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The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 9:47am On Nov 22, 2016 |
Intellectual honesty demands that we be sincere in all our contemplation and discussions about ourselves and our world, despite the perceived bleakness or harshness of the truth. It demands that we present a version of this truth, that is unbiased and unadulterated. When examining the issue of our existence, we should also parse this timeless and cardinal subject with the tools of intellectual honesty. When one accepts the non-existence of God, he has also tacitly subscribed to the notion of the objective meaninglessness of human existence. Because if God does not exist, then human existence has no objective meaning. Objective meaning in this context signifies a universally all encompassing truth about the reason for our existence. It means that we are basically just biological creatures, jettisoned into this small, inconsequential planet in a galaxy among infinite galaxies, to live, pass on our genes, and die. We are practically just vessels for genes and proliferation of life. And everything that happens in our lives, is just a vain endless struggle for survival. It means that the universe doesn't care about us and everything that happens in our world is futile and of no inherent meaning. A nonexistence of an objective meaning for our existence also suggests a nonexistence of objective morality. It means that there is no universal, axiomatic set of moral principles, and our definition and notions of morality, are relative and subjective. Anyone who arrives at this philosophical realization, would definitely feel a painful sting of despair. Such understanding could engender a cascade of negative feelings that could prompt such a person to give up on life. Undoubtedly, the understanding of the objective meaninglessness of life and the futility of human existence, is the heaviest intellectual burden for man to shoulder. But still, there are two ways humans can deal with this grim existential realization and loosen the burden. We could embrace the objective meaninglessness of life, and create a subjective one for ourselves, or we could lapse into denial, and supplant the truth with consoling lies. History has shown that man has always preferred the second option, not to say that the first option is the logical one to take. Actually, both options are illogical. The first option at it's face, seems like a fulfilling substitute, but is it? Of course not. It's not fulfilling. It never is. It's cowardice and a bashful attempt to circumvent the realities of truth. It's deciding to live a hedonistic existence of vain delusion and comforting untruths. Proponents of the first option tend to emphasize living in the present and enjoying it's benefits. But can we actually enjoy this present? The present presents it's share of pain and despair, which in most cases eclipses the intermittent ephemeral happiness. Given the unremitting presence of the agonizing existential understanding of the futility of our lives and the acknowledgement of it's bleak end, and the immanate vanity of the actions that precede it, the present will always be a sad, painful experience, interspersed with horrifying uncertainties. Humans have the natural tendency to develop hostility towards anything that threatens their sense of self. We have been hard wired with the aptitude to develop resentment for things that tend to lower how we perceive ourselves. The realization that we are experiencing an existence of no objective meaning, lowers our sense of self. It portrays us as objects with no real purpose, no different from animals we perceive as inferior creatures. The default reaction to a notion like this, is complete rejection, and the creation of a framework that persistently reinforces this rejection. The most efficient framework that bolsters this rejection, is the framework of religion. The framework of religion is so effective because it reinforces the rejection of the futility of our existence, by claiming for itself the objective meaning for human existence. It also solves the problem of the non existence of objective morality, as it provides a set "objective moral principles" for it's adherents to subscribe to. Religion tends to the most difficult problem around existence and meaning, which is what happens after humans die. It does this by painting a dichotomous picture of the after life, one that is pleasing enough to entice people, but at the same time scary enough to elicit obedience and devotion. In the face of our existential angst, religion seems a more preferable path to tread. It's an escape from the true horrors of reality and the agonizing acknowledgement of the futility of our existence. It gives people a reason to live. It gives people hope. It makes people feel special. Religion is truly the opium of the masses, because it helps alleviate their pain, by consoling and comforting them with dreams and hopes. It gives people a reason to be moral, a reason to do good. It's a rope that prevents people from falling into the torturing pits of truth. Not everyone is intellectually strong to carry the weight of the acceptance of the objective meaninglessness of human existence. Some people are just weak and need religion to rescue them from shouldering this excrutiatingly heavy burden. For this reason, religion will always exist and continue to persist. Despite the overwhelming avalanche of tenable arguments that will be put forward against it, despite the flaws and glaring contradictions that would be pointed, despite the overt negative effects that is observable in our society, religion will always have subscribers. People find it hard to let go of something that comforts them and makes them happy, and they will aggressively defend it against anything that tries to take it away from them, even reason. 13 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by taurus25(m): 10:15am On Nov 22, 2016 |
Beautiful write up |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 10:16am On Nov 22, 2016 |
