# Question on the meaning of Life **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [April 21, 2010, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933 "2010-04-21T23:37:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/141 "2010-04-23T15:51:53Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > Indeed - collective survival - which was what **Wesley Clark** mentioned, that you disagreed with, then you went on to describe examples of it. I don’t think survival was on the minds of those that fell on grenades, or those that risked their own lives to save others, not at all. Love was more powerful than fear of death to them. “Greater love has no man than one who lays down his life for another.” ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/142 "2010-04-23T15:54:11Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > I know it happens that those without faith are altruistic, I attended a Unitarian church for several years a long time ago. There were atheist members there that were very kind and giving to others in need. The church was “All Souls” anyone could join. I am also sure that atheists have gone to their graves still atheists. But that was not the point. People who have faith are not weak nor do they believe in nonsense. Religious organizations do the most charity work in the world. We need them, the poor and hungry need them. Life is not about being just one way or the other. Life is full of contradictions, ambiguity, and equivocalness. We are not the judges of life, or of our fellow man. It is best to learn all we can about everything in life, this leads to balance, not bias. Do Muslims believe in nonsense? Or is it just Christians that believe in the good stuff. Japan is Buddhist and Shinto and has lower crime rates than the US. So does it matter if you believe in the true religion or is just believing in “something” OK. If the latter, and if atheism is really a religion as some claim, than is believing in atheism just as good as being a Christian? ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/143 "2010-04-23T16:00:56Z")
The meaning of life is to live as one with each other and God, and to stop being a individual. To be totally intimate with everyone, to rejoice in children and to mentor them in the ways of the Lord, and to be mentored as we never stop being children of God, to explore the universe that God has created for His children and never stop being amazed in who we meet and what He has created for us. Adam and Eve accepted a form of death, which is separation from God and each other - the reason why so much pain is in the world, Jesus came to restore us to Him as one, this is what life truly is. ---
**Author:** ![AClockworkMelon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aclockworkmelon/32/10803_2.png) [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/144 "2010-04-23T16:14:09Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > I don’t think survival was on the minds of those that fell on grenades, or those that risked their own lives to save others, not at all. Love was more powerful than fear of death to them. > > “Greater love has no man than one who lays down his life for another.” And what about the men that fragged their officers? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/145 "2010-04-23T16:26:18Z")
The OP hasn’t posted since wednesday. I don’t think he’s coming back. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/146 "2010-04-23T16:31:02Z")
> [@](#): > > ways of the Lord Jesus? Allah? Buddha? Are we talking any Lord, or just your Lord? ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/147 "2010-04-23T16:31:50Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > If religion were the basis for morality then we would expect that non-religious countries would have higher crime, as would the less religious US states. In fact, the exact opposite is true. If you look at US states the things you would characterize as moral behavior (divorce rate, crime, gluttony) are worse in the bible belt. Religion impels its followers to act morally, it does not compel them to do anything. Everyone has free will, exercises his/her own choice on religious matters as well as other things. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/148 "2010-04-23T16:32:54Z")
> [@AClockworkMelon](#): > > And what about the men that fragged their officers? OK, what about them? Different subject. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/149 "2010-04-23T16:37:41Z")
> [@DanBlather](#): > > Do Muslims believe in nonsense? Or is it just Christians that believe in the good stuff. Japan is Buddhist and Shinto and has lower crime rates than the US. So does it matter if you believe in the true religion or is just believing in “something” OK. If the latter, and if atheism is really a religion as some claim, than is believing in atheism just as good as being a Christian? All religions teach good works, to love one another, doesn’t matter what you believe in, or not believe in, what matters is what you do. Learning to love one another is the goal, but the paths are many. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/150 "2010-04-23T16:38:41Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > Jesus? Allah? Buddha? Are we talking any Lord, or just your Lord? If you are asking me, I don’t have a Lord. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/151 "2010-04-23T16:42:23Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > The meaning of life is to live as one with each other and God, and to stop being a individual. To be totally intimate with everyone, to rejoice in children and to mentor them in the ways of the Lord, and to be mentored as we never stop being children of God, to explore the universe that God has created for His children and never stop being amazed in who we meet and what He has created for us. Adam and Eve accepted a form of death, which is separation from God and each other - the reason why so much pain is in the world, Jesus came to restore us to Him as one, this is what life truly is. Not quite, there is no death, no original sin, we will not be punished for the sins of Adam and Eve. The ways of the Creator are the ways of love. We are to learn about them and try to do them. We grow spiritually as we do. