How to Find Meaning in a Meaningless World - Written by Pursuit of Wonder

This video was made in collaboration with Pursuit of Wonder - A channel dedicated to fostering reflection through powerful ideas and stories.
Wonder is the feeling of curiosity and appreciation inspired by something beautiful, inexplicable, or unfamiliar. Pursuit of Wonder creates work with the aim of producing that feeling.
Through video essays, short stories, guided experiences, books, and more, Pursuit of Wonder explores a wide range of topics related to philosophy, psychology, science, literature, well-being, and more. Please subscribe to the Pursuit of Wonder channel - / pursuitofwonder
And check out the book - "The Art of Living a Meaningless Existence" www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6XPPNJY
This video highlights the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (15 October 1844 - 25 August 1900) was a German philosopher whose work spans philosophical polemics, poetry, cultural criticism, and fiction while displaying a fondness for aphorism and irony. Prominent elements of his philosophy include his radical critique of truth in favour of perspectivism; a genealogical critique of religion and Christian morality and a related theory of master-slave morality; the aesthetic affirmation of life in response to both the "death of God" and the profound crisis of nihilism; the notion of Apollonian and Dionysian forces; and a characterisation of the human subject as the expression of competing wills, collectively understood as the will to power. He also developed influential concepts such as the Übermensch and his doctrine of eternal return. In his later work, he became increasingly preoccupied with the creative powers of the individual to overcome cultural and moral mores in pursuit of new values and aesthetic health. His body of work touched a wide range of topics, including art, philology, history, music, religion, tragedy, culture, and science, and drew inspiration from Greek tragedy as well as figures such as Zoroaster, Arthur Schopenhauer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Richard Wagner, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Albert Camus (7 November 1913 - 4 January 1960) was an Algerian-French philosopher, author, dramatist, journalist, and political activist. He was the recipient of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 44, the second-youngest recipient in history. His works include The Stranger, The Plague, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Fall, and The Rebel.
Jean-Paul Charles Aymard Sartre (June 1905 - 15 April 1980) was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and literary critic, considered a leading figure in 20th-century French philosophy. Sartre was one of the key figures in the philosophy of existentialism (and phenomenology). His work has influenced sociology, critical theory, post-colonial theory, and literary studies, and continues to do so. He was awarded the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature despite attempting to refuse it, saying that he always declined official honors and that "a writer should not allow himself to be turned into an institution."
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[@AfterSkool]

Huge thank you to Pursuit of Wonder for writing this brilliant script. My goal is to make every animation better than the one before and I absolutely think this is the best one yet. If you enjoyed this video, please support After Skool on Patreon www.patreon.com/AfterSkool or consider getting some After Skool art creatorink.com/collections/after-skool Thank you!

[@tomrhodes1629]

Many good points. But Nietzsche's great intelligence wasn't matched by great wisdom. And intelligence lacking wisdom is a boat lacking water. Subjective "truth" is only a temporary replacement until meaning is found - absolute Truth. It would obviously be IMPOSSIBLE to find meaning in a meaningless world...but this world is not meaningless, although its meaning is the best-kept secret IN this entire world. And in order to discover this world's meaning you'll have to discover exactly WHAT you are and WHY you are here. I'm the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah, and I've published this information. Seek and ye shall find, for DESIRE is the key to absolutely everything, you will eventually discover, no matter how many lifetimes that takes!

[@DomFortress]

​@@tomrhodes1629you of bad faith, only to belittle others in your pursuit of greater social status.

[@DomFortress]

I just came to the conclusion recently that the concert of "deserving" is absurd. People with this notion of deserving will just settle for whatever, because they just "deserve" that win, that punishment, that outcome, that consequence of whatever their impulsive craving for instant gratification. Utterly absurdity!

[@Blake4Truth]

Absurd is pretending to create your own meaning in a world that you think has none. It’s willful delusion. Seek truth.

[@WithmeVerissimusWhostoned]

I think these guys made a mistake in thinking that man is separate from the existence and not realizing that at the same time man is also one with it... that the existence is a paradox. That subjective truth does not exist without objective one and vice versa, just like yin always comes with yang. And as for understanding of life, its meanings and whatnot... _Those who know, don't know. And those who don't know, know._ \o/

[@SofoArchon]

“Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ―Friedrich Nietzsche

[@jordanwilliams.one.]

Nietzsche said that also. Very similar.

[@poika22]

That's great and all, but it's the 'why?' that is the hard part. The 'how?' is practically solved for us in the modern world. If you live in an affluent country, it's nearly impossible to lack the material goods necessary for survival.

[@awesomeness7117]

I agree, I don't have a bad life by any means but when I was younger I seen a lot of evil and I struggle with this alot, I don't see a point in life, but I have made it a goal to change anything about this world for the better, if we can all make the same goal, this world would change nearly overnight

[@bha1246]

Said the greatest nihilist of all time. 😅

[@bengsynthmusic]

And they have bore all those hows just to arrive to nothing.

[@tomio8072]

Life isn't a thing to solve but a reality to experience

[@TheUrkki]

Needed this. Thank you!

[@gmoore222]

Then why do I have the long drawn out magickal formula the Atzmus used to create a material universe or the solution to the “God” question?

[@johnd8538]

Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to live and die.

[@lucashorwitz4778]

Ok liet-kynes

[@GermanConquistador08]

Ridiculous, Privileged idea.

