment I will say that you have to live your life in a way that you enjoy, don't do something because it's the right thing to do, do something because you BELIEVE it's the right thing to do. God, i am getting a little to corny for myself to handle. So here's my final answer as of this moment in time, live your life to the fullest possible in a way that makes you happy and positvily affects others.
My meaning of life definately does not say anything about doing homework at 4 in the morning, so that's my cue to exit.
Now to vent about the meaning of life. The meaning of life is the same thing the actual question and the questions answer. There is NONE. It's all answerless. There is to this question. There isn't even a question. It's almost funny to me. Just this whole thing. No one knows what the f*** they're doing here and no one even knows what question to ask to get the answer of what someone is doing here.
What's the meaning of life, what does that mean? I gues when I ask that question I mean what do you live for or what makes you happy. But what is happiness? What does someone live for, for their kids or something like that? Is that why we're all here? Because all our parents thought they needed something to live for or to make a "future?" For now I want to say - the meaning of life - is simply to see what will happen tomorrow. But what will you do to fill up time? What you enjoy? Or just whatever it that makes others happy.. what happens if what makes you happy doesn't make you any money? What are you supposed to do ... Because you never know what next day will bring, what if you decide you're going to do whatever it is that will make you enough money to live youre life the way you want and then when you get enough money to finally do what makes you happy you'll do that. Then, what if you die before that? Was it a waste of time to work towards a goal that never happend or was it a "meaningful" life just because you tried? I feel right that I'm almost worse off then when I started with a million more questions about the actual question and also, no closer to the answer to this question that barely exists.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? <- But then what the f*** does that question even mean? Sometimes I understand why people have religion. They know that they're here to serve god or whatever, they even know where they're going to end up, say , heaven or hell or wherever else their religion put them in the end. If only I could just believe that, or want to end spending eternity with Jesus if I was God servant... Oh man, I know this is f***ing scattered but it's the only way I can write about this topic. Again, a problem with the articulation - very frustrating! I'm mostly frustrated that everything in life that is most important to me or has the most affect on me as a person (death, mol, where this all ends up, why things are the way the are etc...) are the exact questions that no one will ever have a certain answer for.
And finally- WHy the f*** do I even feel this is important.Why does anyone need to even question this- we're here because we're here right? End of story. Can't I just live my life as a happy little robot? That would make this whole thing a whole lot easier. blahhhhhhhhhh
Draft2
With the unit coming to an end, I must now reflect and come up with my final ever changing answer to the meaning of life.
What the question means to me right now: What are you doing here on earth? What keeps you going everyday?
So, with that in mind, I will say that right now I am here to learn. I am here to learn about life and see where everyday brings me. Spend the small amount of time that we have here on earth to have an affect on something or someone, hopefully make a positive change in the universe, even if it's just being as aware as possible to what's going on around me. While making positive changes to the world, I can spend time with my family and people that I love, doing activities that I enjoy. At this moment I will say that you have to live your life in a way that you enjoy, don't do something because it's the right thing to do, do something because you BELIEVE it's the right thing to do. God, i am getting a little to corny for myself to handle. So here's my final answer as of this moment in time, live your life to the fullest possible in a way that makes you happy and positvily affects others.
My meaning of life definately does not say anything about doing homework at 4 in the morning, so that's my cue to exit.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Unit: Reflection
Funnest/ Best Part of Unit:
The best part of this unit was the idea of what this question meant.It was an interesting thought. The funnest part about it was reading the two philosophers ideas about the question. Also, seeing the other peoples artwork today in class, interpreting the question.
General Feeling: It's hard to find the answer to how you're supposed to ask a question to get the answer to the exact question you mean. It's also hard to know what it actually is that youre trying to find out when youre asking the question. Like what is an answer that is a "good" one. What is a question is the question that youre actually trying to ask... AHHH CONFUSING!
Insights/ Ideas to remember:
That what is the meaning of life is a vague question that actually has no actual meaning itself.
