My first year of college now several years ago, when I first started taking philosophy classes I became obsessed with the meaning of life. The meaning of life is:
1. Leaving the world slightly better than you found it.
2. To be happy.
3. To live a virtuous life.
4. To serve others.
5. To learn
6. To discover the meaning of life.
7. 42 (come on, it had to be included)
8. To add to the world's body of knowledge (more specific aspect of #1)
9. There isn't a meaning.
10. The meaning is subjective.
In college I asked because I felt like I needed to know to live my life to its fullest (and if there really is a set meaning this might be the case, since one meaning implies a specific goal you either achieve or fail to achieve)
Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the whole meaning is subjective answer, though it of course doesn't eliminate the question it just changes it. Instead of being "What is the meaning of life?" it now becomes "What is your meaning of life?'
I found this really good Emerson quote:
"A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his [own] work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise shall give him no peace." -Emerson
When I found it I was looking for this quote which is apparently often attributed to, but not actually written by Emerson:
"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded." -Bessie Stanley
I was going to ask if I would still have read a meaningful life if I never became more than a copywriter and never became a "real" writer. Maybe I should be asking myself what I think I mean by the term "real." Published? I've gotten into a few literary magazines but they weren't that popular. Is there a minimum readership for it to count. Do I need to have published my own book? What if I self-published? Would that count? Whose validation am I looking for exactly? I think this is at the heart of my terror over being rejected from grad school and my funk over not having done enough with my 23 years.
I like this blog. Even if I may be boring my non-existent readers. I really think I'm getting something out of writing it.
My MFA goal for the day: check on Brown's re-applying guidelines.
Found it and I'm glad I checked. That's one less rec. letter to ask for from my recommending profs. Here's the goods:
You will still need to complete a new application and submit a new application fee; however, your supporting materials are kept on file for one year, so transcripts, letters of reference, personal statements and writing samples may be reactivated. For directions on how to reactivate your materials, contact the Graduate School at 401 863 2600. For most applicants, we recommend that you submit an updated writing sample and personal statement. Submit new transcripts only if there are additional classes taken since the last application submission.
You may reach the Graduate School at 401 863 2600. You may reach the writing program at 401 863 3260, by sending messages to Writing@brown.edu or by writing to us at Box 1923, Brown University, Providence RI 02912.
No word on Texas on their website. Next goal: call and ask if any of last year's materials were retained. Wonder if they're open on Saturday? Hmm
Contact info:
The James A. Michener Center for Writers
702 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, Texas 78705
Phone: (512) 471-1601
Fax: (512) 471-9997
E-mail: mcw@www.utexas.edu
1. Leaving the world slightly better than you found it.
2. To be happy.
3. To live a virtuous life.
4. To serve others.
5. To learn
6. To discover the meaning of life.
7. 42 (come on, it had to be included)
8. To add to the world's body of knowledge (more specific aspect of #1)
9. There isn't a meaning.
10. The meaning is subjective.
In college I asked because I felt like I needed to know to live my life to its fullest (and if there really is a set meaning this might be the case, since one meaning implies a specific goal you either achieve or fail to achieve)
Right now I'm kind of leaning towards the whole meaning is subjective answer, though it of course doesn't eliminate the question it just changes it. Instead of being "What is the meaning of life?" it now becomes "What is your meaning of life?'
I found this really good Emerson quote:
"A man is relieved and gay when he has put his heart into his [own] work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise shall give him no peace." -Emerson
When I found it I was looking for this quote which is apparently often attributed to, but not actually written by Emerson:
"To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded." -Bessie Stanley
I was going to ask if I would still have read a meaningful life if I never became more than a copywriter and never became a "real" writer. Maybe I should be asking myself what I think I mean by the term "real." Published? I've gotten into a few literary magazines but they weren't that popular. Is there a minimum readership for it to count. Do I need to have published my own book? What if I self-published? Would that count? Whose validation am I looking for exactly? I think this is at the heart of my terror over being rejected from grad school and my funk over not having done enough with my 23 years.
I like this blog. Even if I may be boring my non-existent readers. I really think I'm getting something out of writing it.
My MFA goal for the day: check on Brown's re-applying guidelines.
Found it and I'm glad I checked. That's one less rec. letter to ask for from my recommending profs. Here's the goods:
You will still need to complete a new application and submit a new application fee; however, your supporting materials are kept on file for one year, so transcripts, letters of reference, personal statements and writing samples may be reactivated. For directions on how to reactivate your materials, contact the Graduate School at 401 863 2600. For most applicants, we recommend that you submit an updated writing sample and personal statement. Submit new transcripts only if there are additional classes taken since the last application submission.
You may reach the Graduate School at 401 863 2600. You may reach the writing program at 401 863 3260, by sending messages to Writing@brown.edu or by writing to us at Box 1923, Brown University, Providence RI 02912.
No word on Texas on their website. Next goal: call and ask if any of last year's materials were retained. Wonder if they're open on Saturday? Hmm
Contact info:
The James A. Michener Center for Writers
702 East Dean Keeton Street
Austin, Texas 78705
Phone: (512) 471-1601
Fax: (512) 471-9997
E-mail: mcw@www.utexas.edu