What is life to you? What essence transforms mere existence into a life worth living? The answer, perhaps, lies not in resolution but in the courage to keep questioning.
By Marjing Mayanglambam
Since the dawn of humanity, our innate curiosity has driven us to question the world around us, propelling innovations and philosophies in pursuit of answers. This article, my first venture into exploring life’s profound complexities, reflects my personal contemplation rather than academic theories. Amidst the turbulence of my homeland, Manipur, these reflections feel particularly urgent—every event, every struggle, intertwines with my own search for meaning.
The Paradox of Human Existence
Biologically, humans are wired to survive, reproduce, and ensure the continuity of our species. Socially, we adhere to norms, traditions, and cultural frameworks that distinguish us from other life forms. Yet beyond these fundamentals lies a labyrinth of self-imposed complexities. The relentless pursuit of wealth, status, and societal validation has reshaped our existence, transforming survival into a race for superficial milestones. Why must we inflate life with such artificial grandeur? Borders, governments, and diplomatic strife divide us, while technology, often hailed as a unifying force, risks reducing human connection to mere digital transactions. Can virtual bonds truly rival the depth of physical relationships?
Is life inherently meaningless—a fleeting cycle of birth, creation, and death? As someone who believes Earth’s impermanence is inevitable, I grapple with the purpose of our endeavors. Yet, like many, I am entangled in society’s expectations, striving not only to meet my needs but to impress a world indifferent to my existence. Some may label these thoughts cynical, but is skepticism not intrinsic to the human experience? At some point, we all confront life’s ambiguities.
A Cosmic Perspective
Consider viewing yourself from the vastness of space. From the Moon, you are invisible; from light-years away, Earth itself becomes a speck. In this cosmic scale, our births, deaths, and even planetary annihilation are silent, insignificant events. This perspective isn’t a call to abandon progress, but a plea to reflect: Why exhaust ourselves chasing fame or control over the uncontrollable? Undoubtedly, we must combat crises like disease, poverty, and conflict—yet these urgent missions should not stifle our right to question life’s performative excesses.
Life’s mysteries invite endless interpretation, yet societal norms often dictate our paths. While I yearn to embrace simplicity, deviating from societal scripts risks alienation. Raised within these structures, I find myself complicit, questioning yet conforming. To exist outside the fold feels impossible; the pressure to assimilate outweighs the courage to rebel. Thus, I am left to ponder, not act.
Final Inquiry
In closing, I pose the question that fuels this introspection: What is life to you? What essence transforms mere existence into a life worth living? The answer, perhaps, lies not in resolution but in the courage to keep questioning.
(Marjing Mayanglambam is a folk musician and pursued Graduate Studies at UNT Denton, Texas, United States)