Re: virus: 'Meaning of Life' Memes

D.H.Rosdeitcher (76473.3041@compuserve.com)
Thu, 4 Sep 1997 01:17:57 -0400


Tim wrote:
I wrote:
>> The memetic/evolutionary paradigm seems to imply that we invent our own
>> "meaning of life" since we create a memetic construct called 'meaning of
>> life'. Does having a view that we "make up" our own 'meaning of life'
>> lead to a sense of meaninglessness?

>I don't see why it should. Why would you want to make up a meaningless
>existence for yourself? If it's your choice, why wouldn't you make every
>moment filled with signifigance and richness?

It seems contradictory. But, apparently the existentialistic memeset, in
which freedom gets associated with meaninglessness is very popular.

>Both the simple peasant and the learned Zen master sweep the floor every
>morning. The Zen master realises that it is all pointless and without
>meaning, but he does it anyway. And that *is* the point.

I recently had an experience in which I suddenly understood certain koans.
But your statement I don't get. I don't know what you mean when you say
that the point is to do something pointless.
--David R.