The True Meaning of Life Essays - Philosophy, Semantics, Free Essays

The True Meaning of Life Essays - Philosophy, Semantics, Free Essays The True Meaning of Life Hiral Patel November 19, 2014 PHI 100 ONLN3 Professor Donald Knudsen Over the course of years, philosophers have argued about the true meaning of life. Socrates and Plato believe that the meaning of life is knowledge. On the other hand, Epicurus believes that the true meaning of life is pleasure. Even we as humans have different views and beliefs on the meaning of life. Some people find that the American Dream is the true meaning of life. Others agree with Socrates and Plato and believe that education and knowledge are the keys. Some people just define their meanings by they culture. They use their traditions and family beliefs to shape the meaning of their lives. Sometimes, what people do throughout the day helps shape their life. Buying a house, relocating for better jobs, choosing to and not to conceive, all play parts in giving meaning to life. But what is the true meaning of human life? The true meaning of human life is based on culture and daily activities. The meaning of life refers to the importance and the purpose of life. Keeping these two prominent words in mind, life is the actual state of being alive. The meaning of life can be related to religion and culture. Growing up in societies where families are given more importance teaches the future generations that family is the meaning of life. In other cultures, independence is given more importance and the future generations grow up to believe that independence and freedom are the meanings to their life. In India, for example, family and traditions is given more importance than anything else. I have grown up to believe that my family and my culture come before anything else. They come before my friends and before my work. If I lose what defines me as a human being, then I will lose my true meaning of life. I have grown up to believe that my culture plays a main role and decides what my life is. I am merely a puppet who has to follow my cultural beliefs and focus my life on that o nly. Yes, I can get educated, get a job, teach and do whatever I want. But, I still have to give my family and traditions respect and importance. Similarly, all cultures carry their own beliefs that play roles in defining the lives of many individuals. The true meaning of life does not lie behind books increasing our knowledge. It does not lie behind holy books praying and meditating all day. In fact, the true meaning of life is human experiences. People engage in different activities throughout our life. Some people volunteer to help the needy, some play sports, others read and write. There are also few who just want to build their own family. These activities and decisions are what determine the definition of life for people. The true meaning of life is like a mirror, staring right back at people. It surrounds them as they go to work, as they study, as they go about doing their chores. If the mirror breaks, they are breaking their life. Their life has no meaning and is not filled with hope or dreams. All in all, their life is meaningless. Therefore, their life is their mirror. Although there is no transcendent meaning of life, people do believe that their daily life shapes the true meaning of their life. The true meaning of life is self-defined. People themselves define and give meaning to their life rather than philosophers or philosophy. Philosophers and philosophy just help people find their true meaning of life by opening them to different concepts and different forms of thinking. Some people's lives are shaped around their families and their cultures. Their families and cultures come before anything else. This is what they grow up to think and therefore this is what their meanings of life are. On the other hand, more independent and freethinking people do in their daily routines is what shapes their life. Some give importance to their work and are workaholics while others are more into their household duties. There is not just one meaning to life. The meaning of life is based on self-determination