Why do we even continue?

[samu]

This is a good video on YouTube about the depressing state of the world and what even the point of it all is. It's in German but you can Auto translate subtitles to English if anyone is interested. I just liked it a lot and wonder if anyone else might find it helpful

 

[timf]

Nihilism is a philosophy that embraces pointlessness. It, obviously, is unsatisfying. There was a joke once where several people were discussing their various financial investments. Someone asked this relatively poor guy what he invested in. The guy said, "All my money is tied up in trying to stay alive."

Often concern about an ultimate purpose weighs more heavily on the shoulders of those with more time on their hands. If we start with basics, either the universe was created or it created itself. The creator view implies that there are reasons and purposes that we should investigate. The no creator view has less foundation to it and subsequently is unable to provide any definitive purpose.

Even if one cannot bring themselves to consider a "creator" view, one can find transient interests and activities to divert attention from unsettling observations. It has been said, "Eat, drink, and be merry".

One aspect of the creator view is that we are supposed to do good. This implies a transition from our natural selfishness to a selflessness that seeks to do good for others. Even if one does not accept a creator view, one can attempt this approach as a purpose. This might explain the adoption of Stoicism in the ancient world.

 

[Pon]

Typically, when I think about the unsatisfactory and often cruel state of the world and society today, my mind drifts to the following:
"Life's meaning is whatever you make it out to be."
Maybe for some, happiness will forever stay out of reach as they centre their life around unattainable (on an objective or personal level) goals. You do not have to necessarily lack dreams and be pragmatic all the time either, I've found. But as long as you find meaning in what you enjoy doing, as long as you interpret your futile resistance towards this unwelcoming environment as something beautiful for even just yourself, I believe that is when you will find true inner peace.

I wish to use my time to influence and touch those around me as positively as I can, since that is the most meaningful aspect of existing for me. And for I know that nothing will last forever, thus only our spirit lives on through those whose souls we have moved in our lifetime with our words and actions.

 

[Higurashi415]

Typically, when I think about the unsatisfactory and often cruel state of the world and society today, my mind drifts to the following:
"Life's meaning is whatever you make it out to be."
Maybe for some, happiness will forever stay out of reach as they centre their life around unattainable (on an objective or personal level) goals. You do not have to necessarily lack dreams and be pragmatic all the time either, I've found. But as long as you find meaning in what you enjoy doing, as long as you interpret your futile resistance towards this unwelcoming environment as something beautiful for even just yourself, I believe that is when you will find true inner peace.

I wish to use my time to influence and touch those around me as positively as I can, since that is the most meaningful aspect of existing for me. And for I know that nothing will last forever, thus only our spirit lives on through those whose souls we have moved in our lifetime with our words and actions.

I wholeheartedly agree. I think of it as "passing the torch".
Also, I love the idea that my thoughts could open up new paths for people. There are definitely a few discussions that I remember having (some with members of this forum, may I add) that changed my perspective on a couple of things.

 

[Pon]

I wholeheartedly agree. I think of it as "passing the torch".
Also, I love the idea that my thoughts could open up new paths for people. There are definitely a few discussions that I remember having (some with members of this forum, may I add) that changed my perspective on a couple of things.

Indeed!

There is a beauty in hardship and this is only further demonstrated by what you described. We cannot change anyone's mind, as only they can make that final decision to change, but the most we can do is influence them. Being limited to these gentle "pushes" can sometimes be frustrating, but when you know that you gave the other person food for thought and perhaps so much more through your placid prodding, that is so meaningful to me in and of itself.