The Meaning of Life

[reverebison]

I am almost embarrassed to submit this for the few of you who may wish to read it. It is simply my idea on the meaning of life. I came across this website while reading the thread on Null Physics in which the members here correctly assasinated the author, and it saved me from spending the $60 on the book.

I became impressed with the overall intellect gathered here.

I have, what is to me, a serious interest on the meaning of life, and I wish for minds greater than mine to review what I have written and assasinate me if they think I am wrong, thus allowing me to learn in the process.

My idea takes into account that we are indeed the universe, and that we are apart of the physical universe. I do not agree with those who say that all atoms, leave our body completely as we go through life spans, I believe that some atoms, especially in the nervous system are with us for our lifespan, and indeed are us. This is a short paper, taking no more than a few minutes to read.

Anyway, here goes:


The Meaning of Life


Is there really a meaning to life? Religions tell us we have meaning. But what of science? Is there a scientific explanation as to the meaning of life?

I believe there is. I believe that the ultimate truths of the universe are found through the scientific process. And the amazing thing is that sometimes when you stick to the cold truth, that is where the miracles really are.

There is deep meaning to life. It has a purpose. We often turn to religions to answer our deep fears about other matters as well. Fears about death are an example. Well, I believe that science will tell us something good there too. Namely, that we never really die.

Although this short paper is far from true science and the scientific method, it attempts to answer difficult questions from a scientific viewpoint. It is one man’s opinion that is true, but a man trained in science and dedicated to it.




The Universe Infinite.


I don’t agree with current scientific thought on everything. Our current idea is that the universe had a beginning, starting with the Big Bang. This theory cannot be correct and I strongly believe will ultimately be proven wrong.

The reason is that the universe is infinite, there can be no other explanation. The universe never began and will never end. The reason is simple. You cannot create something out of nothing. You and I are something. We may not know exactly what that something is, but we know we are real and that we exist. The universe too is real, it is made of something. We call this something matter and or energy. We have laws which state that matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed. Yet we contradict these laws by stating that the universe had a beginning.

The definition of nothing is not as easy as you might think. It means nothing, no matter, no energy, not even space or time. The mere fact that you and I are here proves without any doubt that something exists, and this realization is part of the meaning of life which we will get to later. The very essence of our existence is to prove that something exists. Our existence shatters any concept that the universe began or will end. It shatters the concept of nothingness.

It shatters it so completely that the truth is that nothing does not exist at all. There is something in every square inch of our infinite universe, and this is true forever without any borders. Nothing does not exist.

The definition of beginning is also not so easy. It means that point that divides something from nothing.

Matter and energy and space etc.. did not and cannot begin. They never were created because you cannot create something from nothing. They cannot end either. The only explanation to this phenomena is that the universe is infinite.

The universe cannot have borders. Borders where the universe ends and then nothingness begins. Again because nothingness does not exist. The universe goes on forever. Matter and energy and time and space are infinite.

The Big Bang never happened. You cannot collect infinite matter and energy into one finite point. You cannot have a beginning without knowing exactly how to create something from nothing.
The Universe Understanding Itself


What exactly are you and I? Well we don’t know. But this does not mean that we cannot find the answers to many deep questions. We know for example that we exist, we know this for sure, we know we are something.

We know that everything in the universe is composed of matter and energy. (Actually matter and energy may be one in the same, but in different forms). We therefore know that we are made of matter and energy. Since we are made of the same thing as everything around us, we know we are part of the universe. We are indeed, the very universe. We are the same as the rocks, and planets and comets, suns, trees. All matter and energy are the same and we are no different. We are the universe itself.

What else are we? We know what we are not. We know that we are not our entire bodies. Others can surgically remove my liver, arm, veins etc… and I can still be me. Part of my brain can be removed and I still can be aware of myself.

Safe to say however, that there are parts of my brain that if taken away, I will die. My heart may beat and I may still live, yet if certain parts of my brain are taken away, I too am taken away. The conclusion is that I am that part of my brain which is my consciousness.

Unlike the universe as a whole, I am not infinite. I do not go on forever. I have borders. The conclusion to draw is that I am finite. I am a finite entity living in an infinite universe. I know that I am made of matter and energy. I know that I am the same as the rest of the universe.

