...is to create more life! that's all there is to it. We are a paradoxical creation, are we not? But think about it. Everything that we do in life can be traced back to increasing our disirability to possible sexual partners, who in turn aid in the creation of more life. Or, taking care of the planet: the only point of a healthy planet is to sustain life. Just keep on rolling situations over in your head, and you will find this to be true. Kind of disapointing, isn't it?:D

Stay cool,
Lesion42

I agree:

The meaning of life is sex.

Hey Firefly, wanna have a deep philosophical discussion? *wink-wink* :p

No! Me! Me!:D

But seriously, that's all it is!

LOL, thanks for the offer, suggest a time and place and I'll get right back to you. :p

Seriously though, this seems to have deeper revelations: if it is, then we are just biological organisms. There is no "mind" necessary, not even really a conscioussness or deep awareness; we are here simply to procreate (one might wonder why we live for so long after having sex; it seems more logical that having sex might somehow push the body towards the end of it's lifespan. Also how we even developed a conscioussness). It's also a little disapointing; there's no spiritual revelation or anything (though maybe something close :p). Every second of our life, every inbuilt defence mechanism, very survival instinct is in us just so we can have sex. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Firefly
LOL, thanks for the offer, suggest a time and place and I'll get right back to you. :p

*Adam jumps on a plane...*

Originally posted by Firefly
LOL, thanks for the offer, suggest a time and place and I'll get right back to you. :p

Seriously though, this seems to have deeper revelations: if it is, then we are just biological organisms. There is no "mind" necessary, not even really a conscioussness or deep awareness; we are here simply to procreate (one might wonder why we live for so long after having sex; it seems more logical that having sex might somehow push the body towards the end of it's lifespan. Also how we even developed a conscioussness). It's also a little disapointing; there's no spiritual revelation or anything (though maybe something close :p). Every second of our life, every inbuilt defence mechanism, very survival instinct is in us just so we can have sex. :rolleyes:

Well, I came up with a rather amibguous saying that originally applied directly to this. It can be applied to many other things however, such as life and death. Anyhoo, here it is:

"It's not where you're going, it's how you get there"

Not sure if it makes much sense to you guys, but it works for me.

(Lesion jumps on the plane, throws Adam down the stairs then high-tails it to the first class seating) :p

LMAO Lesion and Adam, I'll let you fight it out between you (I'm assuming you're both guys!?) Didn't realise I was such a desired female! :p

And Lesion, you made up the saying? Cos I'm sure I've heard it before... ;)

Though if the meaning of life is sex, well, it's not like you personally lose out if you stay celibate (except I guess your bloodline would dissappear), though it does kind of put a different light on nympho's. :D :p

Yeah. I made it up. There are sayings that sound similar word wise, but they have different meanings. I also made up the saying on my sig, of which I am proud. And of course you're desirable. Pardon if this sounds cliche *shudder* or stupid, but you're witty and intelligent, what more is there? Anyone who meets that criteria is good in my book. (Pushes Adam back down stairs and meekly asks a passing flight attendant for a tiny cup of warm flat ginger ale they serve up there):D:) :)

Yeah, saw the saying in your sig. I made up a whole load of sayiongs when I was little (so they were some what ... simpler ;)) but forgot all of them pretty quickly, so they can't've been that good. :p thanks for the compliments, though it seems for the most part of my comments, I'm agreeing with you. ;) :) Hope the flight is not too bad. :p

Though erm, the topic seems to be spiralling outta control ... :o

Who'd've thought, a topic about sex, and we're actually off it. :eek: :p

:o Ok, back to work!:D

Meaning of life is sex.. meaning of sex is propogation of genes.. yes yes..the obvious.. Anyone here considered the reason for the universe wanting[err..for lack of an appropriate term] to propogate itself (in the form of DNA or whatever other means it is able to do so?
In terms of humans.. propogating a form of life allowing one to possess consciousness? I think that there is the troublesome question ... in a nutshell.
Basically.. Why Exist??, and be able to "<u>Know</u>" of it. I use the word Know rather questionably.. heh

-Talk to ya neurons lata

Hi,
I wonder if it is better to consider what you want, instead of considering what the universe wants, because you are you and you can control yourself, so all I mean is do you want what the universe wants? And I also mean, you don't even know what the universe wants, do you?
And I also mean isn't life quite pointless unless we realise that we don't know everything about it?
You could speculate that the purpose of life is persistance is increase in intelligence. Also you could think like that, because it makes sense to become less short sighted so that you can then (by definition) make better decisions.

And I also mean, don't you want to help to decrease ignorance?

Originally posted by SeeKer
In terms of humans.. propogating a form of life allowing one to possess consciousness? I think that there is the troublesome question ... in a nutshell
Well, non conscious stuff multiplies too ....

