[TheSilentEmpath]

Anyone else constantly slapped in the face by the fact that everything you do, everything you dream, everything you are.. has all been done and thought before and is utterly pointless?

That the human race as a whole is disturbed, perturbed, devious, deceptive, and destructive?
That absolutely nothing matters in the end, no matter what importance you assign it now?
That everything you see as beautiful is fleeting and will die?
That everyone you know will forever consider their own interests first, because to do so is human nature?
Subsequently,
That you should just kill yourself because there's no true point to living.
Then,
That despite that, and everything you know... that you know you won't do it.
Because you aren't even that motivated.
You don't have the energy to plan or carry out such actions.
And after a moment,
You get to thinking of friends and family alike.
And for a moment.. they seem to hold a significance because you know you would hurt them
And you further dissuade yourself from the idea.

only to have it spring back to life within you some small days or weeks later.

...

My emotions are abnormal; Very little phases me.
But what does touch my emotional core touches deeply.

I'm nearly constantly in a fully blank and apathetic state. I have gone years like this, interspersed with days or individual weeks of fleeting, exuberant joy, and consecutive weeks if not months or more of a crushing demotivation and depression. All the while I am quiet. All the while I observe and I learn and it is from this observation that I draw my semblance.

Few people have the power to honestly penetrate the ice'd exterior to my flaming core.
I don't believe those few people who get through to the flames of my deepest emotions honestly even realize I have given a part of myself to them I don't often see myself.

...

To say I hate my mind would be the gravest of understatements.
I would rather be idiotic, immoral, a complete *****, and happy (or at least on the emotional norm) than intelligent, inhibited, overly forgiving, and blank or sad almost all the time.

[Callmebj]

The SilentEmpath, Your list is familiar to me from long ago. I think I have felt all these things at one time. Now, I believe that life is a gift that needs to be used to it's fullest.
The earth is a place to plant and harvest and love, and hate and have the passions life has to offer. We are not here for long, only a blink of an eye in the long millenniums of time. Should we not use this time as a positive source in our families, in our communities, and in all social endeavors. Just existing is beyond my ability to fathom as having a life that finishes with a little bit of bravado and caring from the special others we have in life. I do genealogy and I see the many, many, many people in my family line who have struggled with their lives and endured and thrived in the meanest of conditions. Life is important or I do not feel we would be here. I do hope that you will seek professional help with this extreme apathy you have. Existing is no way to spend one's life, living, laughing , loving, doing ,believing in ourselves is so important to the individual and to our society. Hugs, bj

[krisakira]

I believe my boyfriend has these feelings and thoughts when he gets depressed. He feels hopeless about society and that sometimes theres no point in being a part of it.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by Callmebj

The SilentEmpath, Your list is familiar to me from long ago. I think I have felt all these things at one time. Now, I believe that life is a gift that needs to be used to it's fullest.
The earth is a place to plant and harvest and love, and hate and have the passions life has to offer. We are not here for long, only a blink of an eye in the long millenniums of time. Should we not use this time as a positive source in our families, in our communities, and in all social endeavors. Just existing is beyond my ability to fathom as having a life that finishes with a little bit of bravado and caring from the special others we have in life. I do genealogy and I see the many, many, many people in my family line who have struggled with their lives and endured and thrived in the meanest of conditions. Life is important or I do not feel we would be here. I do hope that you will seek professional help with this extreme apathy you have. Existing is no way to spend one's life, living, laughing , loving, doing ,believing in ourselves is so important to the individual and to our society. Hugs, bj

"we are not here long, only the blink of an eye..." so true it hurts. what influence an we truly make? None without going beyond the boundaries of set science and I am no scientist. We can attempt to make the most of this pointless thing we title life but what good does it do? I mean really? I don't see life as important. There are several billion humans on this planet and honestly we're very much like a virus. We destroy and deplete everything around us in order to further our own existence.

Existing is all I am managing to do, and while I wish I could be happy and laughing and doing, I have no motivation.
Aside from the billions of other humans alive, there are imnumerable other species, and that's just earth- take a step back and look at the solar system, the universe, all that is space. What do we truly affect?

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by krisakira

I believe my boyfriend has these feelings and thoughts when he gets depressed. He feels hopeless about society and that sometimes theres no point in being a part of it.