I therefore conclude that I am a finite entity surrounded by an infinite amount of other finite entities. The finite entities can combine and form a vast array of forms and combinations. We call these combinations suns, and trees and comets and dogs and moons. We call them black holes and mountains. We call them everything around us. Yet they are all composed of the same finite entities, they are all composed of the same thing as I am. I too can combine with others to form suns and mountains. I too can combine with others to form life. I too can form a consciousness.

When I do I am the universe understanding itself.

I form combinations infinitely. I form them through infinite time. I form all possible combinations, combinations which form, then change into other forms. Combinations like stars, combinations like life. I do this forever and it never stops. It always has occurred and always will. The combinations I form are mortal. The suns I form gradually die out. The life I form gradually dies too. Yet I do not.

For I am the very universe. I cannot be created or destroyed. I am immortal. I combine. I form planets and stars and I form life. And when I form the conscious part of that life, I am alive, I am that life.

And when that conscious life is intelligent life, I become the universe understanding itself.



On consciousness


Am I a consciousness? The answer is no. You and I are part of the universe. We are the finite part of an infinite universe. We form combinations. That is what we all do. We do this infinitely and it never stops. There are many combinations to form. There are many suns constantly forming, many planets. Life is a form that the universe takes too. A very rare form, but in an infinite universe an infinitely abundant form. Since the universe never dies, it never stops creating new forms. Eventually all finite parts get to participate in every conceivable combination.

Eventually every single finite entity forms a consciousness. Eventually every part of the universe gets to be conscious. In a completely meaningless universe, this is the meaning of life. To give existence to the universe which is itself. Without this there would be nothingness. With this there is only something.

The universe is something and it exists. It has no choice but to form consciousness.

You and I are not life. Life is simply a combination we form infinitely. You and I are not consciousness. A consciousness is simply a combination we form infinitely.

However, we are the universe understanding itself only when we are conscious. And since we are only aware during this part of our existence, for all practical purposes we only exists during consciousness. The conclusion to draw is that we exist for all practical purposes during consciousness, new, different consciousness which form and end forever and this process can never end. We will constantly experience, we will forever live, we have done so infinitely, and we will continue to do so.

Each life, each consciousness so utterly new. Memory does not follow us. Each consciousness is utterly new. We are infinitely old, we have experienced infinite consciousness of every type the universe has to offer. Yet, each death utterly ends that consciousness. Each birth begins the experience anew, so utterly new. We are infinitely old, yet nothing is repetitive, nothing is boring.


On Death

Why must we die? Why do we live, just to taste life for a brief lifetime, then all is taken away from us? The answer again lies with a scientific explanation. The answer is quite simple. We do not die. As part of the universe we form combinations of matter. As part of the universe we form life. As part of the universe we form consciousness. We live the life of the individual we are part of the conscious of. We live it so completely and utterly that we are that life, and when that life someday ends, we naturally think that is the ending to everything. That is because we do not know. We do not know what we really are. We think we are our life. Our temporary life. We are wrong. We are the universe. We are the universe understanding itself.

When we see ourselves in the light of truth, we can understand things much better. We can begin to understand that this concept of ourselves at first may feel demeaning, uncomfortable, it is anything but. Simply because it is the truth.

And the truth is where the magic of our infinite universe can be exposed.

We don’t really ever die, we just change. Those who we love, do not die either. They do what you do. They are born. They live, they laugh. Someday they die, they change. But it is a guarantee that they experience again, that they enjoy once again. They will laugh and love again. For they are just like you. They are the very universe too. They never ever really go away.

The truth is where we can understand that life is always fair. That life is always equal. That our biggest burden, the concept of death, is not so bad. That we really live forever. That our heaven and hell do exist, but here on our planet Earth during our lifetime. If we die young and unfairly of cancer, that we will live again, just as much time as the next person. No one person gets to live longer or better. We all get a completely even chance. An equal chance to be king and an equal chance to be slave. An infinite chance to experience the vast beautiful, magical universe we are intimately apart of.

[Jimbo07]

Is everything okay? :(

...

For some good discussions about the Big Bang (and problems with alternative cosmologies), you should head on over to the Science forum some time... when you're ready.

...

Take good care of yourself! :)

[Wauthan]

I'm sad that you deleted your post Jimbo07. :( I thought it was a very good response to the questions raised by Reverebisons post.

I can understand why though. I get a similar impression of loss and sadness when I read trough his text.

[Jimbo07]

I'm sad that you deleted your post Jimbo07. :( I thought it was a very good response to the questions raised by Reverebisons post.