Paper process:
I find it more and more complicated to articulate what it is I'm trying to say. Also, it becomes more and more difficult to even get a thought about it that makes sense........ if that even makes sense. Who knows. Its hard to write a paper when you don't even know what it is youre really thinking.
Something to change:
Sharing with each other through words what we think the question means and also. ugh. I can't get into words what exactly i'm trying to sayyyyyyy
The best part of this unit was the idea of what this question meant.It was an interesting thought. The funnest part about it was reading the two philosophers ideas about the question. Also, seeing the other peoples artwork today in class, interpreting the question.
General Feeling: It's hard to find the answer to how you're supposed to ask a question to get the answer to the exact question you mean. It's also hard to know what it actually is that youre trying to find out when youre asking the question. Like what is an answer that is a "good" one. What is a question is the question that youre actually trying to ask... AHHH CONFUSING!
Insights/ Ideas to remember:
That what is the meaning of life is a vague question that actually has no actual meaning itself.
Paper process:
I find it more and more complicated to articulate what it is I'm trying to say. Also, it becomes more and more difficult to even get a thought about it that makes sense........ if that even makes sense. Who knows. Its hard to write a paper when you don't even know what it is youre really thinking.
Something to change:
Sharing with each other through words what we think the question means and also. ugh. I can't get into words what exactly i'm trying to sayyyyyyy
Thursday, October 25, 2007
WTHDTQEM? Draft 1 &2
Draft 1:
The question what is the meaning of life is kind of vauge. Answers to this question that someone can give are answers that can always be answered with more questions. Some people interpret this question to be asking, why are we here? or What happens in the afterlife? Some also think that it's asking, What gives your life meaningful or what makes a meaningful life? Some also think that it is the context in which the question is asked that you can give an answer to the question. In my opinion it is pretty impossible to have a concrete answer to this question, you ask different people your going to get a different interpretation, plain and simple. Today I kind of like the idea that different people will interpret this question in different ways because you are getting the answer of what that question means to that person so, it's pretty personal. People get all nervous and I dunno, just seems like it makes it more interesting. The question means whatever it means to the person you ask it to.
Draft 2:
The question what is the meaning of life is kind of vague. Answers to this question that someone can give are answers that can always be answered with more questions. Some people interpret this question to be asking, why are we here? Or What happens in the afterlife? Some also think that it's asking, What gives your life meaning or what makes a meaningful life? Some also think that it is the context in which the question is asked that you can give an answer to the question. In my opinion it is pretty impossible to have a concrete answer to this question, you ask different people your going to get a different interpretation, plain and simple. Today I kind of like the idea that different people will interpret this question in different ways because you are getting the answer of what that question means to that person so, it's pretty personal. People get all nervous and I dunno, just seems like it makes it more interesting. The question means whatever it means to the person you ask it to.
When someone asks me the question, I interpret it as, what is it that makes you want to be on this earth and keep living, what am I here for?
I feel that it is really hard to question a question because you do that and you will keep questioning everything that is around, like a little kid always asking why, why, why. Of course you can always keep on asking questions about a question, but I’d like to answer it by answering the question I think it is or how I interpret it, which is previously stated above. In my opinion, everyone else should do the same.
The question what is the meaning of life is kind of vauge. Answers to this question that someone can give are answers that can always be answered with more questions. Some people interpret this question to be asking, why are we here? or What happens in the afterlife? Some also think that it's asking, What gives your life meaningful or what makes a meaningful life? Some also think that it is the context in which the question is asked that you can give an answer to the question. In my opinion it is pretty impossible to have a concrete answer to this question, you ask different people your going to get a different interpretation, plain and simple. Today I kind of like the idea that different people will interpret this question in different ways because you are getting the answer of what that question means to that person so, it's pretty personal. People get all nervous and I dunno, just seems like it makes it more interesting. The question means whatever it means to the person you ask it to.
