Pondering Life (98)

Mar 7, 2013 3:28 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
When we go through difficult times in life, I guess it's only natural to question why things happen and try to find some meaning in them.

My recent thoughts on this lead me further down a philosophical road where I found myself considering those who live in what could be seen as almost unbearable circumstances - abject poverty, constant and severe pain with no relief, those who have lost loved ones under terrible circumstances and so on.

This then lead me to a book called 'Man's Search for Meaning' written by Victor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust.

Given his occupation and his experiences in concentration camps, he further explored the 'meaning of life' concept which led him to Nietzsche's quote

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

It's what each person's life expects of him that gives his life meaning..

'Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.'

Thoughts?
Mar 7, 2013 3:35 AM CST Pondering Life
There are many threads on here discussing the same subject




the above are just two examples of the hundreds on here
Mar 7, 2013 3:50 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
robplum: There are many threads on here discussing the same subject




the above are just two examples of the hundreds on here



I fail to see the connection, one thread being about natural selection, evolution and the other about whether hell exists.

If you're not in the mood to contribute rob, please don't see it as an opportunity to belittle my thread hijack
Mar 7, 2013 3:52 AM CST Pondering Life
they are both related as many other threads are and i am not trying to belittle your thread, was actually trying to be helpful
Mar 7, 2013 3:54 AM CST Pondering Life
curly28
curly28curly28Perth, Western Australia Australia53 Threads 5,450 Posts
serene56: When we go through difficult times in life, I guess it's only natural to question why things happen and try to find some meaning in them.

My recent thoughts on this lead me further down a philosophical road where I found myself considering those who live in what could be seen as almost unbearable circumstances - abject poverty, constant and severe pain with no relief, those who have lost loved ones under terrible circumstances and so on.

This then lead me to a book called 'Man's Search for Meaning' written by Victor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust.








Given his occupation and his experiences in concentration camps, he further explored the 'meaning of life' concept which led him to Nietzsche's quote

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

It's what each person's life expects of him that gives his life meaning..

'Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.'

Thoughts?



Ive read a few books on the 2nd world war and the concentration camps what happened to our men and the gassing of millions of people crying sad flower was so horrendous we can only imagine because we haven't experienced anything like that in our time on this earth. I hope we never do.

We will remember them R.I.P sad flower
Mar 7, 2013 3:58 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
robplum: they are both related as many other threads are and i am not trying to belittle your thread, was actually trying to be helpful



I was hoping for some relevant feedback confused
Mar 7, 2013 4:04 AM CST Pondering Life
Obscuritan
ObscuritanObscuritanMelbourne, Victoria Australia37 Threads 3 Polls 1,284 Posts
serene56: When we go through difficult times in life, I guess it's only natural to question why things happen and try to find some meaning in them.

My recent thoughts on this lead me further down a philosophical road where I found myself considering those who live in what could be seen as almost unbearable circumstances - abject poverty, constant and severe pain with no relief, those who have lost loved ones under terrible circumstances and so on.

This then lead me to a book called 'Man's Search for Meaning' written by Victor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust.

Given his occupation and his experiences in concentration camps, he further explored the 'meaning of life' concept which led him to Nietzsche's quote

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

It's what each person's life expects of him that gives his life meaning..

'Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.'

Thoughts?


Yes, been thinking for a while Serene. There were one or two thoughts but they got away.
You do see that sometimes when people survive horrors it gives them a sense of purpose afterwards.
I've questioned why things happen and looked for meaning in human existence, but have not been able to find any.
Wish I could help you darl, as I can guess what you're going through.
teddybear
Mar 7, 2013 4:09 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
Obscuritan: Yes, been thinking for a while Serene. There were one or two thoughts but they got away.
You do see that sometimes when people survive horrors it gives them a sense of purpose afterwards.
I've questioned why things happen and looked for meaning in human existence, but have not been able to find any.
Wish I could help you darl, as I can guess what you're going through.


Thank you obs hug

I guess it partly comes down to how one copes with these things, as far as what we consider 'difficulties' in our western society ..

And I do think that some experiences can be humbling and instil more compassion in us toward other people, particularly those who are struggling in life?
Mar 7, 2013 4:22 AM CST Pondering Life
jem1964
jem1964jem1964Foothills of Dandenongs, Victoria Australia30 Threads 1 Polls 2,441 Posts
serene56: When we go through difficult times in life, I guess it's only natural to question why things happen and try to find some meaning in them.

