Thursday, September 27, 2012

From Capitalism to Ultimate Purpose


In my Visual Society class we've been discussing the effects of capitalism on human tendencies through the eyes of Marx, Ewen, Mills and Derber. They have a lot to say about capitalism. Generally, it’s that capitalism is shaping human tendencies. Nike’s, for example. They suggest, specifically Derber and Ewen, that my attraction to Nike's can be narrowed down to a ploy for attention. So I got to thinking, where does this need for attention come from? I tend to think that an individual is the way he is because that’s the way humans are, not because society molded the individual. Society wouldn't exist if the individual didn't.  Society is made from the individual human’s natural tendencies. Society makes us crave attention because a human naturally wants attention, with or without society. I, the individual, like Nike’s because they appeal to me aesthetically- I like aesthetic things because they imply health- I like health because I value life- I value life because that’s the way humans are. Why are humans this way? There is absolutely no greater reason, purpose or meaning for it.

Let’s back up again: why do we value attention? Because, ultimately, attention gives us meaning. What is our ultimate meaning? The religious would say that God knows. God gives us purpose. Purpose within our lives. Why are we here? God put us here. Why? To populate his Earth. Why’d he create the Earth? Because he could… Wait, then where’s the purpose in that? Where’s the purpose in God’s existence besides to run human life? Who created God? Did he pop into existence the same way scientists argue that humans did? If God has no purpose, how could we, supposedly his creation, have any purpose either?

God is there so that, ultimately, one day all of us can be together in our ephemeral form and do… what? What then? After the second coming of Christ or the first coming of the Messiah or whatever else religions claim, what happens after that? So that we can be in eternal happiness, yes I know, but look past that. What do these happy souls do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. They’re just… there.

We value attention because it gives us meaning. It gives life meaning. Why do we need meaning? Why can’t we live without purpose? Like an ant. We, humans, define and recognize its purpose, but the ant doesn't. The ant doesn't feel its purpose. It gets no gratification from its fulfillment or depression from failing. It just… is. God is able to answer the question of purpose for an entire planet, or universe, but not for himself. Because how could he possibly know why he exists? He has no parents or other existences, supposedly, telling him that there is a greater plan at work here. What is God’s purpose? Poor God doesn't know. God just… is.

Now that’s a terrible thought. The point of existence is that there is no point. Something happened, and now life is what it is. Whether you believe that something was the random split of a cell or the popping into existence of a god or God, it doesn't matter. None of it means anything.

But we can’t live with that thought governing our lives. We would just all kill ourselves. No, we have to think on a much smaller scale, so that we can enjoy this life we’re living. We give ourselves purpose because we are able to perceive it. And we, having the privilege of being human, are not just able to perceive purpose but get the pleasure of fulfilling it.

Through realizing that there is no real purpose to anything, I am made happier about the illusion of purpose that I have- that I’m a being capable of immense joy and fulfillment, unlike an ant. Even without a true purpose for existence, I am able to enjoy my Nike’s. Why? Because that’s the way humans are. Thank God!