Here we go ladies and gents. We have arrived at our favorite time of the semester (yet the most hectic.) This is the last post, so make it a good one.
Our topic this week was the serious doubter Albert Camus. His views on life seem rather conflicted and grim. In his "scorn of the gods" he tells the story of a man pushing a boulder up a mountain, over and over, with no progress. This metaphor represents the image of humanity in a world without god. We compared this metaphor to our lives and even though there is may be times full of pain, stress,despair, boredom, ect. we seek to find the good in life. Regardless, if we are living for an afterlife of some sorts I don't believe that this is any way to look at things. If this is the case we might as well end up moping around all day because eventually we all are going to die. Being that our group is full of "free thinkers" most of us our on the same page about not living for an afterlife, we all can agree that we still seek the good in life, and continue to keep on living.
I don't think we always have to make sense of our situation, but it's sometimes you just don't need that. I have my passions to live for; camping, sports,music, family, comedy. I don't need a template for happiness or fulfillment (or much less think there is one.) This absurdity can be replaced by things that we find joy in.
The detachment from the absurd can be replaced by things we find value in:
What are some of these things for you?
What are some of qualities, values, ethics that give meaning to your life?
What is your reaction to Camus' metaphor of the man pushing the stone up the mountain?
We also briefly discussed the role socioeconomic factors have on an individuals religious views. (As stated in class 88 percent of African Americans believe in God, with absolute certainty.)
A few minutes of the group discussion were spent bashing the Bush presidents. Like it or not. We pointed at the quote from Bush Sr.
" atheists should not be considered citizens or patriots".
Gee wiz. Do we still have that around in this day and age. And from the leader of our country?!?
For a country that prides itself on the word "freedom" , don't forget the FIRST amendment Mr. Bush.
Feel free to discuss anything else talked about in class.
See you all Wednesday!
No comments makes for a sad Kat, but whatevah! We haz good talkins anyway.
ReplyDeleteI was not present for this discussion, but I can answer the questions :)
The detachment from the absurd can be replaced by things we find value in:
What are some of these things for you?
Comics, Movies, Music, Singing, Dancing, Laughing, Smiling, Cooking, Eating, Reading, Writing, Doodling, Painting, Gaming, Baths, Comfy pajamas, Oddities, Trinkets that serve no purpose, Trinkets that serve a specific purpose, Turtles, Kittens, Discussions, Debates, [expletive deleted], and so many others...this list could fill a book.
What are some of qualities, values, ethics that give meaning to your life?
Honesty, Open-mindedness, Crystal Clear Communication, Loving yourself and others, Teaching in place of Insulting, Helping when I can and where I can, Looking on the bright side of life, P.L.U.R. n' such...
What is your reaction to Camus' metaphor of the man pushing the stone up the mountain?
I think it's pretty accurate. It's rather glum to think of it that way, but I can certainly see how and why someone would feel that way about life. What is the point? My answer has always been that the point of life is to live it. Who cares if there is or isn't something after death? If there is, cool beans. If not, at least I had an amazing time while I could. As any Vulcan would say, "It is a logical conclusion"
I love lists of "things we find value in"... like Woody Allen's "things that make life worth living," in his film Manhattan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmjzAf89r30
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