Serenity is the feeling that nothing is a waste of time

[Jaded Sage]

I am still unclear what you yourself mean by meaning.

I'm thinking of "meaning" as only that which we define something to mean.

So when people are in search of the meaning of life they are in search of the definition of life?

That. Actually might be genius.

[marjoram_blues]

This was so close to being actual philosophy.

Can I be brutally honest? I'd be embrassed to put thoughts like this on the internet. It's a cowardly thing to run away from a point. At least one of you tried.

Please tell me what is embarrassing about the posters expressing their thoughts on this thread?
The terms 'cowardly' and 'brave' have been increasingly sprinkled about the PN forum re contributions, or lack thereof. How helpful do you think this is in promoting a good atmosphere within which people can explore their thoughts/beliefs, or not - as they see fit?

Such a judgement about a thread's, or poster's, content or value is both premature and demeaning.

Thoughts? Nothing. Thoughts are beautiful. Bullshit is embarassing.

I think it might be helpful to inform a coward of what is cowardly. Running away and dodging a point, and changing the subject when inappropriate are cowardly acts. They demean themselves. The comments I myself have made are post-mature.

Thoughts expressed in writing can be described as beautiful in themselves or as a work in progress.Some posts may prove to be challenges rather than what some might dismiss as 'bullshit'. Challenges by a devil are not necessarily embarrassing.

It is not at all helpful to judge and call out any contributor as a coward, even if not specifically named.
Far too strong an insult.

[Jaded Sage]

Calling bullshit beautiful is part of the problem. So is calling cowardice anything other than cowardice.

[alpha]

Thoughts? Nothing. Thoughts are beautiful. Bullshit is embarassing.

I think it might be helpful to inform a coward of what is cowardly. Running away and dodging a point, and changing the subject when inappropriate are cowardly acts. They demean themselves. The comments I myself have made are post-mature.

Thoughts expressed in writing can be described as beautiful in themselves or as a work in progress.Some posts may prove to be challenges rather than what some might dismiss as 'bullshit'. Challenges by a devil are not necessarily embarrassing.

It is not at all helpful to judge and call out any contributor as a coward, even if not specifically named.
Far too strong an insult.

talking to jaded, would make anyone jaded.

[marjoram_blues]

Calling bullshit beautiful is part of the problem. So is calling cowardice anything other than cowardice.

Everything is beautiful in its own way...sing along now...

[Jaded Sage]

I'm just trying to say philosophy is no place for cowards. You have to challenge your own opinions and grow past the vulgar need to seem right. Also pseudo-intelligence is ugly because it causes us to see unsmart things as beautiful and smart things as unbeautiful. A true view of this kind of person would make anyone jaded. A true view of philosophy would make anyone the opposite. I have spoken my piece. Only back to the original question for me now.

[marjoram_blues]

I'm just trying to say philosophy is no place for cowards. You have to challenge your own opinions and grow past the vulgar need to seem right. Also pseudo-intelligence is ugly because it causes us to see unsmart things as beautiful and smart things as unbeautiful. A true view of this kind of person would make anyone jaded. A true view of philosophy would make anyone the opposite. I have spoken my piece. Only back to the original question for me now.

The bravery of philosophy; yes - a whole other topic.
What was your original question again?

[Jaded Sage]

The original question was whether people are actually speaking about unhappiness instead of meaninglessness. But I think we should have to start with a definition of meaning.

[Hobbes' Choice]

i meant "do you know the meaning of death?". the only way to know, is to have died, and come back, at least once.

Rubbish. This perfectly exemplifies the fact that you do not understand the meaning of death.
There is no coming back- that's why they call it death.

it's like talking to a wall.

I suggest you let yourself out of your self imposed prison.

[marjoram_blues]

The original question was whether people are actually speaking about unhappiness instead of meaninglessness. But I think we should have to start with a definition of meaning.

Thanks for clarification. I was hooked by the Serenity title and quote which seemed to be the significant issue.

[alpha]

hobbes, are you seriously suggesting that you know more about death than the rest of us? do you know something we don't?

no one knows what death really is, and what awaits us beyond this life (if anything).

i think we're all in the same boat when it comes to our knowledge (or lack thereof) concerning death.

[Hobbes' Choice]

The original question was whether people are actually speaking about unhappiness instead of meaninglessness. But I think we should have to start with a definition of meaning.

If you define meaning, then you'd find you would have to try to define the words you use to describe meaning - where would it end?
And what do I mean "describe"?

i.e. Meaning -what is meant by a word, text, concept, or action. what is meant by meant?

[Jaded Sage]

I think we should have to start with a definition of meaning.

If you define meaning, then you'd find you would have to try to define the words you use to describe meaning - where would it end?

It would end in a dictionary, a more-precise-than-normal philosopher's dictionary.

[Hobbes' Choice]

I think we should have to start with a definition of meaning.

If you define meaning, then you'd find you would have to try to define the words you use to describe meaning - where would it end?

It would end in a dictionary, a more-precise-than-normal philosopher's dictionary.

You are missing the point.

[SpheresOfBalance]

I have heard that serenity is the feeling that nothing is a waste of time. When people ask about the meaninglessness of life are they really asking about the unhappiness of their own lives? If so, I think it might help to be outright about it.

The only serene truth is to realise that every moment is meaningless.
So your transgressions upon others have no meaning, thus no regret, thus no required apologies, thus you can do what ever the hell you want, right. I dare you to go into a biker bar and meaninglessly punch one in the face, and tell them they're all a bunch a pussies. I believe you'll find, meaning, regret, apology and a sense that you should, "do unto others as you would have others do unto you," lickety-split. What do you think? Better yet, just shoot yourself in the head right now, if life is meaningless, not a problem right? I dare you.

I mean your tired old diatribe from various threads is all starting to come together, showing you for what you are. Selfish is the word that comes to mind.

And time is not a quantity that has any value capable of being wasted.

There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on every beach on the earth. Your life means nothing and, each moment means less.

Life is what one makes it, and in so doing the meaning is clear. It's just a shame that some pollute the waters of life with such selfish thoughtless BS. Of course it's usually only a means to verbally pound on ones chest, so as to appear wise, strong, smart, fearless, etc, etc, etc. Depending on ones particular current state of actual maturity and wisdom, which changes with time, so pay words of futility no mind. Folks, life is what one makes it! It's like an erector set, you can build any meaning your mind is capable of imagining.