taurus25: Your paradoxical reply is much appreciated. 1 Like |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by taurus25(m): 10:19am On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear:paradoxical? ......calm down bro |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 10:24am On Nov 22, 2016 |
taurus25: What I actually meant by my statement, was that in terms of the premise of my write-up, there isn't anything inherently beautiful about it. It's a grotesque expression of the grim truth about our existence, and hence your description of it as beautiful, is paradoxical. But I made the statement on a jocular note. Nothing too serious. Thanks for appreciating it. 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by taurus25(m): 10:37am On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear:your welcome! |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by urahara(m): 10:59am On Nov 22, 2016 |
Nice write up. Painful and true |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Blaqsmith(m): 11:10am On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear:Thought-provoking! |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 11:22am On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear: Human existence is not meanigless . If it is, why not commit suicide now? We were created for a reason. Hence the need to br guided to be able to fulfill that reason. Hence the need for morals and also belief in a reward for both the good and wicked if not on earth, then in the afterlife. Simple. 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 11:32am On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor: Good question. Why not commit suicide now? The answer is simple. It's because we have been evolutionarily ingrained with the desire to survive, and this desire to survive it so powerful that it effaces any grim conviction we have about the nature of our existence. It would take an immense level of courage and callous indifference towards the experiences of those that are engulfed in the illusion of love for us, to actually decide to not exist. I already explained your second paragraph. 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by KingEbukasBlog(m): 11:33am On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor: Grizzlybear there is nothing actually new about what you wrote , its called Nihilism . And this philosophical doctrine has been in existence for centuries . Most atheists subscribe to nihilism . No wonder most atheists have no animus to make prominent achievements through out their lives because they think human existence/life is meaningless and purposeless . That explains why the atheists on Nairaland dont make judicious use of their time - its vastly spent on criticizing believers day and night , week in , week out . Grizzlybear , nihilism can be devastating to a sound mind and can lead to hopelessness , bitterness and even induce suicidal thoughts . There are also so many disadvantages of being a nihilist (one who subscribes to nihilism or sees life as meaningless ) - this includes committing abominable despicable acts against humanity like being a serial rapist , serial killer etc with no scruples . Say no to Nihilism ! 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by KingEbukasBlog(m): 11:35am On Nov 22, 2016 |
This article has actually exposed atheists and the lonely sad lives they live - the kind of thoughts that run through their minds , another cogent proof that atheists are naturally underachievers with no moral compass . What's the point of achieving ? What's the point of being good ? Grizzlybear have you read winner01's thread , Atheism : A bold representive of futulity and hopelessness: Read here : https://www.nairaland.com/3246389/atheism-bold-representative-futility-hopelessness Plus according to a research by Barna Group , atheists and agnostics in America were more likely, than theists in America, to look upon the following behaviors as morally acceptable: excessive drinking; illegal drug use; sexual relationships outside of marriage; abortion; cohabitating with someone of opposite sex outside of marriage; obscene language; gambling; pornography and obscene sexual behavior; and engaging in homosexuality/bisexuality All these moral depravities shown by most atheists because they believe life is meaningless and purposeless . 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nihilist: 11:48am On Nov 22, 2016 |
KingEbukasBlog: I have zero issues whatsoever thank you very much... |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by KingEbukasBlog(m): 11:59am On Nov 22, 2016 |
Nihilist: Self deceit |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 12:05pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor:so what the reason for man's existence aside feed and breed? |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 12:25pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
aaronson: "Feed and breed" already nullifies "meaningless". By the way, read my post. I already explained your question. |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 12:27pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
KingEbukasBlog: I hear u my brother. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 12:31pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear: You have been evolutionarily ingrained with will to survive? And yet you were not scientific enough to ask "why so"? Your science decided to stop there, abi? Besides where is the evidence for the evolutionarily ingraination you are talking about? 1 Like |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by KingEbukasBlog(m): 12:37pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor: Grizzlybear made a huge mistake posting this write-up . Anytime he criticizes religious people , I'll show him his very words where he explicitly mentions that life is meaningless and purposeless. Does he think any company would accept a nihilist as an employee Nihilists like Grizzlybear are seen as negatives to development . Vladimir Lenin saw religion as a negative to human development but in reality nihilism which atheists like Grizzlybear subscribe to is the negative to human development .Nihilism inherently stymies human development . Why will anyone be galvanized to pursue knowledge and success or be morally good while he believes life is meaningless and purposeless . 