Unknown Reader’s nook of ✨positivity✨ Showing 8,701-8,750 of 21,045

[Unknown]

So for most religious people (including me), we all want to go heaven.
So, for us the answer is heaven.

Now…I hope I’m not offending.

As a atheist, what is the meaning of life for you ?

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "Hehe…interesting.

I can talk so much about it.
Prepare for some long discussion…"

Unknown wrote: "Religions (at least most of them) says the meaning of life is to worship and do good.
From the above, you’ll go to heaven.

So, there is the meaning of life. That’s what people follow for the most ..."

I am prepared!

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "So…
I think I realize is existentialism and absurdism is literally opposite of the concept of religion.

It’s interesting to see."

absurdism yes but existentialism would say "okay,..."

Ohhh yes !

But it’s still opposite of religion.
Ok, not all religion but a lot of them.

Because we believe that god has ‘final plan’ for all of us.
But we also believe that we make our own choices.

The above seem to conflict but they actually don’t.

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "So for most religious people (including me), we all want to go heaven.
So, for us the answer is heaven.

Now…I hope I’m not offending.

As a atheist, what is the meaning of life for you ?"

I don't believe that there needs to be an ultimate purpose for life. I believe the purpose of my life is life and there's nothing else to it

[Unknown]

Actually, from here, I’ll tell only my opinions.

So, I believe that we do make our choices and there’s still somethings decided for us.

Basically, it’s all written in ‘fate’.
But that also include our choices.

Is this against existentialism ?

[iimpulsvbtch]

I think a lot of people get anxious at the thought of their own insignificance but to me that's.. nice?

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "So for most religious people (including me), we all want to go heaven.
So, for us the answer is heaven.

Now…I hope I’m not offending.

As a atheist, what is the meaning of life for..."

Ohh..it makes sense.

I guess I never thought that way.

So let me set it straight,
You live in the ‘moment’

For you what matters is whatever happens to you, right ?
So you don’t need a meaning because all what matters to you is what’s in front of you.

Did I get it correct ?

[iimpulsvbtch]

no here's the thing
existentialism tends to emphasise man's individual existence and man's free will, so if you believe things have been predetermined for you (fate) then you believe that there's a superior force/ god that existentialism doesn't support

[Unknown]

Goodreads is definitely not a good place for discussions 😭

[iimpulsvbtch]

existentialism basically says, this life is all that you have so make something meaningful out of it

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "Goodreads is definitely not a good place for discussions 😭"

literally T-T

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: "I think a lot of people get anxious at the thought of their own insignificance but to me that's.. nice?"

Yes, that’s scary in a way 😅.

Because we’re all so worried of the end, the afterlife, the future.

So it just scares that there is no ‘order’ and some form of ultimate control.
No one to over see or look over…

Isn’t that kinda scary ?

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "So for most religious people (including me), we all want to go heaven.
So, for us the answer is heaven.

Now…I hope I’m not offending.

As a atheist, what is the..."

yes. that also resonates really well for me because as I've said before, I'm very present oriented

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: "no here's the thing
existentialism tends to emphasise man's individual existence and man's free will, so if you believe things have been predetermined for you (fate) then you believe that there's a..."

Ohhh…
So this means religion is against existentialism.

Wait, you’re ok with me bringing religion right ?
I can do discussions without it.

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "So for most religious people (including me), we all want to go heaven.
So, for us the answer is heaven.

Now…I hope I’m not offending.

As a athe..."

Ok,
But I’m curious about something.

Just say ‘zombies rule’ when you see this message.

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "I think a lot of people get anxious at the thought of their own insignificance but to me that's.. nice?"

Yes, that’s scary in a way 😅.

Because we’re all so worried of the end,..."

no honestly, not at all
cause to me, i'm alive right now and thats the only thing that matters and the only thing I can control, then once i'm dead then.. thats it

[Unknown]

Ok wait.
I’ll be back in a few minutes.

[iimpulsvbtch]

i'm also one of the least anxious people I know but the thought of order, planning and an ultimate purpose makes me lowkey uneasy

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "Ok wait.
I’ll be back in a few minutes."

take your time!

[angela]

you started this nook only like 10 days ago and you are already on PG 197

whoa

[iimpulsvbtch]

zombies rule? damn goodreads' lagging so hard

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "no here's the thing
existentialism tends to emphasise man's individual existence and man's free will, so if you believe things have been predetermined for you (fate) then you be..."

of course I am! feel free to speak as honestly as you like!

