What are some historical examples of humankind’s undying quest to find the meaning of life?

Answer: Over one hundred billion people have lived on the earth, and many would have contemplated the meaning of life.

Contrary to popular belief, the answer is probably not the number 42. In ninth century Saxon England, a good age to reach was 45. Today life expectancy is above 80.

Legendary British seaman Jackie Fisher, the ‘dancing admiral’, said there were four things needed for ‘a big life.’ One. A great Inspiration. Two. A great Cause. Three. A great Battle. Four. A great Victory.

One Ancient Greek philosopher said the only reason we’ve been put on this earth is ‘to develop every virtue and strength’.

Focusing more on pleasure, French marshal Petain said that ‘all that matters in life is food and sex’.

Almost fifty years ago Canadian rocker Neil Young sang ‘it’s better to burn out than to fade away’. In his 70s today, he thankfully has done neither.

Irish playwright and wit Oscar Wilde said that “we have a duty to be cheerful”. He tested that philosophy when he was sentenced to two years hard labour in 1895.

Writer William Hazlitt said ‘the last pleasure in life is the sense of discharging our duty‘.

Source: A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell; General Historical Texts

More at: History

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