Even when I make a mistake, I try to leave my posts unedited, as a historical record of my errors. I was editing my post for spelling and re-reading the OP and decided against keeping it as-is, this time.

For those who want the skeptical viewpoint, my invitation to the Science forum is sufficient, I think.

[RandFan]

It has no choice but to form consciousness.Welcome to the forum reverebison.

I found your post interesting in some aspects. It reminded me a little bit of God's Debris: A Thought Experiment (http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Debris-Experiment-Scott-Adams/dp/0740721909).

To be a bit blunt. Your philosophy lacks rigorous logic.

As to "meaning", IMHO, meaning is simply that which humans experience. No more. No less. Outside of human experience there is no meaning.

I chose one of a number of what I think are problematic quotes to address (see your quote above). I think I understand your meaning but I could be wrong. You should be more careful in your writing.

How does something that has no consciousness make a choice? Why is it that there must be meaning in the universe? How is that axiomatic?

[I Ratant]

I don't know why the "meaning" for our (human) lives need be elevated any further above that of other living creature's basic three. Eat, sleep, procreate, except that we are conscious there are some things we can alter, while doing those three.
Leaving this place a better place should be a sufficient goal, but only because we're capable of that.
Getting all mystical about it just dilutes the potential.

[ned flandas]

You cannot create something out of nothing.

God can

[Gate2501]

God can

Don't forget Harry Potter, I have actually seen video evidence of him doing this (tho it looked a bit fishy).

[ned flandas]

Don't forget Harry Potter, I have actually seen video evidence of him doing this (tho it looked a bit fishy).

God made Harry Potter ...

.. wish he hadn't though

[Gate2501]

God made Harry Potter ...

.. wish he hadn't though

I'm glad that you understand the concept of regression. Now apply it to your own magical entity and we could get somewhere.

I am sure however, that you have some reason that god is *immune* to regression.

[Cleon]

The True Meaning of Life:

Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.

[boojum]

I'm shocked, shocked, I tell you, that it took eleven posts in this thread to get a Monty Python reference in!

Anyway, as a (sometimes) Discordian, my answer is "Five tons flax".

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

Seems to me one has to ask "Is there a meaning to life?" and get a positive answer before embarking on a quest for the meaning of life.

That's just a single bit of information, which is much easier to obtain than an entire meaning. I think.

~~ Paul

[Hokulele]

The True Meaning of Life:

Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.


Drat, my life now has no meaning. :(

[Silentknight]

I'm glad that you understand the concept of regression. Now apply it to your own magical entity and we could get somewhere.

I am sure however, that you have some reason that god is *immune* to regression.

*Raises hand* Ooh, I know the answer to this one!

Humans. Humans created God, just as they created every other god that has ever been believed in and worshiped. After all, God would not even be a god without humans to acknowledge and worship him.

God made Harry Potter ...

.. wish he hadn't though

So you're saying that J.K. Rowling is God? That would certainly explain a lot. I am however a little jealous over the fact that she cheated to get to the top, what with her being God and all.

[Foster Zygote]

Everybody sing!

Why are we here? What's life all about?
Is God really real, or is there some doubt?
Well, tonight, we're going to sort it all out,
For, tonight, it's 'The Meaning of Life'.

What's the point of all this hoax?
Is it the chicken and the egg time? Are we just yolks?
Or, perhaps, we're just one of God's little jokes.
Well, ça c'est 'The Meaning of Life'.

Is life just a game where we make up the rules
While we're searching for something to say,
Or are we just simply spiralling coils
Of self-replicating DN-- nay, nay, nay, nay, nay, nay, nay.

What is life? What is our fate?
Is there a Heaven and Hell? Do we reincarnate?
Is mankind evolving, or is it too late?
Well, tonight, here's 'The Meaning of Life'.

For millions, this 'life' is a sad vale of tears,
Sitting 'round with really nothing to say
While the scientists say we're just simply spiralling coils
Of self-replicating DN-- nay, nay, nay, nay, nay, nay, nay.

So, just why-- why are we here,
And just what-- what-- what-- what do we fear?
Well, ce soir, for a change, it will all be made clear,
For this is 'The Meaning of Life'. C'est le sens de la vie.
This is 'The Meaning of Life'.

[slingblade]

God can

No, but thank you for playing.