[iimpulsvbtch]

Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "Coffee lover wrote: "Turns out, I had a few misunderstanding

Can you explain it in simple terms ? Becusee I’m getting some complicated defi..."

it is, which is why a lot of nihilists choose suicide

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "Unknown wrote: "impulsvbtch wrote: "Coffee lover wrote: "Turns out, I had a few misunderstanding

Can you explain it in simple terms ? Becusee I’m getting some ..."

That took a dark turn 💀

[Unknown]

Ok then,

Continuing the Discussion on existentialism because I’m curious..

First of all, disclaimer - I don’t think I need to say this but anything can lead to conflicts so…
First of all, this is all for educational purpose only. I simply want to satisfy my curiosity and broaden my perspectives. I really hope I’m not giving ‘my belief is correct, your belief is wrong. Change your belief’ kind of vibe because I really don’t want to 😭

[Unknown]

So recap, and I hope I’m not wrong about this…
Existentialism = the meaning of life depends on you, everything is in your hands.
Religion = the choices are yours, but everything is according to god’s plan.

So, about existentialism. In a way, it does makes sense, because we’re the one making choices so the meaning of life also depends on us right ?

But I think. There are a few reasons why people will reject existentialism.

First of all, it’s kind of scary to think everything, most of everything at least, is in the hands of humans.
Because humans are not perfect, and will inevitable make wrong decisions. Therefore, putting our fate in our hands = putting the whole world’s fate/decisions/destiny in our hands (because humans are most predominant here)
The fate of the whole world is hands of us imperfect flawed humans…is kinda scary.

That’s one of the reason, people would rather believe that the fate of the world is in control of a powerful perfect being (a.k.a god)

[Unknown]

Another thing, and the thing I’m most curious about is.

Religion gives people hope in a way existentialism doesn’t.
Because according to religion, every person will get what they deserve at the end. A.k.a the ultimate justice.

This is one of the moral ground for a lot of people.
‘If I do wrong god will punish me, if I do right god will reward me’

But according to existentialism, the only one who can reward or punish us….is us. Because we’re the one who are deciding our fate.

This is also the reason why people have hope that the worst powerful criminals, and immoral people will get what they deserve at the end.
This is also what rescues people from desperation of all the wrongs and unfairness in the world.

Because they believe There is an afterlife, and the ultimate justice is there
A.k.a heaven and hell.

But according to existentialism, we’re the only one who can get justice for us.
…..but In this world, it’s hopeless to expect that.

There is a HUGE power imbalance and true justice is impossible.

So, is ‘true justice’ possible under existentialism?

I’m genuinely curious.
Because the very thought that there is no true justice scares me.

[[deleted user]]

Can I hop in the bandwagon too.. with my confused self?

What is someone who dangles between existentialism and religion called?
Because I'm that person.
I believe in God.. the ULTIMATE JUSTICE and fate. But it scares me.
What if I want one thing but it is apparently fated that I'll do something else. Something that I could never love.
What if all my life I wanted to be a doctor but fate says I'm gonna be a teacher? And I hate that profession..

[[deleted user]]

Where did all of you go? Is this fated that my questions remain unanswered?

[Unknown]

Anshika wrote: "Where did all of you go? Is this fated that my questions remain unanswered?"

Anshika, I’m the only one here and ….🤣🤣
Im sorry, I’m laughing too hard to answer.

[[deleted user]]

Don't laugh Mary.. it's scary.

[[deleted user]]

Guess I'll just go and study to try my best to get what I want.
Fate scares me tbh

[Unknown]

Anshika wrote: "Can I hop in the bandwagon too.. with my confused self?

What is someone who dangles between existentialism and religion called?
Because I'm that person.
I believe in God.. the ULTIMATE JUSTICE and..."

Thanks a lot for your views, Anshika.

So basically, you believe in god but you find it hard to accept ‘fate’.

So anshika, to answer your question. All I can say, is whether existentialism or religion.
We can only do our best.

The only thing which is in our hands is trying our best to achieve what we want.

And according to religion, ‘fate’ is supposed to be the best solution.

if becoming a doctor is against your fate, then perhaps it wasn’t exactly meant for you.
Perhaps, the path chosen for you is better. Perhaps, it’s not meant for you now but actually meant for you later. Perhaps, you becoming a doctor wasn’t beneficial to the world but rather harmful.

That’s what religion says.

[Unknown]

Anshika wrote: "Don't laugh Mary.. it's scary."

I’m so sorry,
But you sounded like a heroine of an Indian melodramatic movie

I just couldn’t resist 🤣🤣

[Unknown]

Anshika wrote: "Guess I'll just go and study to try my best to get what I want.
Fate scares me tbh"

Yup.
It does, doesn’t it ?