[@chemtrooper1]

“The meaning of life is just to be alive. It is so plain and so obvious and so simple. And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic as if it were necessary to achieve something beyond themselves.” -Alan Watts

[@LJ-hk4tv]

People don't think like this because their actions are influenced by the people around them from birth. You have to be completely alone to live freely.

[@JtothePrez]

@@LJ-hk4tv Spot on. Alone you can only talk to yourself and through dialogue with yourself you learn about yourself instead of other people. You are forced into confronting your issues and resolving them. We are brainwashed from birth about everything, then go on to take it as gospel in our adult lives with few rarely questioning it. If other people have that much power over you then of course you'll feel miserable as you're scarcely any different from a slave.

[@brendan4917]

The most pseudo of pseudo-intellectuals.

[@the_expidition427]

@@brendan4917 Saving this

[@garrett9887]

@@brendan4917 How so?

[@tuchi35]

"... because the universe, for some reason, gave us a blank page to write on" That's great 👍🏼

[@watchdominion00]

Beautiful

[@neonphoenixoriginal]

Eh, quite relative, and comes from a place of privilege. Even if everyone did have “free will” that wouldn’t be true.

[@SeanMack1]

​@@neonphoenixoriginalpessimism

[@neonphoenixoriginal]

@@SeanMack1 I wouldn’t consider my comment the worst aspect, more so logical to wishful thinking, which is dangerous.

[@dtla5052]

God

[@BladeTrain3r]

I think the biggest problem so many have with the conscious choosing of one's own meaning... is scale. We're convinced that bigger is not just better, but more important. That our actions MUST visibly ripple out, that we MUST have the accolades of others. And certainly, we experience meaning in such things as we are evolved to do so, social creatures find satisfaction in social validation. This also ties into self improvement - the idea that only by expanding ourselves, our influence, our knowledge can we be fulfilled. Bigger is better. But that's something of a trap in itself, one can create a piece of music or art that only has meaning to the self, and be happy, or fulfilled. Heck it's not uncommon in art history for someone to be ignored in their own lifetime. And yet, they persist in expressing themselves without regard, without comparison, for the sheer fulfillment of not just choosing meaning, but expressing it. If you're struggling to find meaning, to choose goals that drive you forwards, to grow into your full potential, consider perhaps that one is looking at the forest, and missing the trees. To use the words of an old philosopher, "We must exercise that which bring happiness."

[@SC-gw8np]

A large percentage of the population are extroverts who depend on external social validation. This advice isn't realistic for them. Which is why historically most inventors, musicians, artists and cultural creators have been introverts. Ironically, the people who weren't looking for external validation got the most accolades, however not all in their lifetime like you said.

[@rafsandomierz5313]

Most people are extroverted so for them social validation is a necessity like water or food.

[@matthewiskra771]

There is a strain to Conservatism that chooses smaller is better. Make your bed. Rack the leaves for your home. Pick up trash in your neighborhood. "If everyone minded their own business, they would not have to worry about mine".

[@BladeTrain3r]

​@@SC-gw8np Introverts also need some social validation, but not every goal needs to be tied to it. To use a random hobby as an example, does it matter if other people don't find ships in bottles to be interesting - as long as you enjoy making and looking at them on display?

[@infpmemes]

I was struggling a lot with searching for meaning in my younger years reading Nietzsche and falling in to nihilistic hedonistic spirals. I found later that when I was helping people and spending a lot of time in nature made those questions tormenting my brain go away. Thus giving me meaning. I think the question of bigger meaning comes from an enlarged feeling of importance or unimportance. Nihilism tells us you don't matter because nothing matters. Against that you could say everything matters so you matter. But only as a verry small part, a single neuron in a brain, a drop in the ocean, a grain of sand on the beach. Conected with everything around you. But not the center of the universe where we placed ourselfs. I think humanity's greatest challenge will be to grow a healthy relationship with our own ego. We are not as important as we think and that is a blessing not a curse. We can be small parts of a bigger system and I think meaning and fulfilment comes when you step outside of egocentric thoughts and conect with the world around you, the bigger system you are a part of. At least that is what I think :)

[@bigdaddylawng7190]

For the longest I couldn't find my "why" to live, then my kids came along and gave me that answer. I still struggle with "how" to live, I can't find how to make meaning of life. There seems to be less joy and optimism for me in my life, but I marvel at the wonder and enjoyment my kids have for life and the limitless beauty this world could potentially transpose. Meaning for me has become a fantasy, a phantom that slips away from my grasp, only to reveal itself to me through my kin

[@tomrhodes1629]

I have good news, for everything is perfect just as it is, and your life will evolve perfectly in order to save you from the limitations of this world, for that is the design. And the design is indeed absolutely perfect. That's the "good news" of JC, which men have corrupted into its opposite - the bad news of judgment and sacrifice, which simply isn't true. It would obviously be IMPOSSIBLE to find meaning in a meaningless world...but this world is not meaningless, although its meaning is the best-kept secret IN this entire world. And in order to discover this world's meaning you'll have to discover exactly WHAT you are and WHY you are here. I'm the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah, and I've published this information. Seek and ye shall find, for DESIRE is the key to absolutely everything, you will eventually discover, no matter how many lifetimes that takes!