I believe the same, however it is not only when I am depressed that I share that opinion.

[Callmebj]

SilentEmpath, I think you are looking at this in such a huge, huge universal way that you are loosing the "I" in the relationship to humanity. That's where I feel the empathize should be. I am also a believer in God and that comforts me a great deal.

You are right about how we humans use up and destroy our own world, and deplete the natural resources we have...and make the decisions to war against other nations and all the negatives in life. These things are out of my control, so I look at the positives in life. Have you ever held your own first new born and have an idea of what that is like for a mom? It's utopia for a time, love, protection, and many of the emotions that are so positive and important to us as individuals. Even cuddling a kitten, having a puppy lick your face, have a friend smile at you and give you a hug,
have your husband or wife tell you how wonderful you are....etc. I look I guess at the smaller picture, and these moments that I have described here are precious and memorable to me. Important in each persons life. I go far beyond my boundaries of my personal world when I address every other one of the mass of humans that exist, or look at our world or universe as my problem. With my faith, this is my God's area
of expertise. With our free will as just a small part of humanity, we contaminate and
usurp what could be. But I am not humanity, I am a single being trying to do what's right and feeling love, happiness and sorrow in my own little orb of being. Does it matter now or in the future to humanity as a whole, NO, BUT IT MATTERS TO ME!

Hugs, bj

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by Callmebj

SilentEmpath, I think you are looking at this in such a huge, huge universal way that you are loosing the "I" in the relationship to humanity. That's where I feel the empathize should be. I am also a believer in God and that comforts me a great deal.

You are right about how we humans use up and destroy our own world, and deplete the natural resources we have...and make the decisions to war against other nations and all the negatives in life. These things are out of my control, so I look at the positives in life. Have you ever held your own first new born and have an idea of what that is like for a mom? It's utopia for a time, love, protection, and many of the emotions that are so positive and important to us as individuals. Even cuddling a kitten, having a puppy lick your face, have a friend smile at you and give you a hug,
have your husband or wife tell you how wonderful you are....etc. I look I guess at the smaller picture, and these moments that I have described here are precious and memorable to me. Important in each persons life. I go far beyond my boundaries of my personal world when I address every other one of the mass of humans that exist, or look at our world or universe as my problem. With my faith, this is my God's area
of expertise. With our free will as just a small part of humanity, we contaminate and
usurp what could be. But I am not humanity, I am a single being trying to do what's right and feeling love, happiness and sorrow in my own little orb of being. Does it matter now or in the future to humanity as a whole, NO, BUT IT MATTERS TO ME!

Hugs, bj

But "I" am not of importance in relationship to humanity even. Again, there are Billions of people on this earth.
I am not a believer. I was previously, but I've changed my views.

I am single, female and 18 for future reference. I have no pets. Few friends, most of which are reclusive or live in distant places.
I also can't help but look at the larger picture. The smaller picture is lost on me. Looking at a smaller picture helps a person to be happy.. but it makes us lose the importance of those things outside our reach, even if we can physically affect none of it, that doesn't mean we should be tolerant of it and sit by in silence with no empathy for it's victims. What matters to humanity as a whole matters to me, and while I would like to be happy, I cannot erase from my mind what I know. With what I know I must act, and from my actions I only learn more. Its a rather vicious cycle.

[Callmebj]

Originally Posted by TheSilentEmpath

But "I" am not of importance in relationship to humanity even. Again, there are Billions of people on this earth.
I am not a believer. I was previously, but I've changed my views.

I am single, female and 18 for future reference. I have no pets. Few friends, most of which are reclusive or live in distant places.
I also can't help but look at the larger picture. The smaller picture is lost on me. Looking at a smaller picture helps a person to be happy.. but it makes us lose the importance of those things outside our reach, even if we can physically affect none of it, that doesn't mean we should be tolerant of it and sit by in silence with no empathy for it's victims. What matters to humanity as a whole matters to me, and while I would like to be happy, I cannot erase from my mind what I know. With what I know I must act, and from my actions I only learn more. Its a rather vicious cycle.

TheSilentEmpath, No, I don't think it makes us lose the importance of humanity as a whole. I know that I have sent goods to a single mother in Russia to help her out for numerous years. At this time I am helping some folks in the Philippines; and that is a impoverished place in the world as you likely know. There are tens of thousands of people who have altruistic minds and concerns for the earth's populace and do as much or more than I do.

