been too long since I updated my page.
So, as I read some other journals, the search for meaning in life seems to be a common topic. And I guess I wouldnt be part of SG at all if I didnt think about the same things.
Of course, the last 5 years have given my quite a reality check in terms of the meaning of life. Something about seeing someone who was stabbed over a hundred times, or the results of a 60 mph interview with a tree quickly reestablishes your priorities. And makes you wish you could somehow do more, but you cant. Not that I am any sort of intellectual, but I do have the macabre distinction of having a uncommon experience with people who dont have a lot of time left. Which makes you think frequently on the meaning of life.
In my college years, my 'meaning of life' usually centered around women and food. Then on the other hand there were people like my recently re-acquainted friend Zak. Zak was always more the explorer and experiencer and never really seemed to need people as much as I did; always content to go it alone confident in his ability to choose his destiny. So I suppose one 'Meaning of Life' camp centers around experience and the whole seeing the world thing.
Of course, you cant leave out the God camp in meaning of life discussions, SO I suppose thats one outlet too. Unfortunately happyness in religion requires a complete lack of knowledge of history, and a lack of knowledge of statistics, neither of which I happen to be 'blessed' with. We'll leave it at that. If anyone needs a decisive argument on religion, go visit your local pediatrics intensive care unit.
Now, the bitch is that neither of these really work for me. Ive done the traveling thing, I have read too much history, I have thought too damn much. So here is my (drum roll please) my take on the meaning of life:
A short commute, and being neighbors with your best friends.
OKOK, I know that sounds wholely un-profound, but bear with me - long commutes kill all your energy at the end of the day, and keep you from going out and getting involved in stuff on a daily basis. If you have the energy to keep active, you will always meet new people and friends. And be less of a asshole to everyone else who lives with you. Secondly, if you can somehow manage to be neighbors with your old, best, high school and college friends, no matter what happens, its all great, becasue you always have those people who know you best with which to share dinner, go on road trips, and just stay up late talking.
Nearly all of my favorite moments in my life are when I was poor, but in great company, and great conversation. Cavorting around Europe and other places only served as a backdrop. If you have enough experiences like this, I belive you can die satified.
Damn. my commute sucks, and I am nowhere near my best freinds.
*****
Two interesting quotes come to mind; one from my grandfather who said "You only live life once, but if you live it right, once is enough."
Another came from an old teacher who said "When you're young, it's Sex. When your middle aged, it's Sex and Food. When you're old, it's just Food."
So, as I read some other journals, the search for meaning in life seems to be a common topic. And I guess I wouldnt be part of SG at all if I didnt think about the same things.
Of course, the last 5 years have given my quite a reality check in terms of the meaning of life. Something about seeing someone who was stabbed over a hundred times, or the results of a 60 mph interview with a tree quickly reestablishes your priorities. And makes you wish you could somehow do more, but you cant. Not that I am any sort of intellectual, but I do have the macabre distinction of having a uncommon experience with people who dont have a lot of time left. Which makes you think frequently on the meaning of life.
In my college years, my 'meaning of life' usually centered around women and food. Then on the other hand there were people like my recently re-acquainted friend Zak. Zak was always more the explorer and experiencer and never really seemed to need people as much as I did; always content to go it alone confident in his ability to choose his destiny. So I suppose one 'Meaning of Life' camp centers around experience and the whole seeing the world thing.
Of course, you cant leave out the God camp in meaning of life discussions, SO I suppose thats one outlet too. Unfortunately happyness in religion requires a complete lack of knowledge of history, and a lack of knowledge of statistics, neither of which I happen to be 'blessed' with. We'll leave it at that. If anyone needs a decisive argument on religion, go visit your local pediatrics intensive care unit.
Now, the bitch is that neither of these really work for me. Ive done the traveling thing, I have read too much history, I have thought too damn much. So here is my (drum roll please) my take on the meaning of life:
A short commute, and being neighbors with your best friends.
OKOK, I know that sounds wholely un-profound, but bear with me - long commutes kill all your energy at the end of the day, and keep you from going out and getting involved in stuff on a daily basis. If you have the energy to keep active, you will always meet new people and friends. And be less of a asshole to everyone else who lives with you. Secondly, if you can somehow manage to be neighbors with your old, best, high school and college friends, no matter what happens, its all great, becasue you always have those people who know you best with which to share dinner, go on road trips, and just stay up late talking.
Nearly all of my favorite moments in my life are when I was poor, but in great company, and great conversation. Cavorting around Europe and other places only served as a backdrop. If you have enough experiences like this, I belive you can die satified.
Damn. my commute sucks, and I am nowhere near my best freinds.
*****
Two interesting quotes come to mind; one from my grandfather who said "You only live life once, but if you live it right, once is enough."
Another came from an old teacher who said "When you're young, it's Sex. When your middle aged, it's Sex and Food. When you're old, it's just Food."