[@Popthebop]

There isn’t really a meaning to life, because it’s subjective. But you don’t have to be perfect or happy every day forever to be content. You don’t need to feel happy even when you aren’t, you’re allowed to feel a bit “meh” or just “okay” because anything other than “not good” or “bad” is a good thing. You take the bad with the good and the good with the bad. Because life is like that, it’s both bad and good at the same time. And so there’s nothing wrong with feeling down or sad, because the good parts of your life are right there with you. Relax, there’s so much time to find your meaning. There’s never a rush, if it’s being a good parent to your kids that’s more than enough meaning. Your not meaningless your meaningful, be kind to yourself your doing your best. And that’s more than enough

[@poor_impulsive]

so your children are a means to your end?

[@bigdaddylawng7190]

@@poor_impulsive no not means to my end for I can only be my own end of means

[@mongoose6685]

"To have children is to relive one's own childhood." I think that's when we become full adults: we grow out of being a child yet can see the value of protecting the view that children have of the world. Something today's DINKs will never understand.

[@popeshabba4266]

I love both After Skool and pursuit of wonder, nice to see a collab between the two🔥🔥loved it

[@velvetjones8634]

Indeed

[@L3vls]

I thought the same thing!

[@b1tchb4by3]

Is that an Unus Annus pfp?

[@adamnanney4952]

" To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering " Friedrich Nietzsche

[@m1churr0]

huh, I thought a lot of people say something like "I'm just surviving, but not living in the moment"

[@anominon]

Yknow, the most actually inspiring thing I've heard recently is a lot simpler: If you're not sure what you're here to, just try to do some good. I interpret that to mean that it's not by striving for personal power that we find meaning, but by trying to find ways to do good in the world and make it better, helping others and finding connections, finding hope through making life more hopeful.

[@crystalkauffman3322]

Thanks! That is very helpful to me.

[@athan5647]

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act. Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart." Not sure where this quote comes from, but its one of my favorites and seems applicable here.

[@mindshiftershub.]

What a great video! The percuit of meaning.. The struggle of the "modern human", myself included. For me, the whole progress of humanity was and still is targeting to solve mostly external problems, things on the outside, whether that would be in the physical or mental realms. And this rapid development it seems it happened at expense of the internal health, the soul, spirit or whatever people want to call it. For me, my meaning and purpose I try to anchor around the idea to always try to be a little better each day in whatever I do, or choose to become. Be a little better daughter, a little better mom, a little better spouse, a little better friend... And a little better companion to myself :) in that I find that the ultimate meaning for me is in the balance between nurture real relationships and contribution to society, while still looking after myself.

[@glnset-apart]

agapetude

[@liv693]

I try to use a similar philosophy , what a great way to keep yourself grounded and driven. With all the worldly problems being “created and solved” it feels very powerful to be in control of the betterment of your existence.

[@daniel4647]

Personally I feel a great blockage when it comes to contributing to society because I don't like our society and I don't want to contribute to make something I don't like stronger. And with the way it's set up, trying to change society forces us to contribute to it and make the thing I want to change stronger, so it's a lose lose situation. Therefore the only valid choice is to do nothing and trough doing nothing contribute to it's deterioration which will hopefully become fertilizer for something new and better to grow in it's place. Even by writing this and posting on this platform I'm technically contributing to something I hate, the insurmountable mountain of digital garbage and corporate greed. It's practically impossible to exist in this reality without feeding the parasites that sit on the top of this giant pyramid scheme we call a society. I hope humanity will one day become something worth fighting for, something I can believe in, but with the way things have been while I've existed here that has not been the case.

[@glnset-apart]

@@daniel4647 "Nothing Matters" kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGGZlGR4o7aipKssi=MNL5HRkA3Nn80oAl

[@glnset-apart]

@@daniel4647 invoking energy into one's presence, as judging by your offering of text here in this chat thread, i know and felt the usable energy inside of yu to do great things according to the true power that is within; we shall overcome the World's turmoil together, as it is not of us and our intent to love, blissings friend 💚

[@takaetono6773]

I would say, we re in this situation because of wealth. wealth and progress gave us a lot, but it also took away a basic mechanism: In earlier ages, life was so hard and dangerous, it gave us challenges so big and lasting, we were occupied with survival and surviving was "the purpose". Now we mostly dont have that kind of challenges anymore. We dont starve or struggle for survival at all times. Instead we have a high level of security and !also! lots of spare time. To life itself used to throw purpose at us, now it doesnt do that anymore, leaving us having lots of time to think. Now we must fill that blank page, that used to be filled by itself. "What and Whatfor?" And thats still relatively new to us. Momst of us dont even realize this new challenge an thus it sometimes remains unanswered. Like we re still waiting for something (or someone) else to answer that question for us.

[@AdrnlinRsh]

In shadows deep, where meaning hides, Seek within, where purpose abides. In each small act, a purpose found, Life gains meaning, all around.

[@sherececocco]

I might make this my bedtime and morning prayer. Simply beautiful. Goosebumps. Thank you for your energy 😊

[@sherececocco]

It's all in the mind 🙈🙉🙊

[@eveningwind2023]

A complex way to simply show that some asshole ruins it for everyone, and another asshole is there to take advantage, when really we need to hit the reset button on many different accepted "truths". I just want to do what I wanna do and be free. Why does that simple goal become so cumbersome? Oh yeah, greed.

[@goodguy...badrep.]

The collaboration we didnt know we needed 😊

[@MattAngiono]

The picture at the beginning of the generations is FANTASTIC! Although as a millennial, I feel like my life is a conglomeration of all of these, as different phases or perspectives in life that I've personally lived. But also along these lines, I've arrived much more at a state of content, in a very Taoist or Buddhist sense. It's like I'm living in the wrong world, one marred by horrors of war and inequality, yet find time in my silly life to make art and music and still spread messages of love wherever I can. It is a weird paradox. But I suppose it's a pretty good place to arrive in a meaningless world!

