COMMENSAL ISSUE 96


The Newsletter of the Philosophical Discussion Group
Of British Mensa

Previous Article in Current Issue

Number 96 : April 1999

Next Article in Current Issue


ARTICLES
10th April 1998 : Graham Dare

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE ?

What is the meaning of Life ?

There are 3 plausible explanations :-

Do we exist to spread happiness, pursue knowledge or protect our own species from extinction ?

Unfortunately, not all three can happen. Although the pursuit of knowledge brings us medicines and inventions, which bring us a better quality of life, knowledge also brings us weapons which bring us misery and possible extinction.

So, we must, at all costs, ensure our human development keeps pace with the development of weapons, and try to slow the weapon development by boycotting the produce of countries that are developing weapons, and by trying to educate the peoples of these countries by the spread of spiritualism.

Graham Dare


Graham : well, that’s the final letter in your series. As you might guess, I’m in sympathy with your thoughts here as little as on previous occasions. Not that I think weapon-mongering is a good thing per se. However, why should there be a meaning to life ? Why should we exist for anything ? If we do, why should the three possibilities you suggest top the list ? Interestingly, the March 1999 issue of New Internationalist informs me that of arms exported, 49% come from the US & 25% from the UK. So, boycotting begins at home !

Theo



Previous Article in Current Issue (Commensal 96)
Next Article in Current Issue (Commensal 96)
Index to Current Issue (Commensal 96)