[Parsman]

42

Well someone had to say it

Now reverebison start work on the Question, not the answer :)

[slingblade]

Your Life® comes with no meaning. This is an attachment, and can be purchased separately from any of our Life® dealers. Meanings come singly, or in a handy variety pack for those of you who don't know who you want to be from one day to the next, and have wasted years of your one and only Life® trying to find yourself.

[Wildy]

When boiled down to the basics there are two schools of thought on this issue that have any real merit at all, and can be understood by everyone.

They are the Pythonian and the Adamsian.

The Pythonian is described (as already mentioned in this thread) as:

Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.

The Adamsian one is described thusly:

42

The current debate over the two theories involves how well each theory explains the meaning of life.

The Pythonian theory has been described in the 1983 documentary The Meaning of Life as "nothing special really" but does provide the basis of many ideals that have been expressed through religion etc. throughout history.

The Adamsian theory has been postulated in a series of books published between 1979 to 1992, but various theories have existed since a series of radio broadcasts in 1978. The simplicity of this answer to the ultimate question does, however, lead one to ask "Why 42?" or "How does the meaning of life equal 42?".

The Adamsian theory does have the major drawback of being one where it is impossible to know what the question and the answer is simultaneously. We can only learn the question, which is clearly not "What is the meaning of life?" or the answer which we know is 42. Knowing both causes the universe to end and something even stranger to rise from the ashes, which may have happened before.

A more popular theory, but one which can be discarded involves the publisher of a travel guide increasing paranoia to make his book look better.

The Pythonian theory does not fall for this trap, and we know both the "question" and the "answer" and can build from there.

The greatest advantage of the Adamsian theory is its simplicity. It is far easier to remember 42 then the sentence that the Pythonian theory offers.

In conclusion, the OP makes many possibly valid points but I don't know really what to say.

[RandFan]

{bump} In the hopes that the thread starter will come back to the discussion.

[aggle-rithm]

Although this short paper is far from true science and the scientific method, it attempts to answer difficult questions from a scientific viewpoint. It is one man’s opinion that is true, but a man trained in science and dedicated to it.


There seems to be a contradiction here. It's far from science, but it's scientific? It's only an opinion, but since it comes from a scientific person, it is...what?

I don't wish to brutally eviscerate your belief systems, because what you've written here could easily be something I would have come up with fifteen years ago or so. I've been there, so I understand your position.

However, it seems as if a lot of it is an attempt to resolve the cognitive dissonance that often arises when someone is in existential crisis. Clearly, it is important to you that life can be demonstrably shown to have meaning, that death isn't the end of it all, etc., etc.

For a rational person, this can be resolved in only one of two ways: First, giving up on rationality and embracing mystical beliefs, or second, giving up on the belief that life MUST have meaning.

There is nothing intrinsically depressing or bleak about the idea that life has no meaning. It's our insistence that it SHOULD have meaning that causes us so much grief. If you believe, instead, that life creates its own meaning, that it is an inevitable part of life and requires no connection to the external cosmos, it's really a liberating experience. So what if I die some day? It won't happen within MY lifetime. So what if, ten billion years from now, there will be zero evidence that the human race ever existed? Who will be around in ten billion years to worry about it?

We're here NOW. Let's enjoy it.

[I Ratant]

What aggie sez!

[reverebison]

thanks to all for reading my post. It means alot to me.

what I was saying here was that the meaning of life is to give recognition of existence. I beleive that we are all the universe understanding itself. Imagine a universe where there was no life, no consciousness, no intelligent being capable of recognizing the universe, and thus ourselves as well.

This type of universe could not exist, without the recognition of existence.

We are the unverse recognizing itself, that is the meaning.

Can this definition be considered circular, yes it can. For those who say that there is no reason for a meaning, I know where you are coming from. There are no meanings or reasons for anything if one wants to get deep into semantics.

I believe in an infinite universe, a meaningless infinite expanse that gives birth to love and caring and the pursuit of truth and all the things we humans are. We the universe feel, we are the universe understanding itself.

[Cleon]

I should point out that the Adamsian interpretation, as stated, is slightly incorrect.

42 is the Ultimate Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything, which is not necessarily synonymous with "Meaning of Life." Note the Ultimate Answer was only half the equation, and depended upon the Ultimate Question. (Which turned out to be "What do you get when you multiply six by nine?")

Therefore, the Adamsian postulation that the Ultimate Answer is 42 is entirely compatible with the Pythonian theory. In fact, one could argue that in the Whole Sort of General Mish-Mash that comprises the multiverse, the two philosophical theories are in fact complementary.

