Monday, May 05, 2008

The Meaning of Life

When I was at uni (about 12 years ago, yikes!) I had this really weird moment. I was walking to one of my lectures, past a patch of garden that I walked past every day, and I noticed that it was covered in hundreds of mushrooms that hadn't been there the day before. And it was like a flash went off in my head, I thought ... they weren't there yesterday and they will be dead in a couple of days, such a short life, so what is the point of their existence???? ie WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE!? That might sound kind of lame to you, everyone has wondered about the meaning of life at some time, but it was a really strong feeling, like I'd been shocked, it was really weird (and kinda hard to convey).

Ever since then I've been pondering this question, I used to like thinking about it on the way home, squished into Melbourne's overcrowded trains full of other people thinking their mysterious thoughts.

So far my pondering has led me to the simple conclusion that the purpose of life is ... to be happy, whatever that means to you.

What do you think?

6 comments:

CurlyPops said...

I completely agree! Life is so short....you just have to be happy and make the most of everyday!

SadieandLance said...

Yes to be happy, I agree. But I also wonder if you didn't think about eating the mushrooms?! You were after all at uni... Hee hee.

Angela said...

Some would say the Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything is 42 but would agree with you The Meaning of Life is happiness - and to avoid pain.

Anonymous said...

Hello from California!
A 'meaning of life' Google Search served up your post. And since I believe in 'connecting the dots' of my life, I just had to take the time to say thank you.

I, too, remember being "shocked" by the 'meaning of life' question. That feeling of shock ignited the start of a wonderful journey...a Spirit-led journey that led me to ask others for their meaning in life.

A bigger "shock" was delivered when I decided to publish the story of my journey! Now that's a shock I never saw coming! :-)

As my simple way of giving back, I'd like to offer you (and all who read this) a free gift copy of my book. No strings attached... really!

Just e-mail your request from my web site.

Again, thank you for your wonderful post and for reminding me to do those things that I usually "never have time for".

P.S. I love your country!!!!

take care,
Louise Lewis, Author
No Experts Needed: The Meaning of Life According to You!
www.noexpertsneeded.com

Dawn Anderson said...

ah, yes - to be happy. i'm afraid it is that simple and yet so allusive to so many.

Suse said...

There's a saying about the meaning of life and mushrooms, isn't there? (Kept in the dark and fed sh*t?)

Something like that.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. If you ever do get around to reading Foucault's Pendulum, let me know what it's like ;)