I was attempting to explain to someone a portion of the philosophy behind my own interpretation of absurdism and how I relate that to my own life. I did a poor job, unfortunately. Because, well, I have a terrible tendency to think of better ways to explain concepts once I've been removed from the situation that calls for the explanation. I don't believe I'm isolated in this, nevertheless it's annoying and frustrating.

So how should I explain my own philosophy on life, without going into such detail as to create an epidemic of boredom among all those who would endeavor to listen?

First, and this may surprise some - I admit that I hold myself to no standard religious doctrine. Or, to be more blunt, I don't believe in God. That's not to say that I don't respect those who do. I fully believe that everyone has the right to believe as they will, and that every individual must discover the beliefs that best suit. If God works for you, then I'm certainly don't have a problem with that. I respect the beliefs of anyone who will respect mine. Besides that, while I'm aware beliefs are important, I'm of the opinion that people separating themselves from each other due to some religious differences is absolutely ridiculous. I would like to think that general thought has progressed beyond such a stage. Now, back to the topic at hand...

Ok, with that established, readers may deduce that I wouldn't believe in an afterlife - that would be correct. I see our life, THIS life as the only one we have. I think one of the problems that *some* people have, is that they may tend to focus more on what comes after, as opposed to the present reality. I feel that kind of thought cheats the person of truly getting the most out of life.

So, the whole of life could be described as a progression through three simple stages: We are born, we live, and then we die. Looked at in the context of the whole of civilization - from the beginning to the current stage, amongst all the people of the earth - it seems so incredibly, even disastrously miniscule and pointless. There is no God, there is no more. What the hell are we, after all, to think we the individual equates to so much? It's absurd! Forays into such philosophy is dangerous, because not only does it offend, but it may also lead to depression. The trick, of course, is to take the absurdness of it - and run.

Think of it more as a liberation, a granting of sudden freedom. Remember that the earliest philosophers realized that they had to admit "I know nothing" before any true and meaningful postulations could occur. If I accept the equation of my life, then I may allow myself to advance to the next stage.

Realization, that life is more precious than it ever seemed before. Every moment, every second is something that we can never get back, because this is it. So why languish in an apathetic existence, never to take advantage of what we have? There is infinitely more to existence. Take advantage of it! There is no excuse for wasting away. Seek those things that are true and good in life. Discover the self-actualization that everyone in this world so craves. I believe self-actualization to be the key to everything; the key to finding and living the best life we can live. It sounds so much like the anthem sung by the "live in the now" rockers and like-minded people, but for crying out loud, it's true. Search for happiness, and even if it's found keep going! There isn't a formula for this, because each person is an individual, and will find actualization through different channels. The important thing is to do it, or die fighting for it, because at least there - we have a purpose.

The final stage is to follow through. Philosophizing about life, talking the big talk of someone who proposes to the world that he/she is enlightened is one thing, but doing it is completely another. For myself, it's like a fight everyday trying to live this life that I so crave. But it drives me forward, and has through the years. I've been to Europe, I've been to Australia, I've stood on Canadian shores and watched the waters of both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans wash upon our beaches. Yet there is so much more to do, to see, and I'm damned well determined to go for it. Because those are the channels that bring me closer to true happiness.


So, I hope that serves as a slightly better explanation than any I've given in the past in regards to some of my personal beliefs on life. I did try to refrain from making it too lengthy. We all know things like this are far, far from simple - and doubtless I've left dozens of arguing points for the true philosophic nitpicker. So feel free to post your own thoughts.