What's it worth...

Recently in a philosophy club the question appeared; "Is it essential to have meaning to live a worthwhile life?" It's been a while since I waded in on one of their questions but this one jumped at me so below are my thoughts.

Without hesitation I dare say yes, the reason or puropose is essential and the search for such things should be a priority to the individual. Regardless of past discoveries (be it through divine revelation or historical analysis) this search should be continued, made into a lifelong process. Many questions arrise though... why should it be so important? What is the true goal? How should one look?

I believe that the search for meaning or purpose is one that is born out of satisfaction and self-worth more than anything else. Even when we don't approach it from that perspective we are still looking for that very thing that makes us relevant to existance, which is simply self-validation, irregardless of what we end up finding. I think this self-worth and life-purpose is sorely lacking in our current age, but I don't think it is because people aren't interested. Instead I propose that A.) their are too many choices for people to try and seek validation through and B.) people are generally becoming more and more lazy as the generations pass. They are learning (as they grow up) to seek the easy and temporarily satisfying answer if any at all, and the choices are numerous. Is it wrong to take one validation over the other? I believe it is reasonable and in fact correct to say, "yes, it is wrong." Why?

Simply put, a life lived purely for itself and it's enjoyment or satisfaction is a lost one. Not ultimatly ineffectual necessarily, but certainly not a fullfilled one either. Of course I am not saying that a person who believes their life is "meant" for politics and not a religious revolution is incapable of leading a productive and eventful life. (Even effecting scores of people for decades to come.) However, if we were to measure up all forms of saught validation against one another. (From those devoting life itself to the truth and origins within their spiritual beliefs down to the people who live simply for the next video game or episode of E.R. on TV.) We realize that their IS a scale here. What is at the top and bottom of any scale? Ends, or more to the point a complete contrast, creating a defining yes and no here though we may be unable to effectivly define what they are or mean right now. So it is not unreasonable to say that some forms of saught purpose and validation are of lesser quality and certainly lesser truth than others. It is also not unreasonsable to state that not all self-discoveries themselves are equal and that not all efforts are equal as either. Then what is a worthy effort?

Again, I belive a worthy effort is one that seeks (at least) the following questions with ferver and dedication;
- Am I living right?
- How do I know that for sure?
- What am I living for?
- Why am I living for that and is that good?
- Where did I come from?
- What am I here to do, if anything?
(and consequently)
- Where can I find the answers to these questions? (From whom and how?)

Now in truth (though men have varying degrees of ability) no man has a natural insite more than another through use of his mind or heart on his own and that 'should' be kept at high regard through this search. Men, both smart and crafty alike, have handed out answers from the early days with little more effectiviness than that of breaking open a fortune cookie and reading it out to the wisdom hungry masses, which brings us to the next big question. Where to search? Though many seem to see it as weakness, I believe their is more reason and purpose in seeking the truth from a divine source than a human one.

For a time, make the assumption that a God being does exist. If only for a time take His existance to be truth, His authority to be all encompasing, His very existance beyond the boundaries and effects of time. Essentialy, that God (omin-being) is real. Now, find a man who is His equal. A man who can answer where he has been come from or why or where. If a true answer exists then truely no man can find it without God. And if, by chance, no "true" answer exists then why isa it that man seeks it from his very core, expecting to find a final answer at all. These answers, whether you agree on Gods existance or not, cannot be found without Him. Likenesses and fragments perhaps, but not the encompassing truth. I suppose a person will seek what they desire in this realm. If you desire self-satisfaction or comfort then seek something within your reach, but if you seek the truth (though it may require much of you to realize it) seek it where it lives.

Speaking of experience again (as much as one can accuratly compare himself to himself or himself to another) seek God in this quest. No other can provide the answer at the far end of the scale. No other holds such truths, but that which created those truths. Is that weakness, relying on a Divine answer? I have been told so in the past year. Scorned and attacked, but as the words, concepts, and insults fell on me I found that these truths have not crumbled. Those very attacks have fallen like feathers on steel. Their are no answers God does not hold and a precious few He would not share.