What is the meaning of life?
1. This age old question has always interested me. It is probably the most broad question ever pondered, and I am fascinated by all the answers to this question. I feel like the meaning of life is making a lasting impact. When I think back to my past, the people and places I remember still affect me today, leading me to believe that if I can make one change in the world and smile at one person every day and they will in turn smile at someone else, setting off a chain of events and good intentions that can ultimately save someones life. Sort of like the butterfly effect. Helping others is very important to me and I try to do it as much as I can, but not in the fake, sucking up sort of way, but in a meaningful and caring passion. Like my neighbor Aaron. He always would skateboard with me as a little kid, even though I was years younger and considerably less talented. He always picked me up and helped me out, and I never thought about how he could be hanging out with his other friends that are my age. Suddenly, he died when he was 14 years old in a terrible accident. I will never forget the morning I went over to play with him and his mom said I couldn't play with him anymore because he was gone. Tat hit me pretty hard. As I think back on it, I realize all he taught me: compassion, trust, friendship and I know that through me, he is still living in a way. I want to be just like that.
2. Another book I've read that relates to the big question is Beowulf. He is a heroic character, always fighting for good to triumph over evil. In the face of death he scoffs and charges right at it, not knowing if he will live or die but trying anyway. The key to life for Beowulf is to live each day to the fullest and protect those he loves, not run away in the face of danger and hide behind someone else. Life back then was very arduous and rough, but he pressed on with a heroic like quality that still has meaning and application in today's world. People like that, remembered ones, are who I strive to become.
3. In The Sun Also Rises , I noticed a theme of hedonism and not living life to the fullest extent possible. So in a way, I want to be the exact opposite of characters such as Brett and Jake, constantly drinking and having a good time, and more like Romero, who presses on each day and laughs at the faces of bulls as he steps aside to evade them for the final kill. The meaning of life for these cahracters is nothing more than a depressed meandering in a lost river of people and culture, and I want to differ immensely from them and make an impact on those around me.