Draft 2:
The question what is the meaning of life is kind of vague. Answers to this question that someone can give are answers that can always be answered with more questions. Some people interpret this question to be asking, why are we here? Or What happens in the afterlife? Some also think that it's asking, What gives your life meaning or what makes a meaningful life? Some also think that it is the context in which the question is asked that you can give an answer to the question. In my opinion it is pretty impossible to have a concrete answer to this question, you ask different people your going to get a different interpretation, plain and simple. Today I kind of like the idea that different people will interpret this question in different ways because you are getting the answer of what that question means to that person so, it's pretty personal. People get all nervous and I dunno, just seems like it makes it more interesting. The question means whatever it means to the person you ask it to.
When someone asks me the question, I interpret it as, what is it that makes you want to be on this earth and keep living, what am I here for?
I feel that it is really hard to question a question because you do that and you will keep questioning everything that is around, like a little kid always asking why, why, why. Of course you can always keep on asking questions about a question, but I’d like to answer it by answering the question I think it is or how I interpret it, which is previously stated above. In my opinion, everyone else should do the same.
summary Irving Singer: questioning the question
Irving singer is talking about the question what is the meaning of life. He is saying how over time, this question has become vauge and hard to answer because its not phrased correctly. By rephrasing the question to make it multiple questions, you are able to "construct an outlook that reveals a life worth living..." even if we're not sure exactly while we're here.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Other people’s views on the meaning of life: Draft 1 & 2
Draft 1:
When doing my own interviews, prior to the survey, I discovered that most people have never actually took the time out to think about the question, what is the meaning of life, no matter how old they were. For most it is really a hard question for people to answer. Even if they have thought about what they thought the meaning of life is, it’s hard for people to articulate their thoughts. Something else interesting is that if they had thought about it, no one had ever asked them.
One of the most common answers I received when I asked what is the meaning of life was to be happy. A different answer that my friend gave me was “ The meaning of life is to find peace within your self and have respect for everyone. To live in harmony with other people and to build relationships with everyone that you can. Inner peace equals outer peace.” I thought that this was an interesting view because it was one of the less selfish views on what the meaning of life is that I’ve heard. Even though she is talking about inner peace, the inner peace in the long run is so that people can live in harmony together. It is different then the more common answer of being happy which most people did not use to benefit others in the long run. Something funny about getting the answer of happiness was that when I asked the same people who said that was the meaning of life, they had a hard time answering that question. Some people just flat out said that they had no idea what happiness was but were still sticking with the answer.
Most people based on the interviews and surveys feel that they are happy. It seems that people have an easy time using that word even though they are not sure what the word means. The survey results from school were very interesting. I was surprised that 64% of the people in our school that were surveyed said yes to this question. It’s just that there is such a stereotype that teenagers are depressed lazy slugs that they should be answering like that. The reality is , is that most kids actually feel that they are really happy.
The patterns that I saw were the fact that people in general are so unsure about this question. So unsure about what the meaning of life is, what they’re here and living for. I find this so interesting because people just keep living without even knowing or thinking about what they’re doing here.
Draft 2:
When doing my own interviews, prior to the school surveys, I discovered that most people have never actually taken the time out to think about the question, “what is the meaning of life,” no matter how old they were. For most, it is really a hard question for people to answer. Even if they have thought about the ideas in their meaning of life, it is hard for people to articulate their thoughts on the subject. Something else interesting is that if they had thought about it, no one had ever asked them.
One of the most common answers I received when I asked “what is the meaning of life” was the answer, “to be happy”. Something funny about getting the answer of happiness was that when I asked the same people who said that was the meaning of life, they had a hard time answering that question. Some people just flat out said that they had no idea what happiness was but were still sticking with the answer that happiness is the most important aspect of the meaning of life. Others said that happiness was an emotion, therefore language does not permit you to put into word how an emotion feels. The only person who gave me something close to an answer to what is happiness was the person that said “happiness is an overall feeling of well being so that say, even if you don not feel well physically you still feel very well mentally.”
