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Is the purpose of life to be happy? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 year ago by investorsexchange@lemmy.ca to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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When I’m unhappy, I feel like I’m doing life wrong. I’d rather be happy. But is happiness the point of life, or is there more to it? If I pursue happiness, mine first then for those around me, is that selfish? But if there’s a bigger purpose, then what about people with Alzheimer’s or dementia who can’t recall recent experiences or make plans?

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[–] Adi2121@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

This sounds a lot like absurdism, especially the "nothing matters so I can do whatever I want".

[–] Glide@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

There's one massive quality that makes positive Nihilism different from Absurdism. Absurdism states that trying to create meaning in a chaotic universe puts you at odds with it. Therefore, doing so creates unhappiness. Optimistic Nihilism, as the common thought I was trying to convey but incorrectly labelled is called, believes that without inherent meaning in our chaotic universe, we are free to create whatever meaning we desire.

Both believe the universe is inherently chaotic and meaingless. Only one believes that you can successfully create meaning.

[–] Adi2121@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Hmm, I've never heard the part where going against the universe creates unhappiness. Maybe I should read a bit more in depth. Thanks for the explanation.