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/152 "2010-04-23T16:42:46Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > The OP hasn’t posted since wednesday. I don’t think he’s coming back. Too bad. I will have to just have a guess as to what he meant by: > [@](#): > > therefore it should go without saying what I believe to be the meaning of life. He may well think that life on this earth is transient and short, compared with the everlasting afterlife that awaits. He may further think that afterlife can only be reached by faith alone, not deeds. (some denominations do think this way). Also, we know that he thinks that “Being ‘nice’, is not pleasurable” (direct quote). I infer that he thinks the meaning of life is that we can do pretty much whatever we want here on earth. This would include any acts classified as “not being nice”, as that would seem to bring him pleasure. At some point in his life, he would need to accept Jesus as his personal saviour, and this will ensure him entry to an everlasting afterlife that is perfection itself. So the meaning of life here in your temporary corporeal body is to have fun by being mean, and then repent at the last minute to get a reprieve so you can spend eternity in heaven. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/153 "2010-04-23T16:53:57Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > Jesus? Allah? Buddha? Are we talking any Lord, or just your Lord? At that time you will know - so no need to worry about it, which reminds me of this scripture: [QUOTE=Acts 9] 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. [/QUOTE] Saul may not have known His name, but when it is the proper time they will all know their Lord. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/154 "2010-04-23T17:00:10Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > The OP hasn’t posted since wednesday. I don’t think he’s coming back. Give him the full three days. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/155 "2010-04-23T17:01:55Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Give him the full three days. O.k., but I’ve got a pocket full of garlic and a wooden stake in hand, just in case. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/156 "2010-04-23T17:17:11Z")
Good call, Christian’s are all about the ‘back from the dead’, after all. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/157 "2010-04-23T18:46:09Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > I don’t think survival was on the minds of those that fell on grenades, or those that risked their own lives to save others, not at all. Love was more powerful than fear of death to them. _Saving others_ is about allowing those others **to survive**. How is that difficult for you to comprehend? ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/158 "2010-04-23T18:54:20Z")
> [@lekatt](#): > > I don’t think survival was on the minds of those that fell on grenades, or those that risked their own lives to save others, not at all. Love was more powerful than fear of death to them. > > “Greater love has no man than one who lays down his life for another.” Yeah, but love is survival. A group of 50 organisms working together will have better protection from predators, better hunting/gathering skills, division of labor, better chances against competitors than a solitary individual. And slightly increasing your own risk of dying does pay off because others return the favor. If you are predisposed to jump on a grenade to save your friends, then your friends are predisposed to jump on a grenade to save you too. So it is fundamentally just collective survival. The drawbacks to the individual by love (pain, putting yourself at risk for others, etc) are smaller than the benefits (division of labor, better protection, better chances against competitors). ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2010, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/159 "2010-04-24T01:35:54Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > _Saving others_ is about allowing those others **to survive**. How is that difficult for you to comprehend? Thought we were talking about personal survival. How difficult is that for you to comprehend. ---
**Author:** ![lekatt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lekatt/32/7269_2.png) [@lekatt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lekatt)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2010, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933/160 "2010-04-24T01:39:34Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > Yeah, but love is survival. A group of 50 organisms working together will have better protection from predators, better hunting/gathering skills, division of labor, better chances against competitors than a solitary individual. > > And slightly increasing your own risk of dying does pay off because others return the favor. If you are predisposed to jump on a grenade to save your friends, then your friends are predisposed to jump on a grenade to save you too. > > So it is fundamentally just collective survival. The drawbacks to the individual by love (pain, putting yourself at risk for others, etc) are smaller than the benefits (division of labor, better protection, better chances against competitors). Why would you think someone would return a favor you gave them. We are talking about individuals not a bunch of robots. All individuals are unique, their behavior is unique, their thoughts are unique. You can’t assume how anyone would act under any circumstances. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-the-meaning-of-life/536933.md?page=9)