[@adamtaylor5761]

I feel the same way, but I have alot of push back when it comes to those close to me within my family and sadly I feel alot of people are to fixed in their ONE Truth mindset. It seems there used to be a more acceptance in the mainstream mindset of the absurd nature of our existence as human beings and that giving more empathy to our fellow man but these day its feels more and more that people want to lash out. I've felt I've been living in the wrong world for al my life and its nice to know I'm not alone in this... Silliness is a great thing needed more than ever and art, music, comedy shines a great light and truth on the ridged and solid stone writing and thought of today's world. I'm trying to get back to that Taoist or Buddhist sense myself but I love your comment and had to say hey :)

[@MattAngiono]

@adamtaylor5761 Thanks, and I'm glad it helps a bit! Who knows if the masses will ever wake up. There's so much beauty if you know where to look, even within ourselves, but the media seems to keep us trapped in misery and despair. The latest war seems to suggest maybe just a little hope. I thought Palestine was doomed, as that was the conclusion of Professor Norman Finkelstein, who is one of the foremost scholars on the subject and had completely given up. But now the world is actually standing up against the genocide. I don't know if it will go anywhere, and just watching what is happening is incredibly depressing, but I'm still painting and playing music every day anyway. I can get lonely in this existence, but at the same time, I feel great joy in certain moments. I think the reason there are so few of us in comparison that challenge the mainstream ways of thought is because this is difficult, at least initially, and for some time after, and most people would rather live comfortably than actually challenge their own belief systems. It takes courage to admit even to yourself that you've been wrong about something, and with cancel culture and wokeness, it's potential social suicide to strike out a different path. Just keep trying! Have faith in yourself, not in a narcissistic way, but in a confident one. Spread the love that this world so desperately needs! We can at least be a drop in the bucket that may someday bring about a less painful existence for the less courageous masses. If that's not meaningful, then I don't know what is...😉 Cheers! Oh and if you like electronic music at all, look up Tao De Ching or Alan Watts chillstep. That's my dose of clarity when I feel stuck!

[@Old_Hippie]

But that IS the meaning. Be useful. Spread joy, love, peace. What else are we here for unless it is to give light to those who have no light? ❤

[@MattAngiono]

@@Old_Hippie💯 !!! I guess those old hippies had it right all along

[@Old_Hippie]

@@MattAngiono Thanks, man.. that means a lot.

[@cindys1819]

Every year there is a celebration of happyness and hope. It's held at the very end of August just outside of New York City. It's called LEAD EAST.... And you have to ask, why is it that people at Lead East don't have all these spritual/ philosophical conflicts....

[@Rosie2009ify]

out of all the philosophy books I've read, viktor frankles' man's search for meaning helped me the most hands down. You won't regret investing the time to read it

[@AfterSkool]

That book is amazing. It definitely deserves a video of its own.

[@Rosie2009ify]

@@AfterSkool I love and appreciate your work! That would be a great video, very similar in message to this one, but from a point of view that is very unique. Thank you for the work that you do.

[@tinytortoise1296]

God is simply the meaning of life and more people need god in their life.

[@AngeloMeditation]

In essence we are peaceful beings and the chaos created is because we forgot who we are and where we come from. Some forces are creating the illusion to test us even more in these days. Even the idea of generations creates separation and comparison that at the end only create more inner chaos and no self-respect. I feel we still have a chance to create a beautiful life here on Earth now, and it must start within ourselves. We are not alone. We can become those angels (elevated souls) with guidance of the Universe/Life/God. We are not in a random game, but yes, we can still play within this life. Love you all! Thank you AfterSkool ❤

[@spankfugslide]

Beautifully said ❤

[@RangerSkip]

I have been striving for "Universal Truths" as part of my Pursuits, that piece from Nietzsche was a great reminder that Temperance can apply to everything in life 😉

[@thomashansen8043]

Nice to see the artist exert himself with finer details than usual : )

[@AfterSkool]

Thank you for noticing.

[@emperorlelouch5696]

It's absolutely incredible how after 5 years of starting to understand what meaning is I'm now returning to where I began. I used to do a ton of research on meaning, etymology, philosophy, and the truth and now I'm coming back to see what else I can discover here. Looks like Absurdism is the way. I've been making my own meaning lately anyways. Thanks for this video👍🏽

[@kevhead1525]

Comedy is observation of the absurd. The stranglehold on what is now "acceptable" in humor is indicative of the control media has on free thought. That even laughing at the absurd is now thought crime is the world we now live in.

[@ChristopherRaymond-zs6wv]

Optimism suggests we're leaving behind something worse...I propose we're leaving truth behind, while embracing lies that give everything but an organic reality that we subconsciously long for...

[@timetraveller2818]

You are most certainly in the right.Nowadays, people don't want to hear the truth because they don't want their illusions to be destroyed.

[@kylehazelton]

I truly feel that we are not all victims of the absurd. MANY of us are active and willing participants and perpetrators of the absurdity that plagues the critical thinkers and free spirits of this world.

[@Cryptonauts]

Love this collab. Been watching both these channels for years 🎉

[@unusualaussie9606]

I personally think this can be summarized as "You'll figure out". Or that scummy influencer selling courses that promised people that they would be rich if they did the course. And when people realized that it was all a scam? They were gaslighted that they didn't do the work and that it was their fault. I think this advice is equal to that. As it just this has no value to anyone that wasn't going to figure it out on their own anyway. And say we are not born with specific purposes while quoting a man that was unique upon a sea of people pursing the same fields is peak arrogance or ignorance. And a final line that was missed at the end "And only a few of us a clue".