SilentEmpath, there has never been nor will there ever be a JUST WORLD. I believe you are laboring your mind with this as you know at easy glance this is not reality. You may have thought so at one time; just as I had in my youth....but it's false to think we can live in a just and perfect world. Mankind will always mess with that. Within my faith I see earth as a testing ground for eternity.

As to your personal life, I'm sorry that you feel the lack of your importance as to yourself. I'm sorry you have so little in the way of support from others. I am not here to change your mind, just tell you my view on what your concerns are. As I have said in my earlier post, I have felt most of what you mentioned, but I have grown much older now, and have a different perspective. Good luck to you, I hope that you can find some peace with this for and in yourself. Hugs, bj

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by Callmebj

TheSilentEmpath, No, I don't think it makes us lose the importance of humanity as a whole. I know that I have sent goods to a single mother in Russia to help her out for numerous years. At this time I am helping some folks in the Philippines; and that is a impoverished place in the world as you likely know. There are tens of thousands of people who have altruistic minds and concerns for the earth's populace and do as much or more than I do.

SilentEmpath, there has never been nor will there ever be a JUST WORLD. I believe you are laboring your mind with this as you know at easy glance this is not reality. You may have thought so at one time; just as I had in my youth....but it's false to think we can live in a just and perfect world. Mankind will always mess with that. Within my faith I see earth as a testing ground for eternity.

As to your personal life, I'm sorry that you feel the lack of your importance as to yourself. I'm sorry you have so little in the way of support from others. I am not here to change your mind, just tell you my view on what your concerns are. As I have said in my earlier post, I have felt most of what you mentioned, but I have grown much older now, and have a different perspective. Good luck to you, I hope that you can find some peace with this for and in yourself. Hugs, bj

I know the world will never be just or perfect. So many evils; so many horrors exist that it's utterly impossible to combat them. I often wish humans had the minds of other animals. simplistic. never taking excessively more than necessary, never killing without rhyme or reason. and I hope I could find some peace somewhere soon. I don't expect it. but one can always hope.

[Nihil]

I don't personally agree with any concept of justness or perfection. I agree that existence is completely purposeless; but as to whether or not that affects my decision making is entirely up to me. You may have an existential crisis if you wish; an existential crisis is merely a perspective which can be changed, not a logical conclusion that is fixed.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by Nihil

I don't personally agree with any concept of justness or perfection. I agree that existence is completely purposeless; but as to whether or not that affects my decision making is entirely up to me. You may have an existential crisis if you wish; an existential crisis is merely a perspective which can be changed, not a logical conclusion that is fixed.

Nihil as in Nihilistic existentialism? A view similar to my own. Of course the decision lies entirely with you. Every decision lies within you and with no other outside force (though outside forces can at times influence, we decide, and no one else).
I suppose what I'm going through could be described accurately as an existential crisis. I've accepted that there is no meaning, rhyme, or reason to all in life even if it comes back and hits me now and again in a more direct manner. I do not question this fact anymore. If any form of a significant event were to have set this off, it could only be my loss of religion; I have always, however been much the introvert, analyzing and remembering all I see, so introversion is nothing new to me, simply what I find now as compared to 4 or 5 months ago.

I much appreciate the company of someone else who believes there is no purpose. If you yourself are not plagues with suicidal thoughts, you may be the greatest help of all to me at this time.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by TheSilentEmpath

the fact that everything you do, everything you dream, everything you are.. has all been done and thought before and is utterly pointless?

I disagree because I have not been here before to do, dream, be. Pointless to whom? I am here now, in my own little universe and in charge of becoming the best me I can be. It does not matter that I am in a field of flowers seemingly just like myself, that I'm a freckle on the elbow of life, I need to be the best freckle I can be (instead of turning cancerous and potentially threatening the life of the host).

I am not better or worse than the other flowers in my field any more than I am the "same" as or interchangeable with any of the others. The field looks the same to you, puny human but my soil is minutely different from the soil of the flower next to me, I started growing before or after it did and grew a minuscule bit taller or shorter, blocking some of the sun for another flower or being blocked myself. I am healthier than the other flower and have fewer bugs at my roots, my bit of soil drains better and my roots are not too wet but I am concerned about the bug crawling up my stem and I haven't seen a bee in quite some time. . .

