21 levels of Self-Deception: THIRD EDITION by Tom Wallace - HTML preview

T W E N T Y - O N E L E V E L S

it saw in a plain way. Hundreds of people can talk for one who can think, and thousands can think for one who can see. To see clearly is poetry, philosophy, and religion — all in one.’

If it could be shown that there really is a meaning to life, and further, that the meaning is one which all agreed was a very good and worthwhile meaning, then would that really make life better? Perhaps the meaning could lead on to a responsibility to act in a certain way, and this responsibility would be a worse burden than living without meaning. I offer this thought because, on a personal level, I wonder if it is better to be without too much meaning! Meaninglessness may actually be more fun and playful. Pleasure, by itself, does not really demand a meaning from us. And if we are thinking that we are devising some kind of life-plan for ourselves, then we are well-informed by Alistair MacIntyre, who, you’ll remember, told us our lives are enriched when they are incomplete.

But maybe living without too much meaning is not just more fun but also more practical and helpful. To live at peace with ourselves, others and the Earth is surely the highest aim anyone could have in life. Working for the common good — and using whatever particular talents the universe has gifted us — seems like more than enough. And to do this modestly and with as much discretion as possible — knowing we’ll be gone before long — that’s a good trick if it can be achieved! And all of this without striving! Because, if striving seems necessary then chances are something is wrong.

This chapter could be summarised by saying

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