I think it is a question of trying to focus one's mind on whatever interests you. There is so much nowadays to stimulate the mind, and to focus too much on negative thoughts wastes the wealth of rewarding material available. You mention being a non-breeder but people are more than vehicles of procreation and can be of great value to others by way of interacting withGrotto19 wrote:I was posed with a difficult query, perhaps the first for which I had no answer nor an inkling or direction to head in. I was speaking to him about his depression, and it turned out not to be depression exactly it was more of an existential angst. You see this person had no idea what to do with his life.
He asked what should I do? To which I asked what do you want to do? What would you like to achieve? What matters to you? To which he said I don’t know. I asked “what matters to you”. He said “I like my dog but he will be gone in a few years.” I said “what about your family and your kids?” He said “they are almost all gone, my funeral won’t have many at it”.
At that moment his problem became my own problem as I too realized I am living for nothing. I too have no kids nor much family. And I too don’t even know why I go to work each day. I tell myself there is a reason, yet I leave that reason ambiguous as I in truth don’t have one. If not for procreation what purpose do any of us have? I could not answer his question, I had nothing.
I reached for things like experiences or some form of hedonism, but honestly as we age those arguments lose their weight. For the first time in a long time I was rendered without an argument. I couldn’t think of a reason he should do anything nor one for myself.
So my query is what is the point of life for the non-breeder? When that non breeder reaches an age where hedonism becomes a non-issue what is his or her reason to press on. Most people side against self-extinction, but my question is on what grounds? For I reached and could not think of a compelling answer. I would love to hear your thoughts. A have had these considerations before but trying to help another really made them acute for me as well. I will continue to go to work and live but I cannot say why. My only justification is a weak because not doing so seems wrong. And that’s a very weak argument.
them. Your participation on this MB is one obvious example by bringing pleasure to other people who discuss stuff with you.
There's plenty of people who have had kids yet don't do a lot for others so I don't think it is wise to reduce our existence to passing on our genes. Obviously, some people have to, otherwise the species would die out, however, there have been and are, plenty of people who make valuable contributions to society in terms of science, mathematics, psychology, teaching, caring and so forth. Even running an Internet MB is a worthy and valuable contribution to human happiness and there are a hundred and one other ways that a person can be a valuable asset to society.
I think everyone has talents and potential so perhaps you should have told your friend not to underestimate his value to enrich the world, if only he might open his eyes to it. I think of all the hospital workers, many of which are overworked and underpaid, and the dedication they have to keep them going and then your friend. What is the difference between them and him? I think the answer is one of perspective.