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Meaning in a Godless Universe

Ed Poll
So, there’s no god.   What then? How can we find meaning in existence?
The Hudson Valley Humanists took on such questions at a recent meeting
entitled "Meaning in a Godless Universe”.

Can people who realize that spirit beings are fictional find meaning in this life without resorting to the ancient dogmatic guidelines?  Now that we’ve gone beyond superstition and discarded the pantheons of imagination what do we focus on?  Can we live ethically and harmoniously?  And what of our mortality, does life’s limited length dissolve all our efforts in time?

At our meeting humanists, atheist and agnostics sought answers to these existential questions.  As naturalists, we completely identify with life on this good earth and realize our lot lies nowhere else.  Nature and human society are our world.  Our finite life on earth can be meaningful and fulfilling if we make it so.

We are social animals.  Very important is the individual’s participation in society.  We join groups related to school, work, sports, hobbies, civic duties and many other formal and informal organizations.  It’s the community that provides a framework for meaning to individuals.  Humanists at the meeting stressed that building healthy relationships is the key to human happiness.

Our parents by example and instruction give us our first lessons in ethical behavior.  Society provides further moral training.  Several humanists felt that a democratic and socially concerned government structure offers people the best chance to develop their potential.  Guidance comes from many quarters.  Even adversity and loss can be profound teachers of what is truly significant in living.

“Enjoy life!” someone said.  Another added that activity and creativity makes life worth living.  One person mentioned that an attitude of kindness towards others pays dividends for all.  That’s a restatement of the timeless Golden Rule.

The humanistic world view sees people as part of nature.  Our genetic heritage has, via evolution, provided us with the physical attributes of personhood.  As we develop, we learn through our experiences, applying reason to build a ladder of values.  What we value stems from our experiences.  Many an octogenarian is still influenced by a charming childhood event.

Meaning has both a reliable fixedness and an intriguing flexibility.  Water cleanses, birds soar and the sun warms.  We can take comfort in consistency.  In the meantime, each action reshapes the future and new challenges arise.  No doubt that the meaning of life is not found in a single book.  The meaning of life is found by living it.

Ed Poll
Written November 12, 2005