Cliffs of Dover
At some point, a long time ago, a caveman looked at one of his buddies and asked,
Whats the meaning of life?
Unfortunately, his friend simply hit him on the head with his club and grunted.
Ever since, humans have been asking the same question, and getting just as far.
I have pondered this question before, and I feel it holds great importance in our happiness.
For that reason I want to give a presentation (at the University of Washington undergrad research symposium) on what my readings and my concurring thoughts have shown between meaning and happiness in our lives.
Because it seems, we have been looking for an answer, when we need to be asking the question.
When we believe life has a meaning for us, any attempt that fails to bring this to fruition can make us bitter and leave us feeling unfulfilled or lost. It is not in our DNA, we are not born programmed to be a pilot or actor. Our passion is a fruit of our labor, and in this case, the chicken came before the egg.
But what does this have to do with happiness? And why do you think you know the answer?
First off, I hold no doctrines and preach to no choir that sings of a sublime meaning, for no one can ask the question but you. We are all born with a empty slate, but our genetics and environments quickly place us all in chaos. Out of this chaos, some of develop a purpose for life early on, but many of us struggle with this idea and may never become fully involved in a idea or career. But we all catch glimpses of the magic life can offer. When where we are and what we are doing is all that matters, happiness is simply a part of us, be it playing a sport or reading a book.
But you did not need to be on the moon or in a Ferrari to feel life come alive. It is the power of this simplicity that intrigues me. Some of our situations may overlap, but our perceptions will always be different. Someone who grows up on the cliffs of Dover may not think twice of the beauty when on a daily drive, while other travelers cannot take their eyes off the white slabs pressed against the rocky shores.
What is to say we cannot look at meaning the same way?
If we can have the courage to ask life what we want from it instead of asking for its meaning, our souls have a grip on something, and we cannot help but feel excited. Because it is us who asked, we have created our own meaning, planting a seed for purpose and exposing our passion.
For our meaning is not a question to be asked but an answer we receive in every moment we commit to, no matter how mundane, or even painful, they may be.
