Antennating

So what value do you put on life? And most importantly, where do you create a line for the “importance”? These questions, seemingly innocent at first glance, have recently brought me the heaviest cognitive burden till now.

There are multiple ways to value life, and what life to value becomes the larger question then. It started with a simple thought experiment of is suicide a valid answer to be considered. Well, for me at least, the line of thought goes like this.

First comes the introspection and recognition of the meaninglessness of the world we live in and the human tendency to want to extract “meaning” and “value” from something that inherently doesn’t have any. This thought, dangerous and yet essential to ask, sooner or later brings you to the cusp of questioning your own existence and sooner or later brings you to the question of suicide. Thankfully, Camus helps us navigate the absurdity of life and he did so for me.

Suicide is not just the end of life, but it also refers to the ego or philosophical death by ignoring what is already recognized and understood by us: the meaninglessness and absurdity. These are not thoughts to be ignored but cherished till the end of your natural life; and to live life to the fullest, it becomes essential that you understand that life is important, irrespective of the absurdity. I would suggest a read of “The Myth of Sisyphus” if you are still unclear on these thoughts; may it also bring you some peace.

So, now that we are a little clearer that life needs to be lived, irrespective of the “significance,” “meaning,” or “value” it brings to us or anyone else. There are no shortcuts; you must live the life you are born into. You are also not allowed the other philosophical shortcuts to lessen the cognitive load; this life is your own, the decisions your own, there is no superpower driving your actions and you know it, you cannot escape it, and you are not allowed to run from it. Acceptance is the only way forward, living with the sufferings you face daily.

But then, a little step further into the thought process and you see the landscape changing. You have become aware of the importance of your own life, but what about others? The same thoughts applied on a global level and it is clear that each and every life is essential and important, and no one has the right to take their or anyone’s life.

Tread lightly, for this is a question more dangerous than the question of suicide. We live in a world filled with this question; society has a simple and straightforward answer to “suicide.” They say “no,” but then they ignore the direct or indirect murders of millions of lives. What happened in between? IF SUICIDE IS A STRAIGHT NO, AND EVERY LIFE MATTERS, THEN WHY THE IGNORANCE OF THE MASS GENOCIDE?

Humans have a trick up their sleeves; they value their life to a great extent, but then give or accept the logical justifications for the murder of others. It is high time you become aware of the hidden crimes you have committed, and in due time, while being aware, will choose to commit more. The action and inaction of yours both could lead to the murder of others. But “I cannot go and stop them,” but you can say “no” to the injustice. We cannot change the world on a global scale without power, but we can bring change locally, with the people we talk to, or observe while commuting. A simple “no” to the injustice to you or others can bring a change, and might bring some cognitive relief.

One thing is clear: that your life is to be lived, irrespective of the value and meaning it brings to you or others. And thus, by extension of this, each and every life becomes important and to be lived. But the world doesn’t run like that; if you try to run a life simulator where murder isn’t possible, then the world becomes unstable under the resource wars.

The ecology and evolution of life inherently allow a threshold of importance to life and therefore murder, under which an equilibrium between species, populations, and groups is maintained. But this doesn’t mean we, as the most self-conscious living beings on this planet, get to choose what lives and what does not. And we shouldn’t cultivate ignorance of the crimes we have committed to choose to live. Murder is murder, and no murder should be ignored, nor rewarded (This is a steep cliff, better suited for a later blog, for why do we reward such murders with awards and honors).

Let it be that you become aware of the hidden crimes you carry on with this life. Be aware of the burden, and live with it, till the end.