So I was debating whether to write an article on 'the meaning of life' or perhaps one on 'how to get a smaller backside and a six-pack'.

Which would you prefer? You're all so shallow. That's why you need to read this one!

Well, the good news is that after reading this, you'll never have to read any self-help literature ever again; you'll know it all. That's gotta be re-assuring and somewhat comforting. Think of all the time you'll save from here on. Thank me later.

Yes, I'm being facetious and silly. So, recently one of my friends challenged me to write a piece on the 'Meaning of Life'. Not being particularly bright or one to side-step a challenge, I thought I'd give it a crack (Aussie for 'try'), although it's taken me a while to get to this point.

He asserted that I had been "skimming the surface with all that other superficial subject matter and that perhaps I should dive in the deep end with something really big".

Well here I am, about to get all wet; no flippers, no mask and no diving experience. And dive I will. Surely I'm the natural choice to explore a subject such as this. Okay, you're right... there are probably plenty of people better qualified (or are there?) but I'm gonna do it anyway.

So in an age when space travel is possible, phones are now mobile computers and Michael Jackson can turn himself into some weird version of Elizabeth Taylor, surely I can figure out the meaning of life.

Or not. So, here's my first significant question: Who is most 'qualified' to answer the question of the ages... "What is the meaning of life?"

That is, if there is one person or 'type' of person who us mere mortals might assume would have the most insight into, or understanding of, this issue, who would it be? I conducted a straw poll (as I do) and the answers I got were:

* Theologians
* Spiritual leaders
* Scientists (surprised me)
* Philosophers
* Old people
* Dying people (interesting)

I got a few "smart" answers also. Fortunately for you, I've kept them off the list. So for over a month I've been thinking about writing on this topic but at the same time, feeling decidedly 'unqualified' to discuss it, even though I knew it would make an intriguing exploration.
Interestingly, even with all I've learned, I still found a way to tell myself that my thoughts on this matter probably weren't worth hearing (reading).

Funny how we (I) do that, isn't it? And then I answered my own question...I don't need to answer the big question, I merely need to explore and discuss it. So that's what I'm gonna do.

We know a few things:

1) The 'meaning of life' question is probably the greatest theological and philosophical question of all time; the most explored and discussed anyway.

2) There is no definitive (universally agreed upon) answer.

3) Is has been the subject of much debate between groups of people (academics, theologians, philosophers) since the dawn of time and probably always will be.

Hey, there's another interesting question (and source of much debate), "when was the dawn of time?" - Six thousand years (Creation) or Sixty million (Evolution)?
And another, "what is time"?

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