I hate to follow up a Peters’ Pick with a deep post like this but here goes:

This is an idea that I think about often but have never put it out there. I’ve read a lot about the continuous debate about the role of religion in society and day to day life. One of the most common objections to letting go of religion is that, without religion, life has no meaning. But there are so many other things out there that we seem perfectly happy to enjoy with out asking about its meaning. No one ever asks, “what is the meaning of music?” or “what is the meaning of art?” We are perfectly happy to enjoy these things without meaning (or at least I can–do music and art need meaning in order to be enjoyed?). Why can’t we enjoy life without meaning? Why are we so obsessed with this question?

I think what people really mean when they ask about the meaning of life is, “what is the meaning of suffering?” I know, I know. This is getting way deep. But think about it. You never worry about the meaning of a great song but you’d wonder about the meaning of being forced to listen to a terrible one. People never ask themselves about the meaning of life when they’re having a great time, only when they’re facing hardship or difficult times. People can live without meaning–people can’t suffer without meaning. So my question is, instead of worrying about meaning, why don’t we just get to the root of it and reduce suffering?

I’ll try and get back to something a little more superficial tomorrow. I promise.