A different answer that my friend gave me was “ The meaning of life is to find peace within your self and have respect for everyone. To live in harmony with other people and to build relationships with everyone that you can. Inner peace equals outer peace.” I thought that this was an interesting view because it was one of the less selfish views on what the meaning of life is that I’ve heard. Even though she is talking about inner peace, the inner peace in the long run is so that people can live in harmony together. It is different then the more common answer of being happy which most people did not use to benefit others in the long run. Most people, based on the interviews and surveys that our class took feel that they are happy. It seems that people have an easy time using that word even though they are not sure what the word means. The survey results from school were very interesting. I was surprised that 64% of the people in our school that were surveyed said yes to this question. This was surprising because of stereotype that teenagers are depressed and usually hate life. The reality is, is that most kids actually feel that they are really happy.
Another really predominate answer that I got was that family was the meaning of life for a lot of people, adults and children alike. People feel that spending time with family and enjoying the time that we have is their meaning of life. In one interview that I conducted, my interviewee said that they would “be lost without my family. I wouldn’t really see the point in living if I didn’t have them to enjoy life with.” They also said that even though they have had an overall “tough” life, having family and the ones that they love around; a daughter, a son and grandsons etcetera, made it possible for them to go on. They know that they have responsibilities as a role model, and also responsibilities to provide for them, making sure that their life is as full as possible. Without having these others to watch grow, they said that they would not feel motivated to be here and have a steady “normal” lifestyle.
I feel that the most common answer of all is that as a whole, everyone I interviewed did not know what it was they were doing here. They could come up with an answer, but never really seemed sure of themselves. No one can say for sure what happens in the “afterlife” and it seemed like that was a big problem for people when answering this question. People realize that the two are closely entwined and since no one has ever been dead, then no one can say for sure that we are actually here for any “reward” (or punishment) in the end, or if this is just all we have and we should “live life to the fullest” In a casual discussion with my cousin about his religion he told me that what he was most looking forward to in his life and what was giving him meaning was Jesus Christ’s return to earth on judgment day so that way he would get to see if he would spend eternity with Jesus or not. This was the one person I could say that I have spoken with in my life that is completely sure where he is going to go after this life ends.
The pattern that I saw was people in general are so unsure about this question. So unsure about what the meaning of life is, what they’re here and living for. I find this so interesting because people just keep living without even knowing or thinking about what they’re actually doing here.
This affected how I see my meaning of life because it made me feel that it is ok not to be sure what it is. It confirmed what I originally thought, that someone, no matter what their age, could still be unsure. Doing this study also made me wonder about words and what they really mean. When a grown man tells me that happiness is their meaning of life and then can not give an answer to “what is happiness”, it makes me a little nervous. I just keep on learning that there are so many layers to this question that you have to dissect in order to have a clean cut answer that I do not know how someone can give a proper answer to the question that has so many meanings.
When doing my own interviews, prior to the survey, I discovered that most people have never actually took the time out to think about the question, what is the meaning of life, no matter how old they were. For most it is really a hard question for people to answer. Even if they have thought about what they thought the meaning of life is, it’s hard for people to articulate their thoughts. Something else interesting is that if they had thought about it, no one had ever asked them.
One of the most common answers I received when I asked what is the meaning of life was to be happy. A different answer that my friend gave me was “ The meaning of life is to find peace within your self and have respect for everyone. To live in harmony with other people and to build relationships with everyone that you can. Inner peace equals outer peace.” I thought that this was an interesting view because it was one of the less selfish views on what the meaning of life is that I’ve heard. Even though she is talking about inner peace, the inner peace in the long run is so that people can live in harmony together. It is different then the more common answer of being happy which most people did not use to benefit others in the long run. Something funny about getting the answer of happiness was that when I asked the same people who said that was the meaning of life, they had a hard time answering that question. Some people just flat out said that they had no idea what happiness was but were still sticking with the answer.