3 Likes |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 12:46pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor:That didn't nullify meaninglessness as lesser animals aren't so ambitious as human to give life a meaning. Yes! Human as well as Animals feed and breed but Animals don't go around worshiping a sky daddy they smarter than that. 1* What do human and Animals have in common? Basic instinct to feed and breed. * Is that an utmost meaning to live or survival? Survival. 2* What differentiate human from Animals? Rational thinking * Is that an utmost reason man gets so ambitious and gives meaning to life? Yes. * what are the meaning man gives to life? God Religion Politics Societal stratification Societal norms Marriage Wealth accumulation Fun and leisure Career Technological improvement for easier living Luxury Power and respect etc. Now tell which animal strive to own all of those listed above. 1 Like |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 12:53pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor: Replying you is synonymous to putting my brain in an oven. It's an immensely intellectually excruciating experience. You are so ignorant about how everything in the world works. Arguing with you is pure torture. I'd rather argue with a 5 year old than argue with you, because at least a 5 year old would ask more intelligent questions than you. Pick up a evolutionary biology text book and read. Thanks. 11 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 1:09pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
KingEbukasBlog: Saying the truth is never a mistake. You actually see this whole thing as a battle between christians and atheists? Lol. You are so sad. This thread and everything I have posted about religion is me being honest about the nature of my world. I am not a coward. I won't cower under lies. I'll say the truth, despite how it hurts. You know nothing about nihilism and I won't even bother arguing with you about it. Just read a comprehensive philosophical book about nihilism and inform yourself. Nihilism doesn't nullify empathy, neither does it hobble the expression of one's talents. And these are the tools that allow humans to live moral and positively impactful lives. But creating this thread wouldn't stop me from pointing out the flaws and inanity immanent in your religious beliefs. 5 Likes |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by KingEbukasBlog(m): 1:10pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear: Enough of these escape tactics . It is fallacious to dismiss someone's argument as not worthy of consideration (pooh pooh ) . You brought up an argument , defend it ! 1 Like |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by jonbellion(m): 1:10pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear:chaii!! 6 Likes |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by KingEbukasBlog(m): 1:19pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear: Even atheist German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche saw Nihilism as a dangerous philosophy . Though actually being an atheist makes you a nihilist . He rejected the idea of living without meaning or purpose . Nihilism doesn't nullify empathy, neither does it hobble the expression of one's talents. And these are the tools to allow humans to live moral and positively impactful lives.You know nothing about nihilism and I wouldn't even bother arguing with you about it. Just read a comprehensive philosophical book about nihilism and inform yourself. I know Nothing of nihilism while all I've done on this thread is to expose the dangers of nihilism . Nihilism simply means living without meaning or purpose - this inherently inhibits any motivation to succeed , pursue knowledge or be morally good . But creating this thread wouldn't stop me from pointing the flaws and inanity immanent in your religious beliefs. Nihilism has conspicuous flaws and I wont hesitate to point them out to you . You know nothing about nihilism ! 1 Like |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 1:21pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear: Oh so, u have faith in a textbook yet have problem with faith in the bible. You are depressed bro. Human existence is meaningful. Get a behavioral therapist. 3 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by Nobody: 1:26pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
felixomor: Can the internet just ban this guy for life? Witnessing this level of brazen ignorance could cause brain cancer. 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 1:27pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
aaronson: So u have finally reduced your existence to the level of animals who dont have a soul nor a consciousness. Congrats. "Rationality" as given by what? Who designed you to be "rational" that left the animals not to be "rational"? Who programmed your DNA to Form the rational brain while you were still in your mother's womb? Think deep. Dont float on the waters. I doubt if u can or will, though. |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 1:28pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear: You are a threat to existence bro. If u keep thinking such things, Honestly. 2 Likes |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by felixomor: 1:31pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
KingEbukasBlog: people like him end up in authority, The outcomes could be like those in the times of Stalin, and Mao of China. 2 Likes |
Re: The Meaninglessness Of Human Existence And The Immortality Of Religion. by juicydiceyjoe(m): 1:37pm On Nov 22, 2016 |
GrizzlyBear:I'm really curious about how you think. So, if there is no purpose in life and the only thing keeping you from committing suicide is some genetic stuff. Why do anything else. So all you do is just eat to keep surviving? Why read, why acquire knowledge, why discuss ideas and argue. If there is no purpose in life, all you will do is eat to keep surviving and avoid harmful things as much as you can. Anything else you do stems from purpose. 1 Like 1 Share |
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