I like the Star Trek reference! Thanks for sharing

“That question is just as pointless as the other. What is the meaning of a rock? What is the purpose of an earthworm? What is the significance of blue? There are no answers, because they are not mere symbols that represent, stand for [mean] some thing or convey some idea: they are the actual thing or manifestation.”

@Vera Mont

If we are viewing these things from an objective standpoint, then you are correct. But meaning is subjective. A rock is not a symbol (objectively), but it could be a symbol (subjectively), if we apply a meaning to it. The color blue can be a symbol, in various contexts. In a painting, blue can symbolize sadness. Furthermore, human beings can become symbols. Martin Luther King Jr. is a symbol of the civil rights movement. Husayn is a symbol of martyrdom for the Islamic faith. Mother Theresa is a symbol of virtue (if you believe that she lived a virtuous life), and Viktor Frankl is (in my opinion) a role model. He is a symbol of various qualities that I would like to emulate.

Now, to wrap up my thoughts…

Meaning is subjective, so I don’t believe there can be a definitive answer to “the meaning of life”. But that’s why I love this question! In attempting to answer it, we reveal more about ourselves than we do about the nature of reality. And in doing so, I get to connect with people who view life differently than myself.

Thank you for the conversation. If you have any other thoughts, feel free to share

You have some very good points. By simply asking “what’s the meaning of life?” humanity has distinguished itself from the rest of the animal kingdom. I raise another question, which I think is related to the topic: What does it mean to be human?

A human being is born into a very specific set of circumstances: we are born into a family (or lack thereof), living in a specific era of history, in a town, within a state, within a national community, which all takes place on the grand stage of planet earth. This is the setting for our lives. The people in our circles are the characters in the story (including ourselves). As we go through life, we are faced with challenges and must make decisions. These challenges and decisions create the plot, and move the story onward. Furthermore, these experiences cause us to transform; to grow, or diminish; to find glory or shame. Everything that happens to a human being, and every decision they make forms the story of their life.

Simply put, a human being is a story: from birth to death. And we can become stories that inspire others to rise up to greatness, or to live in the shadows. We can inspire others to live a noble life, or a desperately wicked life. And we can also be inspired by others, as I have been inspired by all of you to join in on this discussion.

In regards to the meaning of life, I will say that I find meaning in connecting with others through intellectual discussions. I have had a great morning drinking my coffee and reading what you all have to say. Thank you for all of your posts.