Most people based on the interviews and surveys feel that they are happy. It seems that people have an easy time using that word even though they are not sure what the word means. The survey results from school were very interesting. I was surprised that 64% of the people in our school that were surveyed said yes to this question. It’s just that there is such a stereotype that teenagers are depressed lazy slugs that they should be answering like that. The reality is , is that most kids actually feel that they are really happy.
The patterns that I saw were the fact that people in general are so unsure about this question. So unsure about what the meaning of life is, what they’re here and living for. I find this so interesting because people just keep living without even knowing or thinking about what they’re doing here.
Draft 2:
When doing my own interviews, prior to the school surveys, I discovered that most people have never actually taken the time out to think about the question, “what is the meaning of life,” no matter how old they were. For most, it is really a hard question for people to answer. Even if they have thought about the ideas in their meaning of life, it is hard for people to articulate their thoughts on the subject. Something else interesting is that if they had thought about it, no one had ever asked them.
One of the most common answers I received when I asked “what is the meaning of life” was the answer, “to be happy”. Something funny about getting the answer of happiness was that when I asked the same people who said that was the meaning of life, they had a hard time answering that question. Some people just flat out said that they had no idea what happiness was but were still sticking with the answer that happiness is the most important aspect of the meaning of life. Others said that happiness was an emotion, therefore language does not permit you to put into word how an emotion feels. The only person who gave me something close to an answer to what is happiness was the person that said “happiness is an overall feeling of well being so that say, even if you don not feel well physically you still feel very well mentally.”
A different answer that my friend gave me was “ The meaning of life is to find peace within your self and have respect for everyone. To live in harmony with other people and to build relationships with everyone that you can. Inner peace equals outer peace.” I thought that this was an interesting view because it was one of the less selfish views on what the meaning of life is that I’ve heard. Even though she is talking about inner peace, the inner peace in the long run is so that people can live in harmony together. It is different then the more common answer of being happy which most people did not use to benefit others in the long run. Most people, based on the interviews and surveys that our class took feel that they are happy. It seems that people have an easy time using that word even though they are not sure what the word means. The survey results from school were very interesting. I was surprised that 64% of the people in our school that were surveyed said yes to this question. This was surprising because of stereotype that teenagers are depressed and usually hate life. The reality is, is that most kids actually feel that they are really happy.
Another really predominate answer that I got was that family was the meaning of life for a lot of people, adults and children alike. People feel that spending time with family and enjoying the time that we have is their meaning of life. In one interview that I conducted, my interviewee said that they would “be lost without my family. I wouldn’t really see the point in living if I didn’t have them to enjoy life with.” They also said that even though they have had an overall “tough” life, having family and the ones that they love around; a daughter, a son and grandsons etcetera, made it possible for them to go on. They know that they have responsibilities as a role model, and also responsibilities to provide for them, making sure that their life is as full as possible. Without having these others to watch grow, they said that they would not feel motivated to be here and have a steady “normal” lifestyle.
I feel that the most common answer of all is that as a whole, everyone I interviewed did not know what it was they were doing here. They could come up with an answer, but never really seemed sure of themselves. No one can say for sure what happens in the “afterlife” and it seemed like that was a big problem for people when answering this question. People realize that the two are closely entwined and since no one has ever been dead, then no one can say for sure that we are actually here for any “reward” (or punishment) in the end, or if this is just all we have and we should “live life to the fullest” In a casual discussion with my cousin about his religion he told me that what he was most looking forward to in his life and what was giving him meaning was Jesus Christ’s return to earth on judgment day so that way he would get to see if he would spend eternity with Jesus or not. This was the one person I could say that I have spoken with in my life that is completely sure where he is going to go after this life ends.
The pattern that I saw was people in general are so unsure about this question. So unsure about what the meaning of life is, what they’re here and living for. I find this so interesting because people just keep living without even knowing or thinking about what they’re actually doing here.