[thesyntaxera]

The True Meaning of Life:

Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.

Sorry, but your take on this question has reminded me of a certain track of a certain album by a certain british rock band....radiohead:
Fitter, happier, more productive
Comfortable
Not drinking too much
Regular exercise at the gym
(3 days a week)
Getting on better with your associate employee contemporaries
At ease
Eating well
(No more microwave dinners and saturated fats)
A patient better driver
A safer car
(Baby smiling in back seat)
Sleeping well
(No bad dreams)
No paranoia
Careful to all animals
(Never washing spiders down the plughole)
Keep in contact with old friends
(Enjoy a drink now and then)
Will frequently check credit at (moral) bank (hole in the wall)
Favours for favours
Fond but not in love
Charity standing orders
On Sundays ring road supermarket
(No killing moths or putting boiling water on the ants)
Car wash
(Also on Sundays)
No longer afraid of the dark or midday shadows
Nothing so ridiculously teenage and desperate
Nothing so childish - at a better pace
Slower and more calculated
No chance of escape
Now self-employed
Concerned (but powerless)
An empowered and informed member of society
(Pragmatism not idealism)
Will not cry in public
Less chance of illness
Tires that grip in the wet
(Shot of baby strapped in back seat)
A good memory
Still cries at a good film
Still kisses with saliva
No longer empty and frantic like a cat tied to a stick
That's driven into frozen winter ****
(The ability to laugh at weakness)
Calm
Fitter
Healthier and more productive
A pig in a cage on antibiotics

I can't say I agree with the sentiment you are conveying, and I certainly think that the songs take on it is that living a mundane normal life might be a a comfort, but it in no way is the secret meaning of life....it's just a way to live with uncertainty.

To the original poster:
What we still don't know- Why are we here?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-429643479737704838&q=what+we+still+don%27t+know+why+are+we+here&ei=iIQeSK_KFoic4QL94fnBAQ

I have found that video, and the other video's in that series to be a good view....it's nice and grounded in science.

To spoil it though...the ultimate conclusion is that we don't know jack about any so called meaning.

Yes the universe is a big energetic blob with different properties, from which we emerged and to which we ultimately go....what more meaning do we need here in the "really real world"?

[MattusMaximus]

God can


Obvious follow up question... from whence came God? ;)

[Cleon]

Obvious follow up question... from whence came God? ;)

Or wherence?

Or howence?

[MattusMaximus]

Seems to me one has to ask "Is there a meaning to life?" and get a positive answer before embarking on a quest for the meaning of life.


And of course this can get into the question of intrinsic vs. extrinsic meanings to life. By that I mean, do you expect the universe/God/FSM to give you meaning, or do you seek your own meaning?

I prefer to seek and define my own meaning. The universe "gives" me nothing.

[MattusMaximus]

We're here NOW. Let's enjoy it.


Excellent point! While I am enjoying this discussion, I shall now depart to enjoy some good wine before bed. Cheers...

[badnewsBH]

I should point out that the Adamsian interpretation, as stated, is slightly incorrect.

42 is the Ultimate Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything, which is not necessarily synonymous with "Meaning of Life." Note the Ultimate Answer was only half the equation, and depended upon the Ultimate Question. (Which turned out to be "What do you get when you multiply six by nine?")


Wait, I'm confused. Isn't 6 multiplied by 9 actually 54?

42 becomes 54... I guess that's the real mystery of the universe. :p

[Cleon]

Wait, I'm confused. Isn't 6 multiplied by 9 actually 54?

42 becomes 54... I guess that's the real mystery of the universe. :p

It all makes sense when you take into account the Whole Sort of General Mish-Mash.

[slingblade]

Wait, I'm confused. Isn't 6 multiplied by 9 actually 54?

42 becomes 54... I guess that's the real mystery of the universe. :p

Yes, but when you add the digits of the two numbers, 42 becomes 6 and 54 becomes 9, which, when added gives you 15, which, when those digits are added, gives you 6 again, which, when turned upside down, becomes 9.

Coincidence?

I think so!

[Phaedrus74]

The meaning of life is ^life

Simple.

Also, the fact that the Ultimate Question turned out to be "What do you get when you multiply 6 by 9?" made Arthur Dent realize that there was something fundamentally wrong with the Universe. A realization that surely warrants a "Duh!" ;)

[aggle-rithm]

The meaning of life is ^life

Simple.