What If ‘fate’ says we’re meant to live a miserable life ?

That’s why religious people believe in the ‘ultimate plan’
Aka god knows best plan.
Which basically means we can’t see the future, therefore there needs to be a force to put everything to the correct path.

In religion, we believe that force is ‘god’

That’s the view of religion at least.

[Unknown]

Sarah, where are you ??

I want another point of view !!!

Also, pls answer anshika’s question too

[[deleted user]]

Unknown wrote: "Anshika wrote: "Can I hop in the bandwagon too.. with my confused self?

What is someone who dangles between existentialism and religion called?
Because I'm that person.
I believe in God.. the ULTI..."

So someone's becoming doctor can be harmful for the world but people becoming terrorists isn't harmful? If it were then shouldn't He have stopped them.
You know I believe in God. In fate too.. and that belief kills me even more.
How could he let people get rapped, tortured, burnt..
I read somewhere: God is omnipotent and omnipresent until wrong happens.

[[deleted user]]

Also, is He a He.. should I call him They, for we don't even know their gender.. we know nothing about He/Them..
Does He even love me?
Is He forgiving? Well.. He didn't forgive Adam or Eve or Lucifer.

[[deleted user]]

And look at this.. I'm a born Hindu. Studied in a Christian Missionary school, all the pop culture around me revolves around Christianity. My best friend is Muslim.
What should I believe in? I'll tell you something.. Hinduism accepts even atheists. They say so good deeds and you'll get heaven.
On the other hand, Christianity and Islam say that if you're a heathen you'll rot in hell. What if it's right and I'm in the wrong religion?

[iamaunicornwithyellowfeet]

i think you should learn a bit more about different religions that you're interested in, then make an informed decision about which one is right for you

[iimpulsvbtch]

"I simply want to satisfy my curiosity and broaden my perspectives."

so do I! don't worry, it takes a lot to offend me. I also want to make it clear that I don't particularity care what people choose to believe in, as long as it projects no harm towards others. I'm also not so delusional as to think that everyone's belief systems are going to match mine. so relax, Mary.

"Existentialism = the meaning of life depends on you, everything is in your hands."

not everything is in your hands, just the meaning of your life. existentialism only says that the purpose or meaning of your life is whatever you want it to be, because it is not given to you by a transcendent power, or any superior power of any kind.

"First of all, it’s kind of scary to think everything, most of everything at least, is in the hands of humans."

if you think about it, people make choices for themselves everyday. whether they are existentialists, theists, atheists, agnostics etc.. because as you said, although religion promotes the idea of fate, and 'gods plan' it still supports the idea that people choose to make decisions everyday. why else would it say that god would punish sinners? they chose to sin. if they couldn't choose to sin then they wouldn't be punished. also, believing that a higher power's handling our fate never did and won't stop disasters from happening and bad decisions from being made. so you're right, the world is corrupt, tragic and corruption will continue because the choices that effect it are made by imperfect individuals.

There is a HUGE power imbalance and true justice is impossible.

I could say the same for religious 'justice'. infinite suffering for finite mistakes? seems excessive, no?

''So, is ‘true justice’ possible under existentialism?

of course there is. people are held accountable in this current life and when someone violates societal norms they're ostracised. we as people, need to belong somewhere. being excluded from society is a huger deal than you think. when you violate the law you get punished for it. then with a criminal record, your life starts becoming more difficult and that would be their consequence.

also, there are 3 different types of moral codes and faith based is only one of them. people don't need to believe in a creator or an afterlife to have strong morals and ethics.

[iimpulsvbtch]

Anshika wrote: "Can I hop in the bandwagon too.. with my confused self?

What is someone who dangles between existentialism and religion called?
Because I'm that person.
I believe in God.. the ULTIMATE JUSTICE and..."

I don't really know but you can't simultaneously believe in both because existentialism doesn't support the idea of a higher power giving meaning to your life, they're opposites

[iimpulsvbtch]

iamaunicornwithyellowfeet wrote: "i think you should learn a bit more about different religions that you're interested in, then make an informed decision about which one is right for you"

I agree

[Unknown]

Wait, Is this becoming a debate on religion ?
That’s going far from existentialism discussions 😅

Ok, so I’ll answer your points purely Based on religion points. ALL religious views.
Pls let this be a respectful conversation.

In simple terms, this life is temporary . What matters is the afterlife. Which in some variations appear in all religions.

Which basically means whatever happens in this world isn’t meant to be final end.
All the tortures, all the miseries, everything bad is going to be settled in the ‘afterlife’.