My recent thoughts on this lead me further down a philosophical road where I found myself considering those who live in what could be seen as almost unbearable circumstances - abject poverty, constant and severe pain with no relief, those who have lost loved ones under terrible circumstances and so on.

This then lead me to a book called 'Man's Search for Meaning' written by Victor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust.

Given his occupation and his experiences in concentration camps, he further explored the 'meaning of life' concept which led him to Nietzsche's quote

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

It's what each person's life expects of him that gives his life meaning..

'Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual.'

Thoughts?


Im no psychologist or psychatrist but know that what others see is not what people experience.

Abject poverty.. by who's standards? A first world country looking at a 3rd world country? Possessions dont make you happy it is how you react to your environment that makes you happy. You can have all the oney in the world and be miserable, yet someone with nothing can see the joy in the flight of a butterfly and smile.

Tough times.. can make or break a person, it is again how they chose to react that is critical. They can be swamped or determine that this is what they want for themselves and fight to the nth degree to get out of the situation.

we can chose to be or we can chose to act.

dunno if that is what you want Serene laugh
Mar 7, 2013 4:26 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
jem1964: Im no psychologist or psychatrist but know that what others see is not what people experience.

Abject poverty.. by who's standards? A first world country looking at a 3rd world country? Possessions dont make you happy it is how you react to your environment that makes you happy. You can have all the oney in the world and be miserable, yet someone with nothing can see the joy in the flight of a butterfly and smile.

Tough times.. can make or break a person, it is again how they chose to react that is critical. They can be swamped or determine that this is what they want for themselves and fight to the nth degree to get out of the situation.

we can chose to be or we can chose to act.

dunno if that is what you want Serene


Lol, yeah jem laugh

But where do you think 'hope' comes into it?

If someone is in a position where they see no hope - they can't get out of the situation - is it strength of character that pulls them through?
Mar 7, 2013 4:35 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56: I was hoping for some relevant feedback

Freudian psychology, a psychiatrist or psychiatrist hold the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud a Austrian neurologist who originated psychoanalysis (1856-1939)
You raised the topic of Pondering Life and said you found yourself considering those who live in what could be seen as almost unbearable circumstances - abject poverty, constant and severe pain with no relief, those who have lost loved ones under terrible circumstances and so on.

And offered the thread Hellfire which related directly to the subject matter of hell and i put it to you that is relevant to your request for thoughts.

The Freud School of thought is one school of thought, while however in relation to his experience in concentration camps, he further explored the 'meaning of life.
Both threads in my opinion raise relevant subject matter directly pertaining aspects leading to understanding of the meaning of life
Mar 7, 2013 4:36 AM CST Pondering Life
Nature123
Nature123Nature123Australia, Queensland Australia68 Threads 2 Polls 739 Posts
Well I have no idea what direction my life is heading at the moment,
Things happen for a reason,

Just have to work out what that reason is laugh peace
Mar 7, 2013 4:38 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
robplum: Freudian psychology, a psychiatrist or psychiatrist hold the psychological theories of Sigmund Freud a Austrian neurologist who originated psychoanalysis (1856-1939)
You raised the topic of Pondering Life and said you found yourself considering those who live in what could be seen as almost unbearable circumstances - abject poverty, constant and severe pain with no relief, those who have lost loved ones under terrible circumstances and so on.

And offered the thread Hellfire which related directly to the subject matter of hell and i put it to you that is relevant to your request for thoughts.

The Freud School of thought is one school of thought, while however in relation to his experience in concentration camps, he further explored the 'meaning of life.
Both threads in my opinion raise relevant subject matter directly pertaining aspects leading to understanding of the meaning of life



Well you know I have a short attention span rob sigh

I wasn't intending to go sifting through other threads at this point in time, thanks anyway, I'd prefer to toss this one around for a bit popcorn
Mar 7, 2013 4:39 AM CST Pondering Life
jem1964
jem1964jem1964Foothills of Dandenongs, Victoria Australia30 Threads 1 Polls 2,441 Posts
serene56: Lol, yeah jem

But where do you think 'hope' comes into it?