Also, the fact that the Ultimate Question turned out to be "What do you get when you multiply 6 by 9?" made Arthur Dent realize that there was something fundamentally wrong with the Universe. A realization that surely warrants a "Duh!" ;)

I thought the Ultimate Question was, "How many roads must a man walk down?"

[aggle-rithm]

Excellent point! While I am enjoying this discussion, I shall now depart to enjoy some good wine before bed. Cheers...

Actually, it's a little simplistic to say, "Let's enjoy it." What I really mean is, "Let's experience it."

Life isn't always enjoyable, but it is a rich experience.

[Phaedrus74]

I thought the Ultimate Question was, "How many roads must a man walk down?"

Not, quite obviously, for the post-feminist Adams...

But yes, there was a time when that was the Ultimate Question and there have been suggestions that that criminalization of Marihuana is a plot by the Illuminati (or the Free-Masons depending on who you are talking to) to make sure the answer remains out of reach of the common man.

:D

[aggle-rithm]

thanks to all for reading my post. It means alot to me.

what I was saying here was that the meaning of life is to give recognition of existence. I beleive that we are all the universe understanding itself. Imagine a universe where there was no life, no consciousness, no intelligent being capable of recognizing the universe, and thus ourselves as well.

This type of universe could not exist, without the recognition of existence.

We are the unverse recognizing itself, that is the meaning.

Can this definition be considered circular, yes it can. For those who say that there is no reason for a meaning, I know where you are coming from. There are no meanings or reasons for anything if one wants to get deep into semantics.

I believe in an infinite universe, a meaningless infinite expanse that gives birth to love and caring and the pursuit of truth and all the things we humans are. We the universe feel, we are the universe understanding itself.

I have considered the idea that, since we are a product of the universe, then the universe in a sense has become aware of itself.

However, the idea of "meaning" may be largely cultural. It's easy to imagine alien races out there for whom the concept of "meaning" is totally different from our own.

In fact, there are people here on Earth who have a different idea of what "meaning" is. Alexander Luria, one of the pioneers of neurology, did a study where he tried to determine what "consciousness" was, and found that it was largely cultural. An educated city dweller, asked what he thought of himself, would talk about such things as self-esteem, emotional development, etc., whereas an uneducated farmer would talk about getting the crops in and having a successful harvest. Clearly, the meaning of "meaning" is very different from these disparate viewpoints.

Imagine how different it must be elsewhere in an infinite universe?

[aggle-rithm]

Not, quite obviously, for the post-feminist Adams...

But yes, there was a time when that was the Ultimate Question and there have been suggestions that that criminalization of Marihuana is a plot by the Illuminati (or the Free-Masons depending on who you are talking to) to make sure the answer remains out of reach of the common man.

:D

Well, that clears things right up. Thanks.

[Phaedrus74]

Well, that clears things right up. Thanks.

As I was aiming for a smile, I hope you refer to your day...

On a more serious note:
I think you hit the nail on the head in your preceding answer to reverebison.

[Darth Rotor]

Yes, but when you add the digits of the two numbers, 42 becomes 6 and 54 becomes 9, which, when added gives you 15, which, when those digits are added, gives you 6 again, which, when turned upside down, becomes 9.

Try using base 13 instead of base 10.

DR

[slingblade]

Try using base 13 instead of base 10.

DR


Hey, go ruin your own perfectly good coincidental jokes, could you?

:p

[Jon.]

Try using base 13 instead of base 10.

DR

Per Douglas Adams: "I don't write jokes in base 13."

My theory on the 42/6x9 question is that the Earth (aka Deep Thought Mark II) was a massively parallel supercomputer with billions of organic subalgorithms working on different approaches to the Question. Arthur Dent was just one of those, and was destined to be discarded as an incorrect Answer. After all, there is a theory that, if the Ultimate Question and Answer to Life, the Universe and Everything are ever known simultaneously in one universe, that universe will instantly be destroyed and replaced by another, more complex, universe. If this theory is correct (and after all, it is too fun to be wrong), then Arthur's question can't have been The Question, or Arthur and Ford's knowledge would have destroyed the Universe.

Yes, I think too much about these things...