So why isn’t god stopping all the ‘bad’ things ?

Many answers. Some things are meant to be a lesson (this leads to this bad end, don’t do it again), somethings are meant to bring out the good in people or situations (after a disaster, people come together to help each other. Resources are circulated. People show mercy and compassion), something things are meant to test people.

Basically, my point is ‘bad’ things are inevitable for good things to appear.
That’s religious views btw.

becoming terrorists isn't harmful?

Obviously, it is.
Thats why we believe in ‘ultimate justice’

We believe the good and bad both are both a test.
So the ultimate path of these….lead to either heaven or hell.

So, a terrorist obviously a huge harm but think about it in this way -
The aftermath of it which is The coming together of the people as a community, people showing mercy and compassion towards the unfortunate etc…

So you’ll be thinking ‘but that’s the good brought out by people, where’s the god hands in that ?’

That’s where ‘god’s plan’ comes in.
This happened so that another thing will happen.



Pls don’t take it seriously. These are just for discussions.

So let’s just end it here because I don’t want to further this debate

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: ""I simply want to satisfy my curiosity and broaden my perspectives."

so do I! don't worry, it takes a lot to offend me. I also want to make it clear that I don't particularity care what people cho..."

Yes ! You’re here.
Wait a minute.
Let me show my points !

[iimpulsvbtch]

take your time! :)

[Unknown]

impulsvbtch wrote: ""I simply want to satisfy my curiosity and broaden my perspectives."

so do I! don't worry, it takes a lot to offend me. I also want to make it clear that I don't particularity care what people cho..."

Ok, let’s address each points -

not everything is in your hands, just the meaning of your life

Ohhh…I misunderstood 😅.
I knew it wasn’t that simple.

also, believing that a higher power's handling our fate never did and won't stop disasters from happening and bad decisions from being made

Good point !
So I hope I got it right, you mean to say ‘whether god’s plan or our own. The world is anyway going into disaster. So what’s the difference ?’

Yup !
But there is a difference. The difference is in the omnipresence.
If we assume that everything’s in our hands then the good or bad have absolutely no meaning and everything’s a coincidence.

But ! Religious views say that, everything is meant to test the people and to bring everything to a certain path.
So, basically everything in the future is possible because certain things were meant to happen.

If we assume the existentialism views, then everything’s a coincidence.

This is the difference - coincidence or fate.
I can’t bring the point further because there is no way of proving either.

infinite suffering for finite mistakes? seems excessive, no?

Another good point !
Now, I can’t say much about this because it varies from religion to religion.

So let’s assume you’re talking about the worst person possible. Someone who’s in hell from all religion’s perspective.

You’re saying that this person has committed finite mistakes (though MANY), so why is he getting infinite punishment.

I’ll split it into two views now.

1st view - he doesn’t get infinite punishment, he’s getting what he deserves and then he goes to heaven.

2nd view - he does get infinite punishment.
According to some religious views, he is getting infinite punishment because he was given all the chances to go to the right path to heaven but didn’t.
So infinite chances would have been wasted in such a person.
Therefore, infinite punishments.

Now, you could say more on this. But I can’t further this point because it varies on different religions.

people are held accountable in this current life and when someone violates societal norms they're ostracised

This is on the assumption that they are caught. But you and I both know that some people were caught after their death.

Some horrible actions are out of the view of us, the humans. But not out of the omnipresent being.
This is ‘ultimate’ justice we’re talking about.

Also, let’s say they are ‘caught’. But do you think the only deserving punishment is being outcasted ?
Because at worst, that’s the only ‘punishment’ the powerful people are gonna get.

…..which can be solved by money and power.

So, In religious views. Deserving punishments are given in the afterlife.

people don't need to believe in a creator or an afterlife to have strong morals and ethics.

I 100% agree.
But I’ll propose that faith has its own power (there are evidence on this)

What do you think ?

[Unknown]

Anshika wrote: "And look at this.. I'm a born Hindu. Studied in a Christian Missionary school, all the pop culture around me revolves around Christianity. My best friend is Muslim.
What should I believe in? I'll t..."

I agree with Zara here.

If you want to follow religion, research and find the best for you
If you don’t want to that’s ok too

[Unknown]

And this is getting heavy…
So…
Umm….
Something simple and intresting topic…

Do you believe in aliens ?

[Unknown]

Btw…
Sarah, Do you know some fast paced novels which are not too long but will bring me out of reading slump ?

You are not huge fan of soc, you hate Rw&rb, and you loved vicious. So I feel like our taste are not that different…