Having audaciously declared my free agency in an impossible universe, I am not so arrogant to think that I can navigate the mystery all alone…
Surely there are many things true and useful to learn from billions of experienced souls, past and present.
And so, impassioned by the sincere hope to make sense of my confusing world I spent decades seeking knowledge and wisdom from every source I could find–spanning the sacred and secular, conservative and liberal, masculine and feminine, ancient and modern, eastern and western, mainstream and fringe, and everything in between and beyond.
I devoured the library, surveyed the world’s religions, absorbed the sciences hard and soft, and ventured to foreign lands.
Along the way, I made three empowering discoveries:
First, most humans are profoundly anxious and perplexed about almost everything.
Second, there is no consensus on why we are here.
And third, nobody else, no matter how learned, experienced, clever, or wise, can tell me the meaning of my life.
That is something I have to work out (discover and create) for myself.
learn more… Finding My Religion
I think we probably have to make our own meaning. I too have spent a lifetime in search for the answers to these questions and have found no option other than that of Churchill: keep buggering on.
Indeed, Anthony. And thanks for adding a bit of Churchill’s pithy wisdom and call for courage. Keep on buggering on, mate. Cheers!
A sober view that might unsettle a few, or be dismissed by those with religious faith. That said, Frank, I am usually onboard with you, Frank, as I am here. My only divergence is that I have long since given up looking for a meaning, but remain satisfied to do a bit of good in the world and enjoy things like watching my grandchildren grow.
Sounds like we are in violent agreement yet again, dear friend. As the meaning I’ve discovered in my waning years is to matter to others in whatever way I can… doing precisely what you shared: do a bit of good and matter to my family and friends.
BTW, a gentle reminder that you matter more than you may know… as your presence here, as always, is a powerful medicine for me. Thanks and Peace.
The least I can do, Frank. I hope to see you in person some day.
I feel the same about meeting in person some day. What are you up this summer?
I am in Boston for a few days beginning next week and then back in the Chicago area.
Copy that, Doctor Stein. Stay tuned for more reaching out on my part… will probably takes several weeks as I sort out my summer schedule.
I am a patient man, Frank, especially with the possibility of which we speak. Thanks.
I am going to do my level best to make it happen at a time and place that’s convenient for you, my friend. It’s going to be famous!