[Third Eye Open]

THE MEANING OF LIFE:

life /laɪf/ Pronunciation Key - lahyf] noun, plural lives Pronunciation[lahyvz]
–noun
1. the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally.
2. the sum of the distinguishing phenomena of organisms, esp. metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to environment.
3. the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual: to risk one's life; a short life and a merry one.
4. a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul: eternal life.
5. the general or universal condition of human existence: Too bad, but life is like that.
6. any specified period of animate existence: a man in middle life.
7. the period of existence, activity, or effectiveness of something inanimate, as a machine, lease, or play: The life of the car may be ten years.
8. a living being: Several lives were lost.
9. living things collectively: the hope of discovering life on other planets; insect life.
10. a particular aspect of existence: He enjoys an active physical life.
11. the course of existence or sum of experiences and actions that constitute a person's existence: His business has been his entire life.
12. a biography: a newly published life of Willa Cather.
13. animation; liveliness; spirit: a speech full of life.
14. resilience; elasticity.
15. the force that makes or keeps something alive; the vivifying or quickening principle: The life of the treaty has been an increase of mutual understanding and respect.
16. a mode or manner of existence, as in the world of affairs or society: So far her business life has not overlapped her social life.
17. the period or extent of authority, popularity, approval, etc.: the life of the committee; the life of a bestseller.
18. a prison sentence covering the remaining portion of the offender's animate existence: The judge gave him life.
19. anything or anyone considered to be as precious as life: She was his life.
20. a person or thing that enlivens: the life of the party.
21. effervescence or sparkle, as of wines.
22. pungency or strong, sharp flavor, as of substances when fresh or in good condition.
23. nature or any of the forms of nature as the model or subject of a work of art: drawn from life.
24. Baseball. another opportunity given to a batter to bat because of a misplay by a fielder.
25. (in English pool) one of a limited number of shots allowed a player: Each pool player has three lives at the beginning of the game.
–adjective
26. for or lasting a lifetime; lifelong: a life membership in a club; life imprisonment.
27. of or pertaining to animate existence: the life force; life functions.
28. working from nature or using a living model: a life drawing; a life class.
—Idioms
29. as large as life, actually; indeed: There he stood, as large as life. Also, as big as life.
30. come to life,
a. to recover consciousness.
b. to become animated and vigorous: The evening passed, but somehow the party never came to life.
c. to appear lifelike: The characters of the novel came to life on the screen.
31. for dear life, with desperate effort, energy, or speed: We ran for dear life, with the dogs at our heels. Also, for one's life.
32. for the life of one, as hard as one tries; even with the utmost effort: He can't understand it for the life of him.
33. get a life, to improve the quality of one's social and professional life: often used in the imperative to express impatience with someone's behavior.
34. not on your life, Informal. absolutely not; under no circumstances; by no means: Will I stand for such a thing? Not on your life!
35. take one's life in one's hands, to risk death knowingly: We were warned that we were taking our lives in our hands by going through that swampy area.
36. to the life, in perfect imitation; exactly: The portrait characterized him to the life.

Hope that clears up any confusion.

[ned flandas]

I'm glad that you understand the concept of regression. Now apply it to your own magical entity and we could get somewhere.

I am sure however, that you have some reason that god is *immune* to regression.

he's immune because he created regression

[ned flandas]

Obvious follow up question... from whence came God? ;)

I have no idea where God whenced from. I shall ask him when I meet him though.

[Lothian]

You and I are part of the universe. We are the finite part of an infinite universe. .....

Eventually every single finite entity forms a consciousness.

...... You and I are not consciousness. I was thinking, when will I form a consciousness ?

[Mashuna]

he's immune because he created regression


Otherwise you just end up with Godurtles all the way down.

[RandFan]

I have no idea where God whenced from. I shall ask him when I meet him though.Oh cool. Maybe you can then ask Santa where the Christmas tree came from and then ask the Easter Bunny what the hell a rabbit with chicken eggs has to do with the resurrection.

Me, I plan on asking the leprechaun where he keeps his gold when god turns off the rainbow?

[ned flandas]

Oh cool. Maybe you can then ask Santa where the Christmas tree came from and then ask the Easter Bunny what the hell a rabbit with chicken eggs has to do with the resurrection.

Me, I plan on asking the leprechaun where he keeps his gold when god turns off the rainbow?

Ah I can't do that unfortunatly. I found out that my dad bought the presents not santa. I'm yet to find out who created the universe though if God didn't.

[Lothian]

Ah I can't do that unfortunatly. I found out that my dad bought the presents not santa. I'm yet to find out who created the universe though if God didn't.It was sneezed out of the nose of a being called the Great Green Arkleseizure. This explains the expansion of the universe, something your God theory fails on.