[roads]

Originally Posted by TheSilentEmpath

Anyone else constantly slapped in the face by the fact that everything you do, everything you dream, everything you are.. has all been done and thought before and is utterly pointless?

Existential angst. Sorry, had to stop at your first paragraph--sure I've been there, a huge number of us have ... In fact I'd bet most MI folks spend a bit more time turning that rubrics cube around than do the MH.

However, might not the point of your being alive here/now be that--although everything has all been done and thought before--you have never done or thought anything before. With your uniqueness attached, what has become "utterly pointless" may become renewed through your vision.

If you've read the Judao-Christian Bible, Ecclesiastes, we are told even that long ago that, "There is nothing new under the sun." Certainly would sound like a motivation-killer, doesn't it? But look at the Renaissance that flourished with its base in both philosophy and the arts.

Many of the most creative people of that period apparently wrestled with depression. Like so many artists, a large percentage seem likely to have been bipolar. Michaelangelo struggled with all the angst of his own time. But while he did, he stayed alive to search for answers, to create, to pay the bills.

He may have created nothing truly new, but oh! What a unique statement he's left us.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by Roadie

Existential angst. Sorry, had to stop at your first paragraph--sure I've been there, a huge number of us have ... In fact I'd bet most MI folks spend a bit more time turning that rubrics cube around than do the MH.

However, might not the point of your being alive here/now be that--although everything has all been done and thought before--you have never done or thought anything before. With your uniqueness attached, what has become "utterly pointless" may become renewed through your vision.

If you've read the Judao-Christian Bible, Ecclesiastes, we are told even that long ago that, "There is nothing new under the sun." Certainly would sound like a motivation-killer, doesn't it? But look at the Renaissance that flourished with its base in both philosophy and the arts.

Many of the most creative people of that period apparently wrestled with depression. Like so many artists, a large percentage seem likely to have been bipolar. Michaelangelo struggled with all the angst of his own time. But while he did, he stayed alive to search for answers, to create, to pay the bills.

He may have created nothing truly new, but oh! What a unique statement he's left us.

Since Angst refers to anxiety and worry I do not believe the word is fitting, I do not worry at my life not having meaning, I know it does not, and sometimes that thought is very demotivating. Additionally, clarify the terms "MI" and "MH" for me. I'm not privy to your jargon. I can only assume they refer to "mentally insane" and "mentally healthy", though I find it moderately insulting that you potentially would label me insane simply for having an existentialist view of the world.
In my living area there are very very few who hold this opinion of life; in general, less people hold this opinion of life than the opinion that there Is meaning to it and that is explained fairly well in Absurdism.

Since there is not a "point" to being alive I can't precisely concur with that sentiment, however, I understand your meaning (I think, though I can guarantee you I have done things and thought things before in my life).
What can be unique about any one person? My fingerprints? I'll agree. My thoughts and actions? Surely in this world there is someone that holds all similar beliefs to me; surely there are more than one who could look similarly enough to me that a stranger would be confused.

In regards to the arts and mental health. I am an artist, and I have bipolar disorder. I know that out of depression and deep thought comes wonderful intricate and beautiful artwork, but does that mean that one should enjoy their depression? Michelangelo's works are lovely and talented, but at the end of the day, just what purpose did they truly serve?

[di meliora]

Each of us is responsible for choosing the direction and meaning in our lives. You seem to have chosen nothingness. You now will have the opportunity to learn firsthand how well that perspective fits you.

Proselytizing for your point of view appears to be something you enjoy. In the end it is still up to me to decide the purpose of my life. There really is little more to say.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by di meliora

Each of us is responsible for choosing the direction and meaning in our lives. You seem to have chosen nothingness. You now will have the opportunity to learn firsthand how well that perspective fits you.

Proselytizing for your point of view appears to be something you enjoy. In the end it is still up to me to decide the purpose of my life. There really is little more to say.

Each of us can assign a meaning to our life if we so choose, but that "meaning" is only there because We give it meaning; as such we can change that "meaning" on a whim. I have not chosen nothingness as a meaning, rather I acknowledged that there is no meaning. From here, I am trying to determine a source of motivation in moving forward.

