The path to Tranquility (summer)
97. Understanding the objective meaning of life
The meaning of life is not only why we live, but also the reason for our existence and the guide for our actions. This meaning is not only contained in the individual, but also can be a value shared by the group, and even runs through the entire life collection. The individual and the group are interdependent, and the group is integrated into the overall life. Therefore, the meaning of the overall life becomes the foundation and starting point of all existence.
Before the emergence of life, matter in the universe tended to be scattered and chaotic. However, the birth of life broke this state, regrouping the scattered and disordered elements and creating a new order. For example, plants transform carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and other elements into nutrients needed for life through photosynthesis; this process not only supports the survival of animals and humans, but also enables us to use Earth's resources to build spacecraft and explore the mysteries of the universe.
If the connection of life can spread to every corner of the universe, then the universe that might have fallen apart will transform into a vibrant whole. On the contrary, if life is lost, the earth will become lifeless, and the universe will return to silence and fall into a long wait. Therefore, the fundamental goal of life reflects the trend of cosmic evolution: eternal change and development.
Life has a clear mission and goal. First, at the most basic level, the mission of life is to survive - without survival, there is no life. Second, from the perspective of action, the primary goal of life is to pursue connection with the world, because only through this connection can life gain the power of sustainable development. From single cells to complex life to intelligent existence, all evolution revolves around two core elements: survival and connection.
Take a closer look at our lives: Whether we are hopeful about the future or not, we struggle for survival every day, trying to complete the most basic physiological activities such as breathing and eating. At the same time, we always desire to connect with others. If we feel lonely, we may even see the person we like in our dreams, and may feel sad because of losing contact. Whether it is the pursuit of intimacy or the yearning for group activities, it shows that isolated life is difficult to last long. Only by integrating into the whole can we truly continue and reproduce.
The themes of survival and connection are ubiquitous in human society, from the formation of the family to international cooperation. Whether it is promoting personal growth and self-realization or pursuing a good life, these two core concepts always run through our thoughts and actions, and their importance is hard to shake. If we forget these two concepts, our lives will fall into boredom and chaos.
The essence of life is to integrate everything and gather into a powerful force to promote the evolution of the entire universe. Taking humans as an example, we use technology to create a new order. During the Renaissance, artists used paintings to create rich life experiences; the modern International Space Station shows that humans can gain unlimited development possibilities through cooperative exploration of outer space. If life loses its creative spirit, the universe will inevitably decline. Therefore, maintaining the continuous evolution of the universe is the fundamental reason and highest value of life, which is reflected in our recognition of our own intrinsic value. It can be said that our intrinsic value corresponds to the ultimate instrumental value of the evolution of the universe and is also the ultimate meaning of all existence.
Looking at the big picture, the objective meaning of life is first survival, and second connection. As a subsystem of the universe, life represents the ultimate meaning and evolutionary direction of all existence. This requires us to constantly improve our self-awareness, pursue a better life, and continue to grow. Although eternal transformation is currently difficult to achieve, we can gradually approach this ideal because our consciousness itself contains eternal potential.
Understanding the objective meaning of life can give us a strong motivation and a clear direction. This enables us to more courageously use our abilities, wisdom and solidarity to break through the siege when facing challenges and difficulties. At the same time, this understanding helps us establish correct moral standards, reject any thoughts and practices that harm life, make our thoughts and actions conform to the essence of life, and thus achieve harmonious coexistence.
When we try to give life meaning beyond survival and connection, we often fall into the quagmire of subjectivity and uncertainty, and even cause anxiety and fear, which further damages life. In modern society, people who excessively pursue material wealth often ignore the emotional connection with family and friends, and ultimately feel lonely and empty. This pursuit that deviates from the fundamentals of life reminds us that the true meaning of life lies in a simple and unquestionable principle: survival and connection are the only way to freedom and eternity.
We can give our existence various meanings, but once these meanings deviate from the objective meaning of life, we will fall into fantasy or even despair. Whether it is wars in history or some radical revolutions in modern times, people often misunderstand the meaning of life and thus violate the purpose of life. The universe is full of hope because of life. If we force life to pursue a non-existent goal, it will not only waste precious time, but also blaspheme life.
To truly live out the meaning of life, we need to get rid of material pursuits and turn to a leap of consciousness. Consciousness is the real master of life. With only the most basic material support, countless possibilities can be revealed. Through deep reflection and inner awakening, we can get rid of the shackles of habits and emotions, reduce dependence on material things, and thus avoid the rigidity of consciousness. When we use reason and consciousness to establish a relationship of sharing life with others, we transcend the limitations of the flesh and achieve true soul fusion.
The objective meaning of life not only unifies our short-term and long-term goals and simplifies our lives, but also inspires us to continue learning, thinking and creating, so as to gradually understand our true self. As long as we coordinate the operation of sensibility and rationality and closely connect our thoughts and actions with the essence of life, we can let go of desires and attachments and meet the needs of life.
96. True happiness comes from loving each other
98. Acting for the purpose of life