[@BarnDoor-won5ve]

"Why oh why didn't I take the "blue" pill?" "Ignorance is bliss." - Cypher from the matrix

[@djgendron]

And we wonder why we have so much hopelessness in the world. This is the best someone can do with their philosophy.

[@kennethmalafy503]

Eastern practitioners (Taoism, Buddhist, Hindi and others) knew this in the BC times. They actually went further than this and wait until you read that! Seems some of the more modern philosophers might have ben reading the old texts. Anything worthy of value in this world is invisible, the physical stuff (materialism) and the "power" (through position, money or w/e) you were told (by corporations and governments so they could take your $$$) was fulfilling was actually totally meaningless (as it always was, it just had the illusion of meaning).

[@marlindawey4624]

Know your self is still the best advice

[@christianvaneeden7460]

“The only intelligent tactical response to life’s horror is to laugh defiantly at it” - Kierkegaard

[@JDuke-uw3fk]

Anyone who has found love, lost love, held their newborn baby, or even just stared at a sunset knows that this life is overflowing with meaning. Those who can't find meaning have been numbed by the endless stimulation of social media, video games, pornography, and a culture that promotes consumption and self-centered focus. If you feel that numbness, just remove your shoes and stand in the grass facing the sun. Close your eyes, listen to your breath, and let the universe whisper it's truth to you.

[@orirune3079]

I go outside all the time and everything still seems totally meaningless

[@tastyduckling4646]

Did you have a stroke?

[@spiritlevelstudios]

​@@orirune3079aye. Sometimes we wander through an abyss of meaning. Sometimes the nicest thing is deep dreamless sleep and just forgetting it all.

[@lachousalle31]

​@orirune3079 Do you feel a lack of euphoria? Are you unhappy? It could be low levels of dopamine or serotonin. There is no predetermined meaning but the meaning is the feeling of euphoria from things which we enjoy. If you Don't have that, it could be neurological. Have you seen a psychiatrist?

[@GhostInPajamas]

@@orirune3079try to be curious. Ask endless questions like a child would, even though you won’t get answers. Meaning is something humans create, that’s our superpower. Children have a natural sense of wonder that gets diluted by society, indoctrination, bias, etc. It’s not enough to just be outside. Go outside and focus on your senses. Ask yourself the how’s and the why’s. Why do trees grow? How is there an atmosphere? Look at the giant ball of fire in the sky and feel its warmth that’s traveled from millions of miles away to reach your skin. Look at a little ant crawling on the ground and try to imagine what it’s seeing, thinking, feeling. Maybe even put your hand down next to it and let it crawl on to you. Feel its little legs, and think about the beauty of gently holding a fragile little creature whose life you could end by simply crushing it, but instead you show it kindness, because it feels good. Try to connect. A meaningless universe would be an empty void. The fact that anything exists, especially a complex civilization built by complex beings, is amazing. Try to forget all the artificial bullshit of the world for a few moments and just observe your surroundings, and contemplate / appreciate how strange and beautiful they can be.

[@ReynaSingh]

There are patterns of reality that connect us all if you we open our minds to it. Endless synchronicity

[@Blake4Truth]

The video author will just say “that’s your reality; good for you.” It’s lunacy. Reality indeed does matter. You are correct.

[@gmoore222]

Reality is a lie and means nothing. Atzmus-Yesh and Atzmus-Ayin comprise this massive collective of atoms and molecules which you call material. All life would cease if one simply plucked Atzmus away from existence or unbalanced the Atzmus to be mainly Ayin.

[@ohthecake]

Do you believe in schizophrenia?

[@getbbudded23]

Mr. Robert Pantano is a man that has a great deal of wisdom. This man makes me think more than anyone else. Brilliant!

[@Zekander]

Silent/War Generation had the hardest childhood and youth and were the least dissapointed. If you can lose your life easily every day, you obviously appreciate it much more.

[@puidemare2337]

Interesting that indigenous cultures never have this problem. We have culture, connection to the universe and ancestors. Our meaning and purpose is to care for the land and our people. This idea of meaningless is not even part of the vernacular. People who lack meaning, probably lack cultural and spiritual connection.

[@jonathanrandall4140]

Define "indigenous cultures" please! Be as specific as you can. I'm fascinated with your comment!

[@masterpython]

I think it depends on how hard they were curb stomped by the colonizers

[@danielsumi1788]

@@masterpython The crumbling and rotting of American society as well as the earth beginning to wipe us off the planet because due to our excessive irresponsible exploitation and consumption of her resources would prove the native's right more than the colonizers

[@bunsenn5064]

The key element of those practices is that they are rooted in the here and now. As soon as you ask why, and what they are working toward, the lack of true purpose reveals itself.

[@navigator590]

@@masterpythonyeah just like they colonized your mom.