[aggle-rithm]

Ah I can't do that unfortunatly. I found out that my dad bought the presents not santa. I'm yet to find out who created the universe though if God didn't.

The universe? That was MY Dad.

[aggle-rithm]

It was sneezed out of the nose of a being called the Great Green Arkleseizure. This explains the expansion of the universe, something your God theory fails on.

Yes, but there's no evidence that the Great Green Arkleseizure actually exis--

........

Oh.

Never mind.

[RandFan]

Ah I can't do that unfortunatly. I found out that my dad bought the presents not santa.I'm sorry, in no way shape or form does that disprove Santa or the magical Christmas tree.

I'm yet to find out who created the universe though if God didn't.Cool, then we can make up any fantasy or pick any creation myth we want. Ignorance and imagination are neat things. I'm just not sure we should start worshiping that which we make up or form a religion around it.

[billydkid]

Wow, that was a lot of stuff. I'm too lazy for that. But the universe is infinite - it has no edge. By definition the universe is infinite. It is all there is.

[nescafe]

Wow, that was a lot of stuff. I'm too lazy for that. But the universe is infinite - it has no edge. By definition the universe is infinite. It is all there is.

Not quite. The Universe is, as far as we can tell, finite and unbounded. Sorta like the surface of a sphere.

[ynot]

Not quite. The Universe is, as far as we can tell, finite and unbounded. Sorta like the surface of a sphere.
I don’t see any evidence that the universe is anything like the surface of a sphere. Nothing can be both “finite and unbounded” and to say that anything can be is woo. A sphere cannot exist solely as a 2D surface, it has to have a 3D inside. The boundary of a sphere is its outer surface. ;)

[ynot]

The term “meaning” is an abstract human construct and should only be used in association with other abstract human constructs. Life is not an abstract human construct.

[Jimbo07]

Life is not an abstract human construct.

well... actually... care to tell me where in atomic/molecular organization unlife ends and life begins?

[ynot]

well... actually... care to tell me where in atomic/molecular organization unlife ends and life begins?
What does our current ability to define when and where life begins or ends have to do with life being an abstract construct or not? In the forms that we can and do define life, it’s actual, not abstract.

[Jimbo07]

What does our current ability to define when and where life begins or ends have to do with life being an abstract construct or not? In the forms that we can and do define life, it’s actual, not abstract.

Then maybe I don't understand what you mean by meaning.

Both "meaning" and "life" are labels that we've arbitrarily assigned to certain things. One seems to be an "idea" type thing, and the other seems to be a "physical" type thing, but that's just my perception...

... plus, it's been a long day.

[WooWooVooDoo]

reverebison:

In the slim hope you are still reading this thread (hopefully picking your way through the conversational fluff to read the posts that are related to your 'paper').

I think I know where you are coming from as I used to feel something similar was true more years ago than I care to admit.

The key word there is 'feel'. There is a quiet desperation in your writing BUT don't be put off by the indifferent posts above. Keep thinking and questioning.

[billydkid]

Not quite. The Universe is, as far as we can tell, finite and unbounded. Sorta like the surface of a sphere.The universe has no edge. You can not travel to the edge of the universe. In as much as the universe is everything - it is not a unit of space within something else, it is infinite.

[pchams]

The "meaning" of life is semantic. What does "meaning" mean?
To me, it is the living of life, and it's experiences. It can't be more, as that is what it has been.
As a good friend once said to me, "If reality sucks, improve reality".

[Edmund Standing]

I believe in an infinite universe, a meaningless infinite expanse that gives birth to love and caring and the pursuit of truth and all the things we humans are. We the universe feel, we are the universe understanding itself.

Sounds like a mish mash of pantheism and new age waffle to me. Life has no meaning, get over it.

[aggle-rithm]

I don’t see any evidence that the universe is anything like the surface of a sphere. Nothing can be both “finite and unbounded” and to say that anything can be is woo. A sphere cannot exist solely as a 2D surface, it has to have a 3D inside. The boundary of a sphere is its outer surface. ;)

What is the boundary of the surface of a sphere?

There is a three-dimensional boundary of a sphere, but not a two-dimensional boundary of its surface. I think the argument is that the universe does not have a three-dimensional boundary but does have a four-dimensional boundary.

The inside of a black hole can be said to have finite volume but no three dimensional boundary, in that you can approach the event horizon from the inside but could never reach it.