Comment by redcobra762
2 years ago
Philosopher Susan Wolf talks about the "meaningful life" as, "lives of active engagement in projects of worth." A classic example that is given about how important both are is the idea that while one can actively engage in digging a hole in their backyard, it won't lead to a "meaningful life" because it's not a "project of worth."
This hobby I suppose could serve either as a strong counterpoint, or would reveal a whole bunch of empty souls. Up to you to decide which.
Is it ironic to pick up a hobby of digging a hole to fill that hole in your soul? For some of these people, it could be "meaningful" enough - after all, meaning and value are subjective. Or, perhaps the very meaninglessness has value for them, like a game without a practical purpose.
The nihilistic view is that nothing matters anyways. The sun will die. It doesn’t matter if you are Bill Gates. In 1,000 years, most traces of our existence would have been forgotten. Look at the ancient kingdoms and rulers. Sure, the pharaohs we care about, but some random king elsewhere? Maybe not.
That's the nihilistic future. The optimistic future sees the human raise up further and further and beyond the solar system. Not as humans anymore, but evolved. There is no limit.