I wonder if it is better to consider what you want, instead of considering what the universe wants, because you are you and you can control yourself, so all I mean is do you want what the universe wants? And I also mean, you don't even know what it is.
Yeah, but one might say cos you're human that therefore makes you too close to judge. Though I suppose being part of the universe isn't much different...

I think SeeKer's onto something...why exist? To propagate. Why propagate? To exist. But why do we want to exist, if all we're doing is existing to propagate?

Why are you sitting there right now, trying to work hard and do well in what you do, when you know that all you are good for is propagation?

Then, are we nothing but whores and prostitutes, vessels of potential human beings, with no purpose other than to procreate as rapidly and efficiently as possible?

Why bother living then, if your lives are narrowed down to such tedium? You're born, you propagate, you die. You might as well kill yourself.

This is another one of those philosophy questions that comes up every few weeks. It's one of the most over-thought comments by atheists. Here, follow the logic.


Do you believe in God? If Yes - read answer 1. If No - read answer 2.

1) Your special book should tell you what the meaning of your life is, or, if not it is a search which is meant to take the span of your life to discover the God-given purpose of your life.

2) There is no "purpose" of life on an objectional stance. Explore the definition of "purpose".

- "The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or a goal"
- "A result or effect that is intended or desired; an intention"

Now, there are two possible meanings from the first definition (both from dictionary.com by the way). The first part "object toward which one strives" implies that each person has a different goal. Therefore we can't say "The purpose of life..." is anything simply because it would be different to everyone. Or some people may have none. Some people may have no goals in their life. The second part, "object for which something exists" implies that there is some higher being which would give us this object. A 'reason' needs someone to hand it down. This can either be yourself - in which case, as was stated, the purpose is different for everyone - or a higher being - but you already said you're an atheist, right? The second definition "A result or effect that is intended or desired" again shows these two possibilities. A "result that is desired" and a "result that is intended" would tend to mean that the individual desired or intended an ends, though could fit to mean that a higher being desired or intended the ends. Of course, all definition also fit to mean that another human party has decided a purpose for your life - though I like to think there isn't much life-long slavery going on.




As for Bluesoul, this is pseudo-philosophy for all purposes (that's a bad pun). You say that we might as well kill ourselves because there's no purpose? What you've basically said is "since there is no God, we might as well just kill ourselves". For starters - nice example of how religion might have started; people want a purpose to life, it's a nice thought. More importantly, you're conclusion is useless. We might as well kill ourselves? Why? Because there's no purpose? Fine, so determine one for yourself if you need that kind of supervision so badly.

"Anyone here considered the reason for the universe wanting[err..for lack of an appropriate term] to propogate itself (in the form of DNA or whatever other means it is able to do so?"

The Universe wanting? First of all, define 'Universe'. As far as I know, the Universe is not some large thinking being. Therefore it cannot 'want' anything.

I believe that the meaning of life is:

If there was no life, technically, nothing would exsist (sorta like, if a tree fell and no-one was around to hear it, does it make a sound).

meaning of life:
survival of the skillest!;)


so in life we learn
the more we learn the mor we can do
the mor we do the mor we learn
take action and gain knowledge
gain knowledge and take action
use knowledge and action 2 contibute to others

others gain knowledge and take action and the outcome is growth

laugh


so does anything really matter?
does it matter:
wether u liv or die?
if u hav sex or procreate?
what u eat?
if u enjoyed urself and lived a good life?
i ur happy?
if u contributed 2 others?
if u run around killing people?
wether someone close 2 u dies?
wether u win an award?
wether or not u make the team?
wether ur rich or poor?
wether u struggle or relax?
what u look like?
who u worship?
wat u beleive?
how intelligent u r?
how nice u r?
how appealing u r 2 the opposite sex?
if ur funny?
if ur a total retard ass hole?
how much self esteem u posses?
wether anybody cares 4 u?
wether u care 4 anyone?
what u dreamt about las nyt?
wether ur room is clean?
if ur healthy or sik?
if ur safe or not?
if truth exists?
if u had a crummy past?
wether u completed ur tasks?
if ur bored or always changing?
how much or little sleep u been getting?
wether u see this movie u wer looking 4ward 2?
wether anybody will rember u?
wether u live in jail or follow the rules?
how much attention u get?
how connected u r 2 ur loved ones?
wether or not ur unique and one of a kind?
wether u take action or not?
wether u gain knowledge?
how money u made?
if u breath?
wether u showered?
wether u love?
wether or not u appreciate wat u hav?
if ur a productiv member of society?
if ur a destructiv menace 2 society?
wether or not u fulfilled ur dreams?
wether or not u had goals or dreams in the first place?
if u laugh?
if u cry?
if u create the works of art?
if u watch the workd go by?
if sciforum exists?
wether or not u exist?
if u make it 2 heaven?
if u burn in hell?
if u wer never born?
if u hav all the answers?
if u hav no answers?
wether u can answer or not?
wether or not ther is an answer?
DOES IT REALLY MATTER?
DOES IT REALLY MAKE A DIFFRENCE?

