The Absurdity of Life and the Art of Building Meaningful Communities
Hatched by Glasp
Sep 01, 2023
4 min read
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The Absurdity of Life and the Art of Building Meaningful Communities
Introduction:
The meaning of life has been a topic of contemplation for centuries, and yet, it seems to elude us. After a year of deep thought, I've come to the realization that life is inherently absurd. It offers no inherent purpose or explanation. This understanding has caused anxiety because we often feel that there must be something out there meant for us to discover in order to live a good life. However, the truth is that life is a blank canvas, waiting for us to invent our own meaning.
The Absurdity of Life:
The world is a construct of human imagination, and there are no inherent rules or guidelines to follow. The notion of "finding" meaning is flawed because meaning does not exist until we commit to it. We are free and responsible for creating our own sense of purpose. This realization has led to a prevalent sense of meaninglessness in society, as we have subscribed to the idea that everyone has a predetermined life mission. Additionally, the decline of religious beliefs in modern society has further intensified this search for meaning.
Existential Responsibility:
Existentialists find the absence of God disturbing because it eliminates the possibility of finding values in an intelligible heaven. There is no inherent good or moral code unless we conceive and define it ourselves. Our existence precedes our essence, meaning that we materialize in the world first and then define ourselves. Life itself is meaningless until we give it meaning. Value is nothing more than the meaning we assign to it.
The Power of Freedom:
As human beings, we are in a constant state of becoming. We are continuously changing and evolving. It is through embracing our freedom and taking sole responsibility for our lives that we can truly become something and invent our own values. Denying our freedom and living in bad faith means dismissing our ability to redefine ourselves at any given moment. While committing to something without knowing if it is the best choice can be frightening, it is through this commitment that we shape our identities and give our lives meaning.
The Role of Love and Art:
Existentialists believe that love and art are the embodiments of our values. Love is not merely an emotion; it is the actions and deeds of love that give it meaning. Similarly, genius is not an inherent trait but is expressed through works of art. By committing ourselves to acts of love and creative expression, we infuse our lives with purpose and create meaningful narratives.
Actionable Advice:
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Embrace Authenticity: Live authentically by acknowledging your freedom and taking responsibility for inventing your own values. Act according to your best understanding of who you are and what you want to become.
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Commitment and Closure: Recognize that committing to something requires closing the doors of other possibilities. Embrace the ambiguity of life and commit to a path that aligns with your values and aspirations.
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Embrace Curiosity: By being honest with yourself and embracing the complexity of your identity, you become more curious about yourself and the world around you. Embrace curiosity as a means of self-discovery and growth.
Building Meaningful Communities:
Community building is the process of bringing people together to achieve shared goals and missions. When assessing candidates for community building roles in token networks, it is important to consider their alignment with the community's values and mission. Past experience in crypto community building is valuable, but potential and the ability to execute should also be taken into account.
Building an audience is essential, but it is only one part of community building. Long-term success lies in creating a community of active contributors who can govern and operate the network. Look for candidates who have witnessed thriving communities firsthand and have a deep understanding of how they form and evolve over time.
When hiring for community building roles, provide potential candidates with challenges or objectives to solve and execute on. This allows you to assess their problem-solving skills, execution abilities, and fit within the community.
Conclusion:
In a world devoid of inherent meaning, it is our responsibility to create our own purpose. By embracing our freedom and committing to a path that aligns with our values, we can shape our identities and give our lives meaning. Similarly, in building communities, it is important to focus on long-term engagement and active contribution rather than mere audience building. By incorporating these principles and taking actionable steps, we can navigate the absurdity of life and create meaningful communities that thrive.
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