Essay/Term paper: Realization of life

Essay, term paper, research paper:  College Papers

At one point in one^Òs life, he will come to some realization, develop a
higher understanding of himself, or have an epiphany of some type. This one
incident can change a person^Òs entire outlook on life including their
beliefs and practices. There will be many notable events in one^Òs life, but
there will be only few incidents in which one will come to a profound
comprehension of his life or life in general. These few incidents are what
create adversity in one^Òs self. The mental unease which comes along with
these incidents is not usually long lasting, but embeds a dramatic concept
to which one will often refer. A few years ago, I underwent one of these
experiences in which I realized that life entailed no inherent meaning, but
only that of which I could myself assign to my actions and despite this I
must somehow find happiness in my life.
One will always perceive life and its events differently. Because of this,
two entirely similar events may influence two individuals in the exact
opposite directions. Persons can usually be associated with one of the
traditional temperaments, which are phlegmatic, choleric, sanguine, and
melancholic. These temperaments are representative of the four humors;
phlegm, yellow bile, blood and black vile respectively. One will view and
translate events based upon their own personal temperament. I find myself to
be melancholic and in that, I find the most significance in seemingly
insignificant events.
During my freshman year, I was writing a paper for English Class late one
night. I recollect the paper was based on the views of Ernest Hemingway.
In my frustration, I asked myself, How important is this paper? This was
the first time I had ever asked myself this question. In all the
assignments prior to this point I had never questioned their importance. In
fact, I surprised myself with the answer. At that moment, I realized that
the essay was completely unimportant and would not effect me in the long
run. Upon this, I began to exam all the events of earlier in the day. I
could not find any real meaning in any of these events. Suddenly and
horrifically I came to the assumption that not only my life, but life in
general was seemingly meaningless in the scheme of the universe.
With this conclusion I came to wonder, is life worth living? Up until this
point I had found meaning in my life. In order to live productively, I
understood that I must assign meaning to my life. In accepting this false
meaning, I am able to survive. If one could not find any meaning in his
life, it would be a depressing life that he would lead and probably seek
suicide. When one dies, he is nothing. With death staring one in the face,
one might ask himself was life at all important? If this individual was
able to perceive meaning in his life, then the answer will be yes.
Happiness is found in toiling with one^Òs goals. After completing the paper
I found happiness in my struggle of completing a meaningless task.
Completing this paper put me one step closer in my ever-lasting goal of
obtaining success. I feel that happiness is found in the effort to reach
one^Òs aspirations. Without happiness life is not worth living.
All are condemned to death. No one knows exactly when the inevitable will
come, but everyone knows it is inescapable. Knowing this, it is obviously
difficult to ascertain meaning in one^Òs life, and in knowing this, it is
obvious that life is universally meaningless. Life is only bearable if one
can find a faux sense of happiness and meaning in his life.