Richard Dawkin's view on the meaning of life was something that I found very interesting. He said that "Humans have always wondered about the meaning of life...life has no higher purpose than to perpetuate the survival of DNA...life has no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference." In this class so far, we have read about what people have to say about life, its meaning, and what we live for. From happiness to good and evil, we have heard a variety of ideas from different people. This quote goes against everything as it reminds us that in the end, we are animals too. We are here to reproduce and pass on our genes just like any other organism. The only thing that sets us apart in our higher cognitive ability. We create meaning and the thought that we are meant to be here for a reason; it keeps us moving, working, and part of the mechanical system that is modern day society. I am not saying that I agree with this, I just think that Richard is very blunt as he takes a more depressing standpoint on our existence. This quote makes me think about everything that humans have created. Social structure, religion, educational systems, the world’s tallest buildings, and name brand clothing have all been made in an effort to help distinguish ourselves from everyone else, “improve the way we work”, and really, give meaning to who we are as we strive for something better than what we currently possess.
Sometimes I do wonder about the meaning of my own life. Everyday I get up early in the morning to either swim or go to school, I go to all of my classes, go to practice, and go home to do my work; I go through the motions of my day without much thought. Why am I doing all of this? Perhaps to go to a good college?
Meaning comes into my life when I think about my path after high school is over. I want to be a doctor. Saving lives is something that I find value in and doctors go to extreme lengths to save any patient that comes in the door. When I think about the endpoint of my education, being a doctor, it makes the thought of 8 long years in school worth it. In the same way, teaching swim lessons and swimming gives me a purpose. I love being able to teach little kids how to swim and see them enjoy it as much as I do. Swimming has been part of my life for 7 years and it has become more than something to do, it has become part of who I am. While I do find my family, and friends meaningful, it is the little things and the activities beyond school that make me happy and make life even more meaningful. 