testify

Sep 02, 2009 13:39

Justify your existence.

(Answer in any sense you wish, whatever floats your boat. Thanks!)

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jonathankaplan September 14 2009, 15:43:51 UTC
I thought the replies were thoughtful and covered a lot of ground. Thank you.

For me, the hedonist-type approach was my earliest justification. I exist to experience. But after awhile I realized all the experience I was having were occurring after numerous other humans had already done them. What made it special that I experience it also? Nothing.
Then I took the more existential approach. I am here because I am here. That has the advantages of being simply understood obviously correct on some level. But the very simplicity of the understanding made it too simple for me to believe, and in the end, this thinking was too unsatisfying anyway.
Then I met and became involved with Cathy's family. I now have kids and grandkids, and Cathy herself. I couldn't justify my existence in a way that used only me as the proof, at least, as much justification as I thought I wanted. But now I can see my actions in relation to their lives. And I can see that the best justification is their relationship to me.
Maybe for many humans the best justifications are in relationship to other humans. If we are to survive well, some of us need to help and support others of us. Maybe that is my best role.
Maybe we'll see.
Maybe.

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