If someone is in a position where they see no hope - they can't get out of the situation - is it strength of character that pulls them through?


I cant see any magical answer, for some it is strength of character or just chosing to look at things a different way.

Sometimes we all need to take a step away from where we are, try to put someone elses glasses on and look at the situation. If you can do that you can usually see another perspective to the story and it can change things.

I have watched loved ones fight cancer to be there for a special day, living weeks longer than expected. I have also watched loved ones heart broken and give up the will to live, going much faster than they should have.

The spirit is something powerful inside of all of us, what controls that spirit, where it comes from I cant answer. But I recognise it and it is a force to be reckoned with
Mar 7, 2013 4:41 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
Nature123: Well I have no idea what direction my life is heading at the moment,
Things happen for a reason,

Just have to work out what that reason is



Nature sometimes that becomes apparent down the track .. or not at all dunno

I mostly enjoy the serendipity of life, but right now I'm keeping my head down hole
Mar 7, 2013 4:46 AM CST Pondering Life
conduit
conduitconduitmelbourne, Victoria Australia2 Threads 236 Posts
serene56: Lol, yeah jem

But where do you think 'hope' comes into it?

If someone is in a position where they see no hope - they can't get out of the situation - is it strength of character that pulls them through?


I honestly believe that a person with a strong will power combined with other virtues that the person has developed during their lifetime will pull through any difficult situations, including near--deaths.It is the belief that there is something better out there to cling to.These people become such strong character who often do good to others in many ways.
Mar 7, 2013 4:55 AM CST Pondering Life
serene56
serene56serene56Myplace, New South Wales Australia543 Threads 10 Polls 27,954 Posts
conduit: I honestly believe that a person with a strong will power combined with other virtues that the person has developed during their lifetime will pull through any difficult situations, including near--deaths.It is the belief that there is something better out there to cling to.These people become such strong character who often do good to others in many ways.



Hmm, good points you have there conduit.

So these people have actually discovered meaning in their life .. conversing
Mar 7, 2013 5:11 AM CST Pondering Life
Merriweather
MerriweatherMerriweatherAdelaide, South Australia Australia51 Threads 11,403 Posts
serene56: Great post, thanks merri

Sometimes when topics like this come up, I think of you, and how life can often take unexpected turns that we wouldn't have dreamed of in a million years.

Although recent events in my life have made me ponder, they've also given rise to other, sometimes surprising, reactions that I didn't expect.
With life's knocks that we can all expect, especially as we grow older, I had thought that I had developed a fair amount of resilience..

But I now also have some fear, which is making me a little hesitant to look past tomorrow



Hun, we are getting together at the meet soon, how about you and I have a chat then....

about these surprising reactions.. I am quite worried because I remember that I lost it for a while.. would only think of today and not tomorrow... I now realise that is not the way to think.

The only thing that I can add it...

Time is a healer... and if you look at nature, time is slow there too.

In nature, plants grow only when the are meant to... flower only when they are meant to... and none of it just happens coz you order it... so take it slow, and be aware of the subtle changes... life changes for us all the time... even if we think it does not... hug
Mar 7, 2013 5:43 PM CST Pondering Life
conduit
conduitconduitmelbourne, Victoria Australia2 Threads 236 Posts
serene56: Hmm, good points you have there conduit.

So these people have actually discovered meaning in their life ..




Yes I believe so.For example there are many breast cancer survivors who have set up, BreaCan, which is in the city. Those people are all volunteer supporters for women with any kind of cancer.Phone call etc are all very helpful when one is so depressed. They also run information of what is happening now in medicine to combat cancer. Another program is the "Feel good" where women put make-up,scarves, wigs etc. to make them feel better, while they go or have gone through chemo-therapy,and other therapies. Another one is run in hospitals eg Peter Mac where all patients males & females have drinks, food while they are having their chemo-therapy---all run by volunteers. There is also a guy(do not know his name) that started soup making for all people who are homeless. This place is somewhere in the city. There are many more.
Mar 7, 2013 7:32 PM CST Pondering Life
mickyj63
mickyj63mickyj63adelaide, South Australia Australia101 Threads 2,362 Posts
Nature123: Well I have no idea what direction my life is heading at the moment,
Things happen for a reason,

Just have to work out what that reason is


Thats two of us Nature I have no flipping idea rolling on the floor laughing
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