The Meaning of Life

So what's the answer? Work harder so you can at least have the status of owning the objects, even if you don't have time to actually use them? What's the point of that? That's like failing twice: sacrificing everything to get something, and then not having it.

How about this: work less, enjoy the Best Things in Life (the free things, natch) more? There's definitely something to this; we could all be less obsessed with consumption, and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds us on this amazing planet, the completely free pleasure of making connections with our fellow travellers on life's great journey, and sharing the experience with them.

There are a couple of pitfalls, though. The most common, I think, is a feeling of guilt, even a fear that one is deluding oneself, taking the easy way out, ducking the challenge. It's an old argument: is life for living, to be enjoyed? Or is our time here a precious gift, not to be squandered on trifles, but used in the struggle for the great cause, the high purpose?

Perhaps the answer lies in avoiding the trap of triviality, the mindless pursuit of pleasure that leaves you enervated rather than energised. When this starts to happen it could be time to take things more seriously, to rediscover your purpose and rededicate yourself to its service. And when this gets too much and the world shrinks to a treadmill again, step off, step out into the sun, find your friends... and relax! Remember, nobody here gets out alive. Have some fun before you die!