While I find intimate human connections absolutely essential as a sort of basis for even semi contented never mind fulfilling life, and by no means treat them instrumentally, the idea that they could be THE thing, that that's what it's about, feels strange to me. Not offensive or wrong, just ALIEN. I suspect I'm kinda jealous of people who find being needed/irreplaceable fulfilling.
And I don't have a meaningful career, or any kind of countable achievement in art or science. So it's not that I chose the alternative route - I have had two children, I'm in awe of how the genetic dice fell in their case, and I love them very much still as adults, I'd probably die for them if I had to.
And yet the idea that THAT IS THE POINT of life, nope. What a very depressing idea.
Also, I don't like beer much ;-p I drink house red or premium-ish spirits.
Well, no, not a Grand Narrative kind of point. But the OP mentions looking for "fulfilment" I guess, comparing work vs. family, which sounds like "something life is about" to me. The top tile in Maslow's pyramid.
To the point and very well said. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Cheers from an argentinian collegue.
A great reminder. For many of us, it’s not until we start losing those we love or begin to suffer ourselves that we come to this perspective.
Fascinating.
While I find intimate human connections absolutely essential as a sort of basis for even semi contented never mind fulfilling life, and by no means treat them instrumentally, the idea that they could be THE thing, that that's what it's about, feels strange to me. Not offensive or wrong, just ALIEN. I suspect I'm kinda jealous of people who find being needed/irreplaceable fulfilling.
And I don't have a meaningful career, or any kind of countable achievement in art or science. So it's not that I chose the alternative route - I have had two children, I'm in awe of how the genetic dice fell in their case, and I love them very much still as adults, I'd probably die for them if I had to.
And yet the idea that THAT IS THE POINT of life, nope. What a very depressing idea.
Also, I don't like beer much ;-p I drink house red or premium-ish spirits.
Does there have to be a point to life? Does there have to be something that it’s about? Maybe this is where our views differ.
Well, no, not a Grand Narrative kind of point. But the OP mentions looking for "fulfilment" I guess, comparing work vs. family, which sounds like "something life is about" to me. The top tile in Maslow's pyramid.