We’re going to get a little heavy today, thanks to Keith in Denver, and discuss the ever-elusive meaning of life.  Many of us, religiously faithful or otherwise, cling hopefully to the notion that through all of life’s ups and downs, pitfalls and successes, there is some underlying sense to it all.  The efforts we put into this roller coaster ride of existence certainly can’t be for naught. Right? Right? 

Well, I’d like to introduce a concept that may not be all that popular with those of you who are driven by a higher power or a divine purpose. 

There simply is no meaning to life. 

Mankind, as a species, has evolved from our basic, animalistic ancestors into deliberate and complex beings, with an appreciation for art, knowledge and technology.  One of the side dishes which was served with this meal of distinction, however, is hubris. 

As far as animals go, we are pretty darn egotistical.  

Oh, I’m sorry, did I offend you just now by referring to you as an animal?  Forgive me, but that is exactly what we are.  We are, deep down, on the same level as bears, apes, dogs, cats, duck-billed platypus.  We possess instincts to hunt, to defend, to fight, protect, nurture.  Our animal instincts drive us to procreate, thus furthering the species. 

Christians of all kinds are familiar with the concept of original sin.  A fable, if you will (as I will refer to it here solely in an effort to remove any theological spin), depicting man’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden upon consuming the fruit of knowledge.  Historical artifacts now suggest that this fable actually emerged out of true life events.  Theory has it that early man thrived around the area of the fertile crescent, where food was naturally bountiful, and thus led a fairly relaxed lifestyle of hunting and gathering.  Without having to worry about farming or harvesting (i.e. manual labor), early man was free to appreciate arts and culture, which is apparent in markings and monuments found near the original sites.  As public gatherings increased, so did the need to feed the increasing numbers of ‘townsfolk’, if you will, who would gather in a communal area for ceremonies and celebrations.

This increase in headcount, naturally, led to the need to harvest the land.  No longer able to get by on a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, man was forced to till the land, thus beginning a never-ending cycle of labor.  Gone were the carefree days of Eden…some would say, because we learned. 

As we’ve grown to a more complex species, capable of understanding things far beyond the mental capacities of other animals, we have lost sight of what we truly are: animals.  There is no greater meaning behind life than what we as humans assign to it, and there is nothing wrong with that.  Each of us must create our own meaning, our own purpose – otherwise, we grow complacent, bumptious, vain.  And nothing good can come of that.

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