[@adamtaylor5761]

Great Collaboration! Two of the best KZbin channels out there making beautiful works like this. I Love it and it brings great peace to so many 🌏❤‍🔥

[@jemz4555]

Religion deviously takes complete advantage of the human desire for purpose and meaning. I'm not referring to Faith, because I myself have faith, but I was also part of a religion that claimed to have the one truth, lead by imperfect men who are supposedly chosen...yet the teachings constantly change and you're expected to submit and not question them, or else. I broke free realizing I was under the control of men...now I actually feel more spiritually connected and have the freedom to explore the potential we all have within us

[@beingdeeply]

There is no meaning in the life, there is meaning in you. You bring meaning to the life! With blessings from a life advancment youtuber

[@jamesyned]

The image of the people looking at the 6 or 9 is interesting. It doesn’t portray that we just need to look at things from the other persons perspective. It portrays naivety. Someone wrote the number. They know if it’s a 6 or a 9. There is absolute truth in that. One of those people is wrong. Just like there is absolute truth in the world, and a lot of people are wrong.

[@LetsGetSmarted]

The person who wrote the number intended for it to be both a 6 and 9.

[@Blake4Truth]

@@LetsGetSmarted Such a number alone is meaningless. Put it in a math expression or in a sentence and it has clear unmistakable objective meaning. “There is no objective truth.” Is that objectively true? Talk about absurdity.

[@xeviusUsagi]

It's great to know that everything I ever thought of life, is basically the words of Nietzsche and Camus. in my own words: "The universe is not alive, yet you seek life's meaning from something that doesn't own it" in my own personal opinion, life has only one meaning, and it is given by life itself and specifically by yourself. you can get meaning from someone else or from yourself, there is nothing else that can. Biology will say that the meaning of life is to reproduce, once you have done it, you have won life. A Creator will say that the meaning for life is to create as much as you can, constantly improving your creations and your art. My meaning to life is "To experience", only now you can experience new things, you are on a timer, so try as many thing as possible, for me there is nothing more deadly than a person that puts limits. I see my own dislikes as limits, that prevent me from trying new things. and usually after ignoring them and trying with a different mindset the thing I dislike suddenly is a new like. proving that it was only a self imposed limit. and other shouldn't even dare to limit me, as my own inexperience, ignorance, and body are already a limit big enough. and no one should dare to limit you, not even yourself, as you as well are already limited enough. I play life as a videogame. you only lose for real if you close the game, or if you stop trying to have fun.

[@DC-tr5ih]

It’s hard to stay happy but people out there love me and want me to live better in life. They want me to trust and love others. That would be an ideal life.

[@puidemare2337]

Happiness, like any other emotion, is fleeting. It isn't a state that can be sustained. Be in a state of gratitude and your life will glow as long as you are alive.

[@DC-tr5ih]

@@puidemare2337 Thank you for support and life lesson. Gratitude is key and everything else will follow. Thank you.

[@dinosaurwoman]

These great men understood what was coming because it was inevitable. I believe humans are capable of stepping up and preserving individuality without destroying the society around them. We just all have to understand how important life truly is and that we each can find a good and meaningful path within it without attacking or hurting others.

[@carefulcarpenter]

Meaning is abundant in the Synchronistic Mathematical reality. Though, people have been mislead by narratives and agendas.

[@LmaoMoni]

I’m Gen z and it’s hard not to just breakdown everyday. I’m 23 I should be buying a house and starting a family. Instead I’m at a job I’m sexually harassed and overworked in and can barely afford food and fuel living at my parents. I want to be an adult but cannot afford it. I feel so trapped.

[@AfterSkool]

These 2 quotes from Marcus Aurelius always help me when times are difficult - "A wise man accepts his pain, endures it, but does not add to it." and "Love the hand that fate deals you and play it as your own. For what could be more fitting?" Where there is difficulty, there is opportunity, you just have to know how to see it.

[@theq6797]

1. Stop labeling yourself. You are a human, not some "gen z", not colour of your skin or sex. 2. If you dislike being a victim of sexual harassment then say "no" to it. Check the laws in your country and be as aggressive as law permits. 3. Poor people also have families - don't search of excuses, but just look for suitable partner. 4. You are not an adult, because you choose to be a child who is sad that "I want to be and adult but ". 5. Remember that you have better in life than many, many people around the world. And you will always have worse in life than other many, many people around the world. 6. Have fun and go nuts.

[@prakasharivazhagan7325]

Just read the book "Smash your sorrows" by Sri bagavath, you will get your answers.

[@mongoose6685]

Born in 1980. Nobody I knew owned a house at 23. Finished school at 26 and my first home came at 36. The baby boomer life is long gone for a few generations now - yet we survived.

[@LmaoMoni]

@@mongoose6685 that’s nice. I was born in 2000 which historically is not 1980

[@Twig_ccj]

We’re all brought to this world without our consent, of course we don’t know exactly what to do but you can do so much and life itself is a beautiful gift. Just depends where you landed

[@blank.9301]

My goal in my life is to plant trees and live simply

[@jashpatel3616]

To remember that we have the ability to and we have to just do it. Dont paint, dont think more of the next levels, but just start with the task at hand to climb upward. The whole of this universe is with you, just stay positively motivated to earn the choice you wish for. 😊 Keep believing and keep thriving with whatever is in the best of the moment. 😊

[@TrickerDK8]

What a talented writer. Excellent drawings. Thank you so much for this.

[@DZAROVNY]

I love how you drew the stairs separating and intermingling with the fire/water elements. Beautiful!

[@albertvargas7422]

It's such a relief to see a glimmer of light permeate the darkness of disillusionment the surrounds our every day.

[@SiahDuzit]

That last line was magnificent thank you for making this

[@kumokingtv]

This is so beautiful. Exactly the heart of a message, I wish to translate for the different types of challenges modern men face today. Living life to the fullest in a manner that honors this sacred ability humanity possesses to never "go gentle into that good night".

