"Humans are creatures who spend their lives trying to convince themselves their existence is not absurd."

Humans have a knack for searching for meaning. We spend our lives trying to give purpose to our existence, hoping to convince ourselves that our lives aren’t just random or absurd. This idea dives deep into the human condition, suggesting that at our core, we’re constantly grappling with the existential questions of why we're here and what it all means.

To understand this, think about the context: this kind of thought stems from existential philosophy, particularly the works of thinkers like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre. These philosophers tackled the notion that life doesn’t inherently come with meaning; it’s up to us to create it. Camus, with his concept of the absurd, argued that while the universe is indifferent to our existence, we still strive to find our own purpose and create meaning amidst this indifference.

Let’s put this into a real-life scenario. Picture a young artist living in a bustling city. She spends countless nights working on her paintings, pouring her heart and soul into each brushstroke. Her friends often ask her why she dedicates so much time to her art when it doesn’t seem to pay off financially. Her answer is simple: creating art gives her a sense of purpose. It might not make sense to others, and from an outsider’s perspective, it might even seem absurd. But for her, art is a way to combat the feeling of meaningless and carve out a piece of the universe that’s uniquely hers.

So how can you apply this perspective to your own life? Start by asking yourself what gives your life meaning. It doesn’t have to be something grand or world-changing. It can be as simple as nurturing a garden, writing poetry, or volunteering at a local shelter. The key is to find something that resonates deeply with you, something that makes you feel connected and purposeful. Once you’ve found it, embrace it wholeheartedly.

Imagine you’re at a crossroads in your career. You’re working in a job that pays well but leaves you feeling empty. You’ve always had a passion for teaching, but the practicalities of life have kept you from pursuing it. Reflecting on the idea that humans seek to ward off the absurdity of existence, you decide to take a leap of faith. You start by tutoring in the evenings, and eventually, you transition into a full-time teaching role. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s one that fills your days with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In essence, to live authentically and stave off that sense of absurdity, we need to find what sparks our passion and gives us a reason to get up in the morning. It’s about creating our own meaning, no matter how small it might seem to others. And remember, it's okay if it doesn’t make sense to everyone else. What matters is that it makes sense to you.

So, let’s sit with this thought over our next cup of coffee, reflecting on what it is that truly makes us feel alive and purposeful. Life’s meaning might not be handed to us on a silver platter, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there to be found. We just have to look in the right places—sometimes within ourselves.