Is the Meaning of Life really 42?

I think I am a very curious person @tyme, so I tend to search for answers for many things. I'm always going down rabbit holes when I hear about something that piques my interest. I don't know if that is detrimental.

I didn't want to say too early in the discussion what any research has found. One of the things that has been found is that meaning of life is an individual thing, but there are themes.

@Till23 The bloodline DNA angle I think sprung to mind in how for example some make animal species will fight to dominate a space to propagate while the weaker male moves on to find an alternative mate and that there is competition for survival within the species

I hesitate to say "survival" exactly @Till23, but I guess on a super fundamental level it could be true. I have to be alive to experience the things, right? But on top of the "just exist" / survival stuff, I think the meaning of life is what we determine it to be. I'm personally not into the idea of my meaning in life being huge or profound. It can feel overwhelming and then if I'm not "living up" to those expectations there's the risk I'll feel like I've failed. There's no way for me to fail the "just experience life" thing 😊

@NightFury I love what you said here. The real question is how can I give my life meaning? I'm going to remember that.

I really love the variety of answers here. It shows how much we all experience life and meaning differently - but there's definitely a common thread: that meaning is ever-evolving.

And I think that's such a beautiful concept; it allows so much room for growth and change.

I feel like the meaning of life is to explore all that we can (especially the messy, scary, and imperfect things), so that we may deepen further into knowing ourselves. And throughout that journey, we can use our explorations to create art, share stories, and support others in doing the same. 🥰

@Former-Member @Chasingsunsets @Oaktree @Till23 @NightFury @Cuddlebear @Appleblossom @Captain24 @SchizOttie @REDLINEZ750 @Shaz51 @Thinkalot @puppydoglover @DogMan79

sorry for the pain felt at your dogs passing @Till23 but 14 & 16nyears would of given you plenty of love im sure.

the shared purpose of life wether plant or meat of land or sea is to avoid extinction by reproduction

that is not the question

whatever it is i reckon its already in us to discern i think and its as available in poverty as it is in extreme wealth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtkjTvVhS7M

I have his book on my pillow

https://archive.org/details/dawkinsgodgenesm0000mcgr

Its called Dawkins God: Genes, Memes and the Meaning of Life

I quite like much of his analysis. I also have a physical science and political science background. Personally, I am accepting that due to my attachment history I can forgive myself for sitting on some fences. I love the idea of a loving god. I dont need to push it too much. Some dont want to go there.

@REDLINEZ750 @Till23 @0ddsidian @puppydoglover @AuntGlow

@tyme

@Downmorethanup