I also am not advocating anyone else to take up this belief; I am not attempting to convert anyone else To this belief. I am just blatantly stating my own belief. There is a difference between pushing someone else to convert and sharing your own beliefs. Proselytizing is an inappropriate word choice.

[di meliora]

In philosophy, "The Absurd" refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any. In this context absurd does not mean "logically impossible," but rather "humanly impossible."[1] The universe and the human mind do not each separately cause the Absurd, but rather, the Absurd arises by the contradictory nature of the two existing simultaneously. Absurdism, therefore, is a philosophical school of thought stating that the efforts of humanity to find inherent meaning will ultimately fail (and hence are absurd) because the sheer amount of information, including the vast unknown, makes certainty impossible. As a philosophy, absurdism also explores the fundamental nature of the Absurd and how individuals, once becoming conscious of the Absurd, should react to it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absurdism

Based on what you say, there is no meaning because you choose to forgo it. Is there meaning to life independent of personal perceptions? Does it take a person to have meaning?

If proselytizing is the wrong word, you have done a lot of work to convince people of the viability of your views for no apparent reason.

Just the same, you certainly are entitled to your opinion.

[Nihil]

Originally Posted by TheSilentEmpath

Nihil as in Nihilistic existentialism? A view similar to my own. Of course the decision lies entirely with you. Every decision lies within you and with no other outside force (though outside forces can at times influence, we decide, and no one else).

Indeed, I have researched some of existentialism, though like Camus I would not consider myself an existentialist, but I do not think the question of whether or not "existence precedes essence", for example, is solvable. It lays outside the bounds of human reason, and is purely metaphysical speculation.

Originally Posted by TheSilentEmpath

I suppose what I'm going through could be described accurately as an existential crisis. I've accepted that there is no meaning, rhyme, or reason to all in life even if it comes back and hits me now and again in a more direct manner. I do not question this fact anymore. If any form of a significant event were to have set this off, it could only be my loss of religion; I have always, however been much the introvert, analyzing and remembering all I see, so introversion is nothing new to me, simply what I find now as compared to 4 or 5 months ago.

People often frame the answer to the question of what we do if our lives have no meaning as "either I commit suicide, or I do not". This is a rather silly position, however. Neither committing suicide, nor staying alive, are rational decisions. They are based only on emotional motivation. We live primarily for the hope that we would not be in distress; yet we often are in distress. Distress is the natural condition of human existence, it could not be any other way. Some people do not like that, and they commit suicide- if you feel that you must, at some point in this existential crisis, then that is your decision. But I cannot help you if you do decide you want to.

I much appreciate the company of someone else who believes there is no purpose. If you yourself are not plagues with suicidal thoughts, you may be the greatest help of all to me at this time.

I would enjoy the company of someone like you myself. I am rather interested in finding nihilistic people and engaging in conversation with them.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by di meliora

Based on what you say, there is no meaning because you choose to forgo it. Is there meaning to life independent of personal perceptions? Does it take a person to have meaning?

If proselytizing is the wrong word, you have done a lot of work to convince people of the viability of your views for no apparent reason.

Just the same, you certainly are entitled to your opinion.

Wikipedia really isn't your best bet when it comes to accurate information. That first sentence of your quote is what's off mainly, the rest I can concur with. "The Absurd" refers to the conflict between the human tendency to seek value and meaning in life and the inability of the universe to always provide any."

No, there isn't a meaning to life outside of personal perception. The "meaning" of life is completely dependent On personal perception, because if you deem a meaning unto your life, than you and your perception have created it, so yes it takes a person for meaning to exist.

"Proselytizing" is the wrong word because I am not attempting conversions. Almost everyone who has talked to me on this matter has tried to make Me take up a change in belief. They have been the ones Proselytizing, if anyone. I have simply made clear my position. I will not suddenly say "Life has meaning" when I am of the opinion it does not; time and energy could be much better spent acknowledging that and attempting to work on some form of motivation from there.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by Nihil

Indeed, I have researched some of existentialism, though like Camus I would not consider myself an existentialist, but I do not think the question of whether or not "existence precedes essence", for example, is solvable. It lays outside the bounds of human reason, and is purely metaphysical speculation.


