wow- so many replies! but that's good! We are sharing ideas and some are ready to throw stuff at eachother!! Perfect!!
I think the main reason why I started this topic is because of what I read in my biology textbook on Phineas Gage. He was involved in a very serious brain accident where a tamping iron went right through his head. He survived, but the damage cut off certain circuits in his brain- circuits that made him responsible, self-consious, and in control of his emotions. After the accident, he would be like a child- throwing tantrums, lacking responsibility, having unimaginable fun- the highs and lows- If he saw something that made him happy, he laughed and danced. If he saw something sad, he would cry. What I find even more interesting- He even developed a love for animals and worked in stables to care for the horses. He died 12 years after the accident.
What I was beginning to wonder is if he was happier before or after the accident, in his own mind. If one of my friends does something stupid I find funny, I will avoid laughing- resist with all my might, the urge to laugh at him for the fear of what he may think of me. Gage would have laughed his head off, and got more out of his life than I would.
Gage's newfound innocence is almost what I would love- He was no longer so serious and organized, but would indulge in his interests, like animals. I am beginning to think he led a fuller life when he was free of embarassment and critisism from others.
SO how does this tie in to the meaning of Life? I dont know what the meaning of life is, but I think I should do everything I can to experience everything before I die. I only live once- I am worms meat when I die! Nothing else!!- The reason why I wanted to keep religion out of this is because it was designed by humans as a possible (ha!) explanation of their own existence. The big bang theory may not be the right answer, but it certainly makes more logical sense than christianity which, Janice, IS a religion-> You could say it is a relationship, but with who? or what? If no one had told you about Jesus, do you think you would have logically deduced him to be so special? It is merely rumours and popularity that make people worship other people. We are all the same, face it. Jesus is no different from you or me. How do you know he is the son of god? How do you know the "virgin Mary" wasnt just raped one night, but too embarrassed to say anything about it, so she cooked up the most unlikely event because she knew people would believe it, being the most unlikely event!
donjuan