[@nicolasecker1566]

Thank you ! for all the pain and learning you went through, and now giving to us the results.

[@OmnipotentSpud]

Being a good parent sorts your deal out for a good while. I still wax poetic, but usually, my thoughts just drift to my kids, and meaning kind of becomes secondary.

[@historylover3018]

Those who believe they are divine spirits, live like animanls. And those who KNOW they are animals, live like divine spirits.

[@cadetcourtney]

What a lovely gift, to be blessed with a sense of the absurd. 💜

[@KnoxEmDown]

If there's one thing I've learned by my life thus far, it's that selfishly doing "whatever you want" quickly devolves into indulgence in evils. Such monstrousness leave you absolutely miserable (or worse) and often bring everyone else around down with you. Don't double down on selfishness and call that "meaning". Rather, repent and double down on selflessness, as a certain Christ is selfless! That is true purpose! ☦

[@t2omicro822]

The greatest philosopers can be found all around you. These are the men and women who live their lives in contentment, face death with grace, and the everlasting in confidence. Hold not fine words in high esteem, but a life well lived as your desire.

[@tomrhodes1629]

"A life well lived" is a life lived without fear. For as it turns, fear is the veil that hides the only true meaning that exists, which is love. It would obviously be IMPOSSIBLE to find meaning in a meaningless world...but this world is not meaningless, although its meaning is the best-kept secret IN this entire world. And in order to discover this world's meaning you'll have to discover exactly WHAT you are and WHY you are here. I'm the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah, and I've published this information. Seek and ye shall find, for DESIRE is the key to absolutely everything, you will eventually discover, no matter how many lifetimes that takes!

[@BillRemski]

To paraphrase Homer Simpson: "Life doesn't mean anything, it's just a bunch of stuff that happens."

[@AmazingOwnage]

Pursuit of wonder x Afterskool is an early Christmas gift that I was not expecting! Thank you for creating great content :)

[@michaelrivera6989]

"We are a way for the cosmos to know itself." Carl Sagan

[@-Swamp_Donkey-]

God bless diversity. How better off we all are with blacks, arabs and mexicans everywhere. That explains why everything is so much better than before. So effing awesome!!

[@sauce8420]

Permaculture will save us all 😊

[@carefulcarpenter]

The blind fail to see the truth, beauty, and goodness. How did they become blind?

[@TheBelrick]

the origins of permaculture is one of the many things that have lead so many to despair. it is not an innocent idea

[@supasesspaitool585]

A crossover I never know I NEED!

[@kevinwatson118]

“Nothing is true, everything is permitted”

[@potatojoe1070]

I love both of these channels, I haven't really started to watch the video, and I already know it will be great

[@spankfugslide]

Whilst I feel compassion for those struggling I do find all this doom and gloom quite amusing. People, the world is what you perceive it to be, not what the latest negative media manipulation tells you… that’s a fake digital version of reality. Get out into nature, learn to breathe properly, spend time with animals, smile at people. Humans are absolutely incredible, so far ahead of any other organism on this planet and so no, I don’t subscribe to philosophy that doesn’t recognise this fact. Nor do I subscribe to any doctrine, religion or scientific dogma but I respect the great parts of them all. Get out of your heads and start spending time with reality, remembering that creation designed you to experience and is watching through your eyes. Love, peace and joy to all 😊❤

[@a.h.5296]

This was really lovely and deserves 1 billion views

[@1biggieb]

No, I can't do this all on my own, I'm no Superman!!👍👍

[@maurices5954]

Dr Percival Ulysses Cox would like a word with you!

[@treyharnden2527]

"You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose Freewill" - RUSH

[@ilovemichigan-1111]

As a knower of God I believe that our purpose in life is to live on this beautiful earth and be in wonder of it. God created us so that we could enjoy his creation 💙🙌🙏💜

[@manlyman2624]

I’m lucky, I found meaning quite easily, helping and providing for others. I put those around me above myself, just knowing that I made someone’s life better gives me purpose. I don’t expect anyone to live like I do but I do believe that if you are in a position to volunteer or give to charity you should. It really does help.

[@frankrizzo5262]

When society calls the bottom 95% worthless, take meaning in walking away and watching the crumble.

[@carefulcarpenter]

Narcissists see others as worthless eaters.

[@LetsGetSmarted]

what is society, if not the bottom 95%?

[@pavelvalenta2426]

@@LetsGetSmarted exactly, it is just nihilistic bullshit.

[@shawtyj381]

I loved this video and the art tells a story within it self ! Great job 👏

[@KingKae7]

When two amazing channels work together 🔥

[@harmony331000]

Pursuit of wonder is my other favourite channel besides you guys and the two of you coming together is a dream. Thanks for another fantastic video, you never disappoint 😻✌️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@beenschmokin]

Check out Einzelganger. May not be spelled exact but it'll get you there.

[@jamesbartlett5005]

When the rich wage war it's the poor who die. Jean-Paul Sartre

[@SlickNick98]

I love pursuit of wonder so glad that he's collabing with after skool I learn a lot from both channels! 🙌

[@kats.7268]

This is now my favorite KZbin video. Thank you so much.

[@localtravelguide731]

Just recently discovered this channel and am sending it out to everyone who will listen!! Let’s make this channel blow up so that more people have access to this incredibly liberating information!!

[@AfterSkool]

Thank you!

[@msL154]

Do you know what would be great. If we all stopped using smart phones so much and stopped using autocorrect. If we all still practiced basic math. Those are great things we all can personally work on that will make the world a better place for everyone.