People often frame the answer to the question of what we do if our lives have no meaning as "either I commit suicide, or I do not". This is a rather silly position, however. Neither committing suicide, nor staying alive, are rational decisions. They are based only on emotional motivation. We live primarily for the hope that we would not be in distress; yet we often are in distress. Distress is the natural condition of human existence, it could not be any other way. Some people do not like that, and they commit suicide- if you feel that you must, at some point in this existential crisis, then that is your decision. But I cannot help you if you do decide you want to.


I would enjoy the company of someone like you myself. I am rather interested in finding nihilistic people and engaging in conversation with them.

Ah, Camus. I recently finished reading "The Stranger" a brilliant piece of literature, by the way. I absolutely adored it.

I understand what you are saying there. I literally had a "friend" tell me just the other day "Since you see no meaning in life, why not just kill yourself? End it all?" I tried to explain things to her, but she was very set in her own beliefs (not to mention drunken and far from fit for real conversation). I don't believe there is ever any truly rational decision in life. I believe you are right, distress must be the natural condition of human existence. There are forever too many opposing and contradicting forces for it to be otherwise.. Suicide is what generally occurs when stress/trauma exceed coping mechanisms or resources. I actually wrote up a moderately sizes summary of suicide, how it ought to be viewed, and why it is truly no one but the individual contemplating such's position to convince them in or out of it.
Eventually, I intend to end my life by my own hand, after I have had the chance to experience a bit more of this world, and before I become so dependent that I must rely on others for ever minuscule detail of my day, such as going to the bathroom or bathing- I do not want to reach such a stage in life. My set age and date is rather late in life, but I know (especially considering female statistics and facts on suicide) that something may prompt me to end my life sooner. I set the date so late in order to attempt to prevent unnecessary pain in any who might care, though pain in itself is meaningless as "life goes on" and "feelings fade".

Similarly, I would enjoy a conversational partner such as yourself. It is not often that I find another human with whom I may discuss the way I perceive reality without some attempt by them to change me.

[di meliora]

Sartre sets out a phenomenological ontology which describes in chilling detail the absurd nothingness of human existence. There is no human nature, no essence. We are literally no-thing, and thus are always in the process of creating ourselves, never finished, never justified, condemned to accept complete responsibility for what we do on earth, so radically free that we find ourselves in charge of creating the very values that will guide us into and through a world with others. http://www.erraticimpact.com/philoso...tails.cfm?ID=8

I am done with this thread. When I am reminded of this quote it is time to leave: “The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world” ~Max Born

You have much to offer the world. I wish you well.

[Nihil]

Originally Posted by di meliora

Sartre sets out a phenomenological ontology which describes in chilling detail the absurd nothingness of human existence. There is no human nature, no essence. We are literally no-thing, and thus are always in the process of creating ourselves, never finished, never justified, condemned to accept complete responsibility for what we do on earth, so radically free that we find ourselves in charge of creating the very values that will guide us into and through a world with others. http://www.erraticimpact.com/philoso...tails.cfm?ID=8

I am done with this thread. When I am reminded of this quote it is time to leave: “The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world” ~Max Born

You have much to offer the world. I wish you well.

While Sartre does say that, he also claims that we are naturally responsible for each others' decisions. How are we inherently malleable, yet inherently responsible, simultaneously? I have a collection of his writings, from which I can quote.

[TheSilentEmpath]

Originally Posted by di meliora

I am done with this thread. When I am reminded of this quote it is time to leave: “The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world” ~Max Born

You have much to offer the world. I wish you well.

I may be wrong in my assumption that it is you who tagged this forum under narcissism but if it was, you seriously cannot be farther from the truth. I consider myself of little to No value. I have spent my life forgoing my own happiness in order to uphold the happiness of those around me. I have very low self-esteem, but I do know myself to be intelligent. These things in and of themselves deplete the definition of a Narcissist. It was you who came in here and propagated the idea that I was doing something I was not, and that, in fact, was being done to me. If you Actually read through the comments, perhaps you would see that. I stated my opinion on the matter, when others attempted to change that opinion I backed it up. I did not tell anyone else to adopt that train of thought or that opinion; I only defended my own belief.
Additionally, I am not the only person who believes as I do, so obviously your quote does not fit the bill; it is in human nature to initially believe oneself to be right until given evidence to the contrary. Certainly, you realize you yourself were doing just that when believing yourself to be in the right and attempting yourself to change me from my position?
For 17 years and 10 months of my life, I was a Catholic Christian, I was continuously presented evidence to the contrary, and I eventually changed my views. I am capable of changing my views, but I must be offered ample evidence in order for such change to occur. Saying "my way is right and yours is wrong", is in no way evidence, and saying that I am doing things which I am not, will by no means make me more inclined to believe your own opinion. "Meaning" is so very subjective a thing that I doubt you could compile evidence to persuade me from my own position.