The Universe wanting? First of all, define 'Universe'. As far as I know, the Universe is not some large thinking being. Therefore it cannot 'want' anything.

Of course it ins't a large thinking being..for all we know..
this is the reason for my "[for lack of an appropriate term]" remark..
I wasn't at ALL hoping to imply that we were here because of the Universe wanting(which might be an emotional response)-us to be here. :rolleyes: Feel me?
Peace

You're asking 'why did the universe do what it did' basically. Or am I mistaken? If you are, you imply that the universe is something which can make a conscious decision. Or, you are asking a scientific question about evolution.

Firefly..
when you say nonconscious stuff multiplies...
you attempt to suggest what exactly?
Bacteria? other forms of life that don't think the way we do? I'm not sure of inanimate matter multiplying,but if you DiD mean bacteria, which you don't probably consider conscious.. then would you not at least consider similar forms of life <b>aware</b>?
They must be aware on some level to even carry out life functions..
It seems to me..at least currently, that all forms of life exist with certain knowledge that there is "something out there" something to be attained in nature..whether it be for purposes of growth or what have ya..we're all processors of the <i> In-Formation</i> that naturally exists..in a state of existance.


Therefore we can't say "The purpose of life..." is anything simply because it would be different to everyone. Or some people may have none.

Ok.. How about not trying to define the purpose of human life but rather trying to see where I'm coming from? in thinking about the purpose of all life functions..
nutrition, growth.. making the environment a part of self.. what reason for a universe to have protein replicators, some that are aware on what seems to be a higher level than other replicators.. (that means us)

Oh and Tyler, have you thought about those that might consider that God exists but don't follow ur #1 "special book" category?
To that type who question their existance what say you?

your #2
- "A result or effect that is intended or desired; an intention"
is an interesting definition of purpose.
It's been said that that life's purpose is to witness the universe..
*shrug*
if we(life) weren't here to observe...*shrug*:confused:

-Furtha Discourse L8ta

"you imply that the universe is something which can make a conscious decision?"

If I was implying that ..I had no right to be asking the question..because I would already have attempted to answer it with GOd.. is what you're thinking.. but no..

Take my question, about <i>what reason is there that allows us to exist?</i> without assuming I've already attempted to answer it with a Pre-existing conscience or..GoD.. although.. if that is all you tend to see when that question is posed.. I wonder if you consider the question itself as a threat to your points?
I take it you tend to fall into the atheist category? I may be wrong.. but I wonder if these type of questions sort of Polarize your stance and anything anyONE says that seems to suggest God ..is always "the other side" of ya argument...
Take care

like I said, you're asking "why has the universe produced us"

Now. Are you asking a scientific question? If you are, float on down to the Science section and someone (probably James) will answer this far better than I can.

If you are not, and you are asking why the universe happened the way it did on some metaphysical level - there is no reason. That's just what happened. and yes, stating there is a reason means that there is something to connect and give this whole reason out to.

Find a reason for something. For doing something. Like look at some random person and try and figure out what his purpose is for doing what he is at that moment. Ah, see that? No matter what that persons purpose for doing what he is doing is - it was handed down to him by someone else or himself.

Play with words often will misconvey a message or a question..
you use the word produced.. I did not.

My question isn't based in science as in biology so we can set that straight..

Something interesting though
"No matter what that persons purpose for doing what he is doing is - it was handed down to him by someone else or himself."
I'm in absolute agreement.
Though debate on whether subjectivity or objectivity are @ hand follows.. If Objectivity exists .. the guy did do what he did for 1 reason some might say (not familiar enough with the argument to be sure).. but lets not get into that grab bag please...
The statement would imply on a grander level that our reason for being could've been handed down to us, as that would follow ur thought experiement's logic... But
Find it a lil' disturbing that you simply can state that there is no reason.It seems 2 me that we can't begin to really state anything about a reason for existance unless one were able to Create[as from a point of non-existance.. then say.. yes it was me.. I was the reason for that..(If we were GOD so to speak) but lets not go there 2 early in the morning for that]
I now see that <i>that</i> pov is just as boxed in as the religious 1 who would say that the reason IS GOD..
My position is on neither side.. its a simple resounding I don't know, but a guy does still wonder about these things trying not to align myself and remain truly open minded.
life is a struggle no doubt..that we can agree upon..I hope.

Why are you sitting there right now, trying to work hard and do well in what you do, when you know that all you are good for is propagation?

Then, are we nothing but whores and prostitutes, vessels of potential human beings, with no purpose other than to procreate as rapidly and efficiently as possible?

Why bother living then, if your lives are narrowed down to such tedium? You're born, you propagate, you die. You might as well kill yourself.