This affected how I see my meaning of life because it made me feel that it is ok not to be sure what it is. It confirmed what I originally thought, that someone, no matter what their age, could still be unsure. Doing this study also made me wonder about words and what they really mean. When a grown man tells me that happiness is their meaning of life and then can not give an answer to “what is happiness”, it makes me a little nervous. I just keep on learning that there are so many layers to this question that you have to dissect in order to have a clean cut answer that I do not know how someone can give a proper answer to the question that has so many meanings.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Whole school results : question 7
Yes = 138/200 70%
No= 24/200 12%
Sometimes = 11/300 5.5%
Other= 16/200 8%
No answer= 11/200 5.5%
These percentages show that the school as a whole feels that they have meaningful lives. I guess that is a good thing because it is sad if people think they're meaningless.
No= 24/200 12%
Sometimes = 11/300 5.5%
Other= 16/200 8%
No answer= 11/200 5.5%
These percentages show that the school as a whole feels that they have meaningful lives. I guess that is a good thing because it is sad if people think they're meaningless.
Let it be- The beatles
When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
Response: This song has to do with the meaning of life for me because I feel that it is telling you a simple mantra of how to life your life. Just, let it be.... if everyone lived their life like that then the world might be a peaceful place to live in. (which would make it much more enjoyable.)
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree,
there will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see,
there will be an answer. let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light, that shines on me,
shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, .....
Response: This song has to do with the meaning of life for me because I feel that it is telling you a simple mantra of how to life your life. Just, let it be.... if everyone lived their life like that then the world might be a peaceful place to live in. (which would make it much more enjoyable.)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
meaning of life: interview 3
whats the meaning of life?
The meaning of life is to succeed and make a family. Reproduce so that humanity will survive.
The meaning of life is to succeed and make a family. Reproduce so that humanity will survive.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
meaning of life interview 2: a friendd
what is the most important thing in your life?
Who knows. Right now all i've been doing is going to school, coming home doing homework, seeing my friends. I've been doing all that, everyday, but that is definately not what is most important in my life. It's important for me to do so that I pass school, but actually I might say I hate it. I have no idea what the most important thing in my life is. I love my family and friends. But I don't know.
What is the meaning of your life?
It's nothing. There is no meaning of life. We're just all here, but we mean absolutely nothing. We're here, then we're gone. We turn into nothingness when we're gone so there's no point. We're just here for now but all in all, we're just a bunch of nothings walking around being robots.
If you think there is no meaning, then why haven't you killed yourself?
Haha, good thinking, I should do that. haha, no. I mean yeah, we're nothings, but we mean something to these other nothings who are here. I'm talking about my family. If I died, they would be really upset. Also, killing yourself is just a way of saying to god you can't fire me, I quit! haha, no I'm just kidding ( I don't think there is a god) I don't believe in killing yourself just because we're all going to die so we should just ride it out and see if anything good happens. If nothing good happens then so what we're just gunna die.
Who knows. Right now all i've been doing is going to school, coming home doing homework, seeing my friends. I've been doing all that, everyday, but that is definately not what is most important in my life. It's important for me to do so that I pass school, but actually I might say I hate it. I have no idea what the most important thing in my life is. I love my family and friends. But I don't know.
What is the meaning of your life?
It's nothing. There is no meaning of life. We're just all here, but we mean absolutely nothing. We're here, then we're gone. We turn into nothingness when we're gone so there's no point. We're just here for now but all in all, we're just a bunch of nothings walking around being robots.
If you think there is no meaning, then why haven't you killed yourself?
Haha, good thinking, I should do that. haha, no. I mean yeah, we're nothings, but we mean something to these other nothings who are here. I'm talking about my family. If I died, they would be really upset. Also, killing yourself is just a way of saying to god you can't fire me, I quit! haha, no I'm just kidding ( I don't think there is a god) I don't believe in killing yourself just because we're all going to die so we should just ride it out and see if anything good happens. If nothing good happens then so what we're just gunna die.