You can find "meaning" in your life if you deem meaning necessary and worth finding. I do not see meaning as necessary or even possible in most cases, except in a manner of being self-procured. That is not to say that I don't respect your ability to devise a meaning for yourself, or that I would impede upon it and tell you not to believe in meaning yourself.
To be very frank and perhaps rude at this point, I do not care What you or most anyone else believes, so long as it is not attempted to be shoved down my own throat.
I will never tell someone else to believe or not to believe in a god, to have meaning or not to have meaning, or any other belief one may arrive at in their life. I am cannot be held responsible for your beliefs, moral code, or anything else. You will choose those yourself, and I will not care one way or another. It does not affect me.

Perhaps I do have much to offer in a micro scale of the world, I can offer to my community and those I am in direct contact with if I should so choose. I thank you for those kind words. If you must leave for your own personal beliefs, I do not begrudge you it. Good day.

[Gilead]

Purposeless.........everything is......delusion or maybe illusion makes it not....but purposeless it is......

[Ygrec23]

Originally Posted by TheSilentEmpath

Anyone else constantly slapped in the face by the fact that everything you do, everything you dream, everything you are.. has all been done and thought before and is utterly pointless?

Couldn't agree less. I'm entirely and firmly convinced that all human beings, including all those who lived and died in the past, occupy entirely original personality and experience niches that never existed before and will never be copied again. We are not numbers, not clones, not robot ants. Our individuality is absolute. Is this reasonable? Think about the realities of snowflakes. And no, this is by no means some knee-jerk, defensive reaction on my part, reflecting some emotional fear of what you describe. It's a point of view I've developed only after many decades of experiencing my own and other people's internal realities.

That the human race as a whole is disturbed, perturbed, devious, deceptive, and destructive?

Yeah, we have those capacities. Many people choose simply not to use them. And those who don't use them are a significant percentage of the whole, quite possibly a majority for all I know. Those are natural capacities, inherited from our animal ancestors. We can choose to act otherwise. Why would we do so? Because humans also have a specific, inbred intelligence of the fact that acting as good samaritans does everybody good.

That absolutely nothing matters in the end, no matter what importance you assign it now?

Oh, but you're wrong! Your kindnesses can live forever in an infinite chain of individuals affected by your own goodness.

That everything you see as beautiful is fleeting and will die?

And will be immediately replaced by other beautiful things perhaps even more beautiful than what has passed away.

That everyone you know will forever consider their own interests first, because to do so is human nature?

All evolved, living beings MUST consider their own interests first, otherwise they will die. There is nothing wrong in doing so. There is no contradiction between doing what is needed to stay alive and helping others.

Subsequently, That you should just kill yourself because there's no true point to living.

Ah, my friend, there is EVERY point to living. Living is a celebration of a very special form of matter in which we are terribly lucky to take part, a line dance hundreds of millions of years long in which we join as the absolute elite of the universe of material things, since most matter is rock and sand and gas.

I'm nearly constantly in a fully blank and apathetic state. I have gone years like this, interspersed with days or individual weeks of fleeting, exuberant joy, and consecutive weeks if not months or more of a crushing demotivation and depression. All the while I am quiet. All the while I observe and I learn and it is from this observation that I draw my semblance.

That's a shame. Change is possible for many, perhaps for you too. Try to imagine a life without this awful vibration between joy and misery. No, you're quite right, there are no guarantees. But many, many people have graduated from one to the other.

To say I hate my mind would be the gravest of understatements. I would rather be idiotic, immoral, a complete *****, and happy (or at least on the emotional norm) than intelligent, inhibited, overly forgiving, and blank or sad almost all the time.

Again: change is possible. Find out whether that's so for you. It's intense work. Requiring the commitment of a special forces soldier. You have to want it with every molecule of your being. But then things happen. You see and feel things you've never seen or felt before. Try it. It's worth it. And take care.