No meaning
From an interview with Lewis Wolpert, developmental biologist:
why should there be a meaning? I mean, we want a cause as to why we’re here, but I’m afraid there isn’t one. I don’t find it depressing at all. #
It’s exactly what I believe. Unfortunately for me, I do find it depressing, at least when I’m dissatisfied with other aspects of my life (love, career, money), which is almost always. Not believing that there’s any higher meaning puts a lot of pressure on one to achieve material success.
Where others might take their solace in religion, I tend to take mine in fiction, where I can brush off the fantasy that events fall in place according to an overarching plan and purpose as a conceit for the sake of aesthetics or entertainment.
Hi Ben,
I’ve pointed this guy out to you before, but have a look at this thesis: http://www.nickyee.com/daedalus/archives/001569.php
It looks like a great example of both a sensible (ie. empirical – ie. social psychology) methodology and a sensible reason for studying computer games.
Maybe you’ll find it inspiring – I think you’ll at least find it interesting.
Sasha
2 Oct 07 at 21:26