What do you see in life?

[Phrossack]

Perhaps a comparison to something more mundane helps.
If I'd ask "What do you see in movies?" would the question still be too vague? If not you got your answer.

Definitely too vague, unless you want a really literal answer.

 

[Kyriakos]

I am not clear on what you say here. You seem so say a universally purpose may exist? Or at least a to the individual absolute purpose?
And then you say finding this purpose may destroy a person - saying the search for a universal and/or for the individual absolute purpose is prone to self-destruct you? So in the end there is no such purpose and/or such purpose is so beyond our reach that is only causes despair?

I think that, despite any such question being even more theoretical than most (given you ask something which one can hope to have a view only regarding his own world of thought), there is reason to think that many (maybe all) people seek to have a sense that there is a purpose in their existence. But self-examination can often lead to self-destruction, due to what one has contained in his mental world up to then, since being born.
For a dramatic example: It seems pretty much correct to assume that De Maupassant was far more self-reflective than most of the people around him. He also was one of the very few who cut their own throats, let alone who died in a beast-like state later on in some asylum
It is probable that, under most circumstances, the more intelligent one is, the harder it will be for him to find a beneficial balance in his thoughts.

Hm, seems kinda Buddhist. Or rather the philosophy of removing yourself from your instincts and rejoicing the moment. While I see much value in that approach - to strive can also hold a lot of personal value doesn't it?

It can be arranged in various ways, allowing both for interest in the external world (and other people) and the mental world of the person. As for "strive", i personally no longer try or strive for anything, because i find that to be ultimately not a safe step to further development of my personality and thinking. I did use to strive enormously, but found a far better balance by now.

 

[Valka D'Ur]

I view life as a limited opportunity to live, so I try to get as much living done as possible in the time that I have. A big part of that is the need for financial, social, and emotional stability, from which stems routine, 9-5 week days, and so on.

And I mean, I like routine.. it's familiar. Wake up, eat breakfast, go to work, come home, eat dinner, play video games, go to sleep. It keeps me calm to know what's coming up next.

But I need variety, for one. Why should I stick to the same thing over and over when I have limited time and there are so many different things to do on this planet? I live at a time when it's possible to fly to almost anywhere you want in the world. I want to see what this planet has to offer, eat all the different types of foods people have came up with, see all the different types of architecture, see all the natural wonders, all the human-made ones, dance all the dances, date all the girls, hike all the trails, see all the animals..

There is a lot to be done! Routine will always be there, but my goal in life is to try to minimize it, while still keeping myself sane (enough).

Maybe when I get older my goals in life will change, but for now I still feel like a guppy that's been dropped into an amazing fishbowl with almost unlimited ideas for activities, things to do, see, smell, make, eat, and touch.. Along the way I might as well try things that I'm afraid of, like jumping off cliffs, because facing your fears is generally a decent enough self-improvement helper.. At least from my point of view and as long as you're not being an idiot.

So I guess self-improvement is a part of it for me? I might as well try to improve as a person, so that the rest of my life is easier for me - if I'm better at an aspect of my personality, then in theory things will be more efficient. I should also then be able to also help others more effectively, so the people in my life that I love are in mind as well.

Yeah, I'm kinda pragmatic, but that's my take on life.

It's a shame Canadians aren't eligible for the US version of The Amazing Race. You'd be great at it.

 

[Synobun]

I am sorry PM me if you care to elaborate. I'd very much welcome it.

Nothing to really elaborate. I'm trapped and every day is a special form of Hell. Nearly 20 years of that and it takes its toll on you. Still better than death. For now.

 

[Valka D'Ur]

Nothing to really elaborate. I'm trapped and every day is a special form of Hell. Nearly 20 years of that and it takes its toll on you. Still better than death. For now.

*virtual hug*

 

[SS-18 ICBM]

The question just is - do the personal opportunities live gives outweigh the security and bliss faith provides?

Who said anything about ruling out faith?

 

[warpus]

It's a shame Canadians aren't eligible for the US version of The Amazing Race. You'd be great at it.

I'd love to do something like that! I even think I'm good looking enough for TV! Just barely, but I don't think my looks would disqualify me.

I'd love to do a show like that with my best friend. He's a people person and I'm a things and ideas person. Plus you can drop me off in a random place and I might have a decent chance of finding my way around.

 

[Valka D'Ur]

I'd love to do something like that! I even think I'm good looking enough for TV! Just barely, but I don't think my looks would disqualify me.

I'd love to do a show like that with my best friend. He's a people person and I'm a things and ideas person. Plus you can drop me off in a random place and I might have a decent chance of finding my way around.

Have you thought about applying for the Canadian version of the show? It's more limited than the American one, but it still must be quite an experience.

 

[Tahuti]

I always see people making the same mistakes.

 

[GenMarshall]

My views are mixed on this one, though mainly leans on the cynical-jaded side. On one hand, I see life as a road in hell filled with disappointments and broken dreams. While on another, it's something that's valuable and fulfilling (even if I have to force myself to look past my jaded sunglasses).

 

[Terxpahseyton]

Definitely too vague, unless you want a really literal answer.

I believe I do.
Lets make it literal and simple.
When I say "WHAT DO U SEE ON LIFE?"
What are the first three things which come to mind?

@Kyriakos
I hope you don't feel neglected when I say that your response caused me to create my most recent thread.

*virtual hug*

I second that. And extend my previous offer.

It's what you make of it. Make it something good.

[my response]

Who said anything about ruling out faith?

You are right, I retrieve my reply and instead choose to see an absolute platitude. Though I agree with your platitude very much!

 

[Borachio]

I see trees of green.


Link to video.

 

[Terxpahseyton]

I didn't see that much green tree.
But it was a beautiful video nevertheless.

 

[Phrossack]

I believe I do.
Lets make it literal and simple.
When I say "WHAT DO U SEE ON LIFE?"
What are the first three things which come to mind?

Well, the first three words that jump up are "zebras," "horses," and "Islam," but that's because those words have been stuck in my head for some time, not because I actually see them. I'd be worse than useless with word association tests.

What do I see? Well, people. They're all over the place, really. Hard to avoid them.

Computer screens, of course.

Writing.

My room.

Trees, but not nearly enough, and not enough conifers.

Desks, paper, pens, books.

Not much, really. When I'm lucky I'll see some wildlife like whitetail deer, skinks, turtles, hawks, falcons, groundhogs, and so on, but they're not common due to the Human Apocalypse.

 

[Narz]

I see ways to improve my lot, I seek them out & churn my mind on them constantly. What other thoughts are worthy of my time. Even in passive entertainment/sleep I have these concerns cooking on the backburner.

This is no time in history to sit back & accept one's lot. There's both too much wrong with the world & too much opportunity to change it (for lucky 1st worlders like us) for that to be an acceptable option.