The Answer (and Question) to Life, the Universe, and Everything
Hatrack’s work, and that of all internet forums, is done. With this thread, we arrive at the ultimate solution to all our vexing philosophical issues. The rest is commentary, and that can be left to the blogs.
It is telling that we often state the Question as “What is the purpose of life?” This is not the question, but it provides the vital clue.
What does it mean for something to have a purpose? An asteroid spinning through a vacuum appears to have no purpose. A book being used to prop up a table leg has a different purpose depending on whom we consider: for the author, it’s purpose may be to express the idea, while for the owner of the table, or perhaps for the table itself, the purpose is to even out the table. An object’s purpose is wholly defined in relation to external objects.
Now, a simple syllogism. An object only has a purpose in relation to other objects. Therefore, if a mind can perceive the object as having a purpose, the mind must be able to perceive, and deem significant, at least one other object.
Therefore, if something has a purpose, it is not the whole of existence.
Therefore, the whole of existence does not have a purpose.
Therefore, we will only have comprehended the whole of existence when it no longer seems to DO anything.
Existence will only be significant in that it is Existence, as proven by its lack of meaningful action. That will be its beauty.
The question, then, is “What is everything?”
And the answer can be recognized in that, when it is first spoken, it feels deeply familiar to everyone, and is attributed to whoever they believe is the most intelligent artist of their generation.
quote:"But what does it do?" "Do? It doesn't DO anything. That's the beauty of it."