[ud_0]

> Like what's even the point of all this, of life, of us, if in the end nothing matters, everything decays into nothingness.

I don't understand this reasoning. If the universe had a different end state, or if it collapsed in on itself only to erupt again, would that make any difference to the meaning of your life or that of our civilization? Probably not, because things still end.

It seems to me that you'd arrive at this conclusion of meaninglessness in any case. The thing is, while the universe may not care, there are many things we as humans do care about. They have meaning because we give them meaning. Isn't that liberating?

[goatlover]

> They have meaning because we give them meaning. Isn't that liberating?

Liberating from what? There being some objective or higher meaning to it all? Would that be oppressive?

While I agree that we give things meaning, it's all rather arbitrary and empty to think about it that way.

[ud_0]

> Would that be oppressive?

To be ascribed one authoritative meaning and purpose from outside is probably the definition of totalitarian oppression, yes. You may argue that it's oppression in a delightful state of bliss, or that you much prefer a life on rails. That's hard to argue against, because it's a matter of personal preference. But if you would prefer there to be an external authority who imbues meaning, what in turn then gives meaning to that authority?

> While I agree that we give things meaning, it's all rather arbitrary and empty to think about it that way.

Again, only if you feel it's empty. Then: yes, it is. To me it doesn't feel that way, so to me it isn't. It feels vast and full of possibilities. And also sad that we're such primitive creatures with such short and hard lives. I'd rather I was born in a few hundred years to better take advantage of the opportunities of existence.