As I work on more in-depth philosophical concepts, I sometimes get lost from reality. The sudden realization of where I am in time and space is rather abrupt. Then I begin to question what purpose my ideas will ever play. Is it all for naught? Does any of it actually matter? Will I ever truly matter to the world?
The Infatuation with “action.”
Ever wonder why social media rules our world? Because it gives people a place to do something.
The world focuses on definitive action.
“Take a stand” became the motto in a search for meaning, even without knowing what your stand is. Everyone rushes to identify with something. Whether it be biological skin color, the lack of a Y chromosome, or personal feelings towards celebrities, sports teams, or politicians. Once you have your “group” you think it will give you meaning. But it is not enough. You must now take a stand against the oppression of your cohesive identity.
And people do take a stand. In order to maintain their identity, they write, they rant, they protest. They “take action.” But what does it matter? Even the more effective “actions” that accomplish a goal: Legislation, Charity. Do they matter? People feel they do as long as they relate to their own beliefs.
But is that not fickle and conceited? All of it will be undone by another with opposing beliefs. Will any of it have a lasting effect?
The Pursuit of
What do you do when you run out of action that has no long term effect? What is left when there is no group to identify with?
You create something that can exist forever.
Literature. Illustration. Music. Science. Education. Even a business. Everyone is an “artist” to some degree. Everyone wants to nail down who they are and embody the idea that is them in some tangible, immortal form. Ultimate, raw expression of your individuality through any and all medium. Not clouded by time and circumstance.
A painting has no real value. But it is valued. So it must have meaning. Right?
To a degree, it does. It holds some concept of insight that the artist had. And if you are a good artist, you are either good at putting an idea into physical reality, or just really good at telling people you are. A business is also just an idea. The physical creation of something abstract.
But artists soon find out that people don’t interpret their art the way they created it. The world is full of misunderstood authors, inventors, and teachers. Even more often, it has been done before. Nothing is new under the sun.
Their work feels meaningless…overlooked. It is nothing more than words on a page, or a group of confrontational people. None of it truly matters.
An external source.
These two methods of finding meaning and identity are opposites.
The first utilizes the transfer of meaning from others to yourself by association and action. The second involves trying to transfer meaning from yourself onto others through the creation of material.
Both are inherently flawed, and neither is satisfactory. Nothing in this world, even other people, can fulfill our purpose.
We need something beyond this world.
The meaning of a song about meaning.
Occasionally we do truly identify with a good cause and help people. And occasionally artists convey deep concepts that change us.
One of my favorite artists is Colton Dixon. He just released a new album with so many songs that reach my heart and draw meaning. But to be honest, I don’t draw the meaning from him. Or the music. Instead, he points to the only things that ever do actually matter.
If you get time, you should listen/watch here.
This song (and the whole album) embodies much of the post above. The seeming un-meaningfulness of life on its own. But it relays a promise that God gave to us.
His love will never fade. It is always with us.
I don’t have to define my success or failure based on the material things I create. Neither do I have to find some group to identify with.
I am God’s creation. You are God’s creation. Accepting that changes every part of life. Every part. Whether you discovered the herb that saves thousands of lives, or have lived a life of pain and suffering, God’s love is continuous and all-fulfilling. He is our Identity.
And that’s All That Matters.