Monday, September 17, 2007
meaning of life: my interview # 1 (padre)
please note that I wasn't interviewing my father as an "interview" we were just having a general conversation:
Question 1 (me): Dad, what do you think the meaning of life is?
The pursuit of happiness. And sharing lifes experiences.
Question 2: do you think that happiness is the most important thing?
I think that it's important, but something has to make you happy right? so, you have to make sure you can obtain those things that makes you happy, like what I was saying before, my kids make me happy... so basically, the meaning of your life should make you happy yes, like my childeren and family make me happy and they're also the "meaning of my life" so they kind of go hand in hand. The meaning of your life I would hope, - wouldn't be something that made you angry or unhappy.
Question 3: If someone is happy being a murderer should that be ok?
Not if they're murdering my family! haha, no i'm just kidding. I mean that's a good question , I'd kinda have to think about it more, but right now I'll say no, that's not alright, I don't give a fuck if that's your meaning of life... that's no excuse to ruin someone elses life. If someone killed another person and then got on the news saying "well it's my meaning of life" they need to get help or die or something. Seriously. So right now, I'll say no thats not ok, not if your meaning of life is hurting someone else.
Question 1 (me): Dad, what do you think the meaning of life is?
The pursuit of happiness. And sharing lifes experiences.
Question 2: do you think that happiness is the most important thing?
I think that it's important, but something has to make you happy right? so, you have to make sure you can obtain those things that makes you happy, like what I was saying before, my kids make me happy... so basically, the meaning of your life should make you happy yes, like my childeren and family make me happy and they're also the "meaning of my life" so they kind of go hand in hand. The meaning of your life I would hope, - wouldn't be something that made you angry or unhappy.
Question 3: If someone is happy being a murderer should that be ok?
Not if they're murdering my family! haha, no i'm just kidding. I mean that's a good question , I'd kinda have to think about it more, but right now I'll say no, that's not alright, I don't give a fuck if that's your meaning of life... that's no excuse to ruin someone elses life. If someone killed another person and then got on the news saying "well it's my meaning of life" they need to get help or die or something. Seriously. So right now, I'll say no thats not ok, not if your meaning of life is hurting someone else.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
meaning of life : Initial
This is my (Lilly Torres') blog for Andy's class (the meaning of life). =]
Here are some aspects of the meaning of life, and my ideas of what it is:
- I would just like to get out there that this is very hard to define and these are just some basic ideas.
- It depends on the person.
- A big aspect is to reproduce so that humanity can be in existence longer.
- To try and be happy while you’re here
- Do something that is important so that people will remember you.
- Family to me is very important to me, just spending time with them and being around people that I love very much.
If someone is a Nazi or a murderer and they enjoy their lives , I don’t know, what is someone really supposed to say about that? I mean if they enjoy their lives – how can you say that that is wrong? But I really think that the meaning of life should be something that is meaningful to you and that does not involve making another persons life miserable or hell on earth. Mostly I think that the meaning of life should be your meaning and basically, stay out of my meaning – I’ll stay out of yours. So add that to one of my points.
Here are some aspects of the meaning of life, and my ideas of what it is:
- I would just like to get out there that this is very hard to define and these are just some basic ideas.
- It depends on the person.
- A big aspect is to reproduce so that humanity can be in existence longer.
- To try and be happy while you’re here
- Do something that is important so that people will remember you.
- Family to me is very important to me, just spending time with them and being around people that I love very much.
If someone is a Nazi or a murderer and they enjoy their lives , I don’t know, what is someone really supposed to say about that? I mean if they enjoy their lives – how can you say that that is wrong? But I really think that the meaning of life should be something that is meaningful to you and that does not involve making another persons life miserable or hell on earth. Mostly I think that the meaning of life should be your meaning and basically, stay out of my meaning – I’ll stay out of yours. So add that to one of my points.
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