At one point in one^Òs life, he will come to some realization, develop a higher understanding of himself, or have an epiphany of some type. This one incident can change a person^Òs entire outlook on life including their beliefs and practices. There will be many notable events in one^Òs life, but there will be only few incidents in which one will come to a profound comprehension of his life or life in general. These few incidents are what create adversity in one^Òs self. The mental unease which comes along with these incidents is not usually long lasting, but embeds a dramatic concept to which one will often refer. A few years ago, I underwent one of these experiences in which I realized that life entailed no inherent meaning, but only that of which I could myself assign to my actions and despite this I must somehow find happiness in my life.
One will always perceive life and its events differently. Because of this, two entirely similar events may influence two individuals in the exact opposite directions. Persons can usually be associated with one of the traditional temperaments, which are phlegmatic, choleric, sanguine, and melancholic. These temperaments are representative of the four humors; phlegm, yellow bile, blood and black vile respectively. One will view and translate events based upon their own personal temperament. I find myself to be melancholic and in that, I find the most significance in seemingly insignificant events.
During my freshman year, I was writing a paper for English Class late one night. I recollect the paper was based on the views of Ernest Hemingway. In my frustration, I asked myself, How important is this paper? This was the first time I had ever asked myself this question. In all the assignments prior to this point I had never questioned their importance. In fact, I surprised myself with the answer. At that moment, I realized that the essay was completely unimportant and would not effect me in the long run. Upon this, I began to exam all the events of earlier in the day. I could not find any real meaning in any of these events. Suddenly and horrifically I came to the assumption that not only my life, but life in general was seemingly meaningless in the scheme of the universe.
With this conclusion I came to wonder, is life worth living? Up until this point I had found meaning in my life. In order to live productively, I understood that I must assign meaning to my life. In accepting this false meaning, I am able to survive. If one could not find any meaning in his life, it would be a depressing life that he would lead and probably seek suicide. When one dies, he is nothing. With death staring one in the face, one might ask himself was life at all important? If this individual was able to perceive meaning in his life, then the answer will be yes.
Happiness is found in toiling with one^Òs goals. After completing the paper I found happiness in my struggle of completing a meaningless task. Completing this paper put me one step closer in my ever-lasting goal of obtaining success. I feel that happiness is found in the effort to reach one^Òs aspirations. Without happiness life is not worth living.
All are condemned to death. No one knows exactly when the inevitable will come, but everyone knows it is inescapable. Knowing this, it is obviously difficult to ascertain meaning in one^Òs life, and in knowing this, it is obvious that life is universally meaningless. Life is only bearable if one can find a faux sense of happiness and meaning in his life.
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