Embracing Life's Paradox

When we begin to deeply understand the true essence of existence, an astonishing paradox presents itself: the clearer our grasp of life's path becomes, the more tangible the approach of the inevitable end feels. This moment of inner clarity awakens within us conflicting emotions—the desire to comprehend an objective destiny paired with the simultaneous awareness of our own finiteness. In this intense search for objective values and an eternal goal, we are confronted with the idea that the meaning of life, which serves as the cornerstone of our existence, also points to its limitations.

At the core of this phenomenon lies a profound idea: meaningful existence is possible only when we feel connected to significant, objective values that give our lives substance. Yet it is precisely at the threshold of understanding these higher purposes that our vulnerability to death is revealed, for realizing that our time is limited brings with it an anxiety about the fleeting nature of life. On one hand, the pursuit of deep meaning fills us with energy and grants a sense of completeness; on the other, it emphasizes that this fullness can be abruptly interrupted at any moment.

It is precisely in this delicate balance between the insatiable quest for the eternal and the awareness of the inevitable end that the essence of our existence lies. This paradox compels us to live brightly and passionately, embracing life’s challenges, for the consciousness of our finiteness stirs an immense desire to fill every moment with meaningful actions and decisions. Life acquires true value when we can see the beauty in its contradictions and find strength in our constant striving toward a higher meaning, despite the ever-present shadow of finitude.

How can we explain the paradox of life when, as soon as we begin to understand it, it seems to be nearing its conclusion?

The paradox of life—wherein the very moment we start to delve deeper into its essence, we sense the approach of its end—can be explained by the internal contradiction between the search for meaning and the inevitability of our finite existence. On one hand, understanding life is connected with contemplating its meaning—a specific, objective purpose that defines our existence and renders it truly complete. On the other, this very contemplation exposes our limitations, reminding us that existence is not infinite.

As stated in one of the sources, "A person can only live a life filled with meaning. When life has no meaning, it becomes difficult for a person... Existence is sustained solely by meaning. The death of meaning signifies the end of existence. Often, a person's existence ends long before their physical death occurs..." (source: link ). This quote underscores that meaning is the core that sustains existence; when meaning begins to fade or when we start to grasp its true nature, we also sense the approach of the end of that existence which renders life genuine.

Furthermore, by explaining that "to have meaning is to have an objective, rational purpose, to be involved in an objective rational being..." (source: link ), we understand that the meaning of life is not a mere chance occurrence or an internal feeling but a goal intertwined with objective values. In contemplating life and seeking something eternal within it, we not only strive for a higher purpose but are continually confronted with the fact that our existence is bounded by time. It is precisely this that creates the impression that, upon beginning to grasp the true meaning, we simultaneously become aware of the inevitable conclusion.

Thus, the paradox lies in the fact that a deep understanding of existence and the pursuit of a specific, objectively grounded goal cannot be separated from the awareness of our finiteness. It is precisely in the delicate balance between the quest for meaning and the recognition of life’s limitations that this apparent paradox resides.

Supporting quotes:
"A person can only live a life filled with meaning. When life has no meaning, it becomes difficult for a person not only psychologically or morally... The death of meaning signifies the end of existence. Often, a person's existence ends long before their physical death occurs..." (source: link )

"What does it mean 'to have meaning'? To have meaning is to have an objective, rational purpose, to be involved in an objective rational being..." (source: link )