As for Bluesoul, this is pseudo-philosophy for all purposes (that's a bad pun). You say that we might as well kill ourselves because there's no purpose? What you've basically said is "since there is no God, we might as well just kill ourselves". For starters - nice example of how religion might have started; people want a purpose to life, it's a nice thought. More importantly, you're conclusion is useless. We might as well kill ourselves? Why? Because there's no purpose? Fine, so determine one for yourself if you need that kind of supervision so badly.
Exactly!! :D I thought I'd bring a different light to the topic, since everyone was so stuck on the thought that our existence is merely to procreate. It seemed so hopeless, so I tried to voice their opinions in a more shocking sense. I don't personally believe in this particular theory, I was just trying to help people see it differently.
I hope no one took it as a justification to suicide, because I know it's wrong. :)

To back track a bit ....

I think there's gotta be a distinctive difference made between life and existing. Does a stone have life? It exists, but it doesn't exist to have sex. :p

Originally posted by cool skill
so in life we learn
the more we learn the mor we can do
the mor we do the mor we learn
take action and gain knowledge
gain knowledge and take action
use knowledge and action 2 contibute to others
What do you think about Lesion's original point though? It doesn't take much "learning" to have sex. :p

Originally posted by SeeKer
when you say nonconscious stuff multiplies...
you attempt to suggest what exactly?
Bacteria? other forms of life that don't think the way we do? I'm not sure of inanimate matter multiplying,but if you DiD mean bacteria, which you don't probably consider conscious.. then would you not at least consider similar forms of life aware?
I suppose I did mean bacteria, or plants, thought it's also crucial to difine and differentiate aware, conscious, self aware, etc tec, and ... I can't be bothered. :p But I'll read it if you want to have a go. :)

Whenever in doubt, consult a dictionary.

Living means; "The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism."

To exist means; "To be"

You can see the difference, right?

Good thinking Tyler. :p Yeah, I can see the diff. So, if something doesn't "life", then it doesn't have the need to propagate? (i.e. a stone has no libido :p)

Although meaning is an arbitrary concept, as a human being just like everyone else I feel obligated to find it, define it, and live it. I am wired too. Even so, my philosophy on the meaning of life is currently evolving away from the crushing reductionism of objective science and more comfortably into the realms of romantic mysticism. Ironically, for more than a few reasons this personal conceptual revolution has inspired me to live out a healthier lifestyle for no more subtle a reason than I just feel better. Which is of course what evolution wants.

It’s cute how even the language of this reasoning can be played with. By first admitting meaning to be nothing more than an arbitrary concept, then stating my distaste for big-picture reductionism science I am illustrating how no single way of looking at something rarely supplies a sufficient definition. I am a firm proponent of the dialectic. And a good dialectic to have fun with is human thinking patterns and the physical universe. The physical universe isn’t love is it? Is it inspiration? Logic? Skepticism? Not really, but looking at it through these lenses can go great lengths in our efforts to quantify it.

Through these custom lenses of the psyche I can imagine a reality of great poetry, thriving in a mystery among mysteries, unfurled graceful and beautiful, dark archaic and woefully cruel: A living work of great art, art that can be observed in a palate of alien sensations and interacted with through the body. I do sincerely believe the universe to be as much the work of imagination as anything. It moves with such vitality and color, it created life, and life allows for human beings, and human beings allow for abstract ways of looking at things. It may not be a way of looking at reality that is ‘scientific’, but it is remarkably practical. It liberates the mind without denying the essence of our psychology, which I believe to be extremely important.

Such evocative terms I use huh! In merely witnessing indirectly through the senses a mechanistic universe can be experienced with beautiful subjectivity, in light and precious experience. Humanity is creating its own art every moment of every day; it just takes shifting ones consciousnesses to a higher order too seize this view. There is no such thing as good or evil outside of our own discriminations. As human beings we are uniquely capable of ad venting entire civilizations, mythologies, psychologies, altered states, warfare, and romance among other things. This is our role in the cosmos. Ultimately nothing we ever do will be of any consequence, but if we can acknowledge the extraordinary nature of our very existence, then we shouldn’t care. There is enough presented to us in an hour of the day to keep an immortal fascinated for centuries.

My philosophy works beautifully in theistic, metaphysical, and secular denominations of thought. If there is a higher, non-physical dimension of experience that is conducive to this one than it makes perfect sense that it should be so elusive. If we were all immortal, somewhat omniscient creative beings, then the possible uses of the physical make perfect sense. But of course imposing human pretenses on immortal entities is foolish. Who says being conscious is so necessary anyway? The trick is to recognize which thoughts are golden and which are strictly the result of our inherent silliness. Which is also impossible.

The meaning of life is being.

Why Exist? What is the purpose of life?
http://freewebs.com/whyexist

The meaning of life is………: 42!!!!!