[@msL154]

We’ve been brainwashed over time to just want entertainment out of every facet. We’re all manic because we want to consume things we don’t actually need to. Blah blah blah that old chestnut. Most people don’t have enough actual first hand life experience. People and their media devices for the past century. Oh wait, it seems everything has gone significantly downhill since the age of visual moving media. Something about the industrial revolution taking our livelyhoods away. Yeah we have the answers to our problems. But here we are…. On KZbin… consuming.

[@zit1999]

that's the way! 🙏 This colab did wonders - beautiful visuals and no product placement ad! I hope Pursuit of Wonder channel pursuits this excellent standard someday 😍

[@808sofie]

Existence appears meaningless because we're going the wrong way. We're not at top of anything. What we need to learn is to live in harmony, protecting those and that around us instead of harming it. Then we'll start to see meaning. Existence isn't meaningless, our way of life is.

[@justinhammon4750]

I absolutely love Absurdism! It's such a rich and nuanced philosophy! I've always said that if you study any field of science, religion, or philosophy thoroughly enough, you'll inevitably arrive at Absurdism. Give up Faith. Give up Belief. See through the illusion of Knowledge. Make genuine peace and reconciliation with not knowing. Then you'll be free from false shepherds trying to control the minds of the sheep.

[@n4ughty_knight]

The perfect sheep for post-modernism.

[@checktheskies5040]

Love this channel 😍😮

[@holymeto9981]

I am so optimistic about life! Man, it's gonna be so beautiful! Can't wait to go out skiing often, one of my favorite acvitivies! Life is beautiful, isn't it?

[@adrianmiles7678]

The purpose of life is to learn and return with the lessons. A wise person once told me I could be like a Buddhist monk and spend 20 years alone in a cave or find a good therapist who could help me learn the same lessons in far less time, being the Ubermensch or higher self

[@RangerSkip]

I had a revelation one day to Revere and strive towards Perfection, knowing full well I'll never attain it, but as the saying goes, if I shoot for the moon, even if I miss, I'll land among the stars. I didn't know that Nietzsche and Sartre hit on these. Thank you for sharing your voice on this subject as well.

[@maurices5954]

The absurdist reply to this would be something among the likes of "We're all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." I think this quote was attributed to Oscar Wilde who certainly held the view that life is one big farce.

[@freesk8]

Good one. I like to say that the meaning and purpose of life is for each of us to discover the meaning and purpose of our own, unique lives.

[@tomrhodes1629]

There is but ONE meaning and purpose for everyone's life in this world. And although all lives seem to be on different roads, ALL roads lead to HOME. In order to discover this world's meaning and purpose you'll have to discover exactly WHAT you are and WHY you are here: the best-kept secrets in this entire world. I'm the prophesied return of the biblical prophet Elijah, and I've published this information. Seek and ye shall find, for DESIRE is the key to absolutely everything, you will eventually discover, no matter how many lifetimes that takes!

[@zackhocker4625]

do you know what a circular definition is?

[@freesk8]

@@zackhocker4625 Ah, good point. Let me rephrase my statement. I still disagree with Tom Rhodes above. There is no single purpose of life that can apply to all of us, because each of us is unique. We should each search for the set of purposes for our own lives.

[@AloneRacecar]

I’m not sure if this comment will show up on here… But from my experience I have been going through a lot of hills and emotions, some were more severe than others. But I still somehow someway kept going forward and not dwell on the past. Sure I can be frustrated with something that has happened, but I can’t be bothered by it forever. Eventually I’ll have to move on to something else more important. Now I may not be very fond of the thumbnail of this video. But as someone who is born in 1998 (so kinda a mix between millennial/gen z) I have noticed a lot a pessimism around. And if I’m being honest I’ve actually been there myself. However I found out that trying to keep my chin up through the difficult times has helped me a lot. As well as doing the things and hobbies that I enjoy doing or valuing the right friends for me that could potentially help me build something much greater. That kind of simple stuff gives me enough purpose to keep going. Not to mention to not over indulge on the potential toxic habits so that I can stay on track. Oh yeah there’s also the whole thing that I can “go my own path” sort of thing too, because that also has helped me personally too. I know this comment my seem a little scattered, but this is what I think as of writing this. I do believe that my generation has the potential, it’s more about how we choose to use/express it. 👍

[@awesomelegs]

A crossover of perhaps the two very best channels ever to exist on KZbin ^_^

[@watchdominion00]

This is what makes being an activist so rewarding. I can’t solve every issue in the world but i can at least my time to speak up and fight for those who are oppressed. To be the ultimate activist is my version of the uber man

[@jonathanrandall4140]

Give yourself a pat on the back, such selflessness is awe inspiring.

[@SolracCAP]

It's up to us to find our own meaning. As a former lapsed Catholic, I have been on both sides of faith. It was difficult for me to live faithlessly, it did indeed feel meaningless. It took years for me to come back. I hope people find meaning with or without religion.

[@AbeTweakin]

This is a collab I wasn't expecting. Not sure if yall have worked together before but as a subscriber to both of these channels I just wanted to say this was cool to see.

[@worldwidewebdot]

Funny thing for me, when watching such videos (mostly created for motivation), is that the always show nature like images when they talk about the positiv things. But nature is smth we do not even have in our daily life anymore. Its so funny, that nature seems to be a basic need for human minds and childlike magic, but we totally keep it out of our lifes. We are such a weird species.