When asked of his take on the meaning of life, this is what Joseph Campbell said: "Life
has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It's a waste to be asking
the question when you are the answer."
There are varied perceptions about life. Some think it all comes to vanity at the end.
Others believe it's worth every precious thing one can imagine at the end.
However, contemporary situations have compelled a perception change on life's meaning
in general.
Huge financial resources are spent by parents and guardians on their wards' educational
needs right from the elementary level to the highest level only for the children to be
functionally redundant by way of unemployment. In instances where the child comes up
with a business idea, there are no finances to execute it. The graduate is now regarded
as unproductive and irresponsible.
Economic downturn is the best explanation to people killing fellow humans over owed
amounts, or quarrels over amounts whose size can only be compared to a mustard seed.
Others are victims of mob attacks over stolen items like mobile phones, bags and a host
of others. How come life has become increasingly worthless for the weak and vulnerable?
At various workplaces, workers are afraid to give off their best, which mostly, is a
prerequisite for a promotion. This is because they might be 'eliminated' by others who
want to reach the top only by bully and not by merit. Why must life give room for 'the
survival of the fittest' syndrome to operate?
Criminals in their quest to survive brutalise, assault and sometimes painfully kill innocent
victims just to take some valuables which in any reasonable estimations can't compare to
the lives lost. Is that how unfair life can be to others?
Virtues are preached by people who practise the vices. We live in a society where the
nominal 'honourables' are the most dishonest in their deeds. A society where the ugliest
offences abound in the perceived sanctum sanctorums. How else can life be this
hypocritical?
We are made to believe that there is life after death. The first phase of life on earth
with its attendant troubles makes one afraid to embrace the inevitable second phase
which has only death as the bridge to cross.
The essence of life cannot be established, until we have found answers to such pertinent
questions as "What makes life worth living?", "Do our gains achieve the very purpose of
our living?"
ENOCH ATO ESHUN
