The meaning of Life~

With 36 definitions, the term life is one of the most discussed topics of all eternity. So what is the meaning of life? For those of religious views, do we need to fulfill a purpose or do we have a role to play on this green earth? For those of you who are purely scientific, do we really exist only to die with no real value to the long stream known as time? Is the ability to breathe and carry out bodily functions really the only way to truly define what it means to be living? As a seventeen year old, I am only full of questions without any real answers.

To me, a Chinese Canadian living a middle class life as a suburban high school kid, I believe to carry life is to carry hope. For each life has the hope of millions of making a difference. Change has never occurred through large populations but by individuals. To be able to live is to be able to have hope, carry it, and provide it. Although to many my thoughts may seem naive and somewhat immature, I still carry that hope inside me. I have met many people throughout my life and I've noticed one thing. For those that do not enjoy what they do and do not carry hope within them, they may be breathing and functioning but by no means are they living. Many people use the phrase "feeling lively" or "living again" because they had done something thrilling that excites them. That excitement creates greater possibilities for a brighter future and a better life style. How you can tell someone is living is if they do the one thing we all know is an attribute of someone who is living. As long as they love, they are living. Love is the strongest emotion one can feel because love overcomes all other emotions. Love can overcome, anger, fear, frustration, pain, sorrow. As long as we love, there is hope. If the whole world loved, than we would be that much closer to a brighter tomorrow. To love ourselves, each other, and the earth.

In the media and the society we live in today, what it really means to live is no longer taught. Hope, morals, and love are no longer priority. But rather wealth, fame, rationality, and knowledge. Even though our textbooks, television sets, and newspapers no longer contain any sign of hope, hope still remains in the chambers of my heart. Hope has been given to me by my friends and family. To make sure I'm living, I've always made sure that I've loved everything I've done, everyone I've met, and everything I'll do. If I had to do something I hated for the rest of my life I would be rather be dead for I would not truly be living. I'm not saying that we all must rise up with all our hope and change the world. But we should all love our choices and those around us and slowly, if we do so. We will make a change in the attitude and way we are. The stars will shine brighter, the laughs will sound louder, and the joy will feel that much heavier.

Keep in mind that I am but a seventeen year old boy with nothing but hope in my eyes. If I may have such a positive outlook on my future why can a nation not do the same. John Lennon is one of my most respected influences for his song Imagine. For out of everything I've ever heard, this song holds more hope for the future than anything else I've ever read. I feel as if John had known it really meant to live, and that he had lived his life to the fullest living every moment. He died on December 8th, 1980 when he was shot in the back four times by a stalker and was rushed to be hospital just to be declared dead on arrival. Even though he is gone, his hope is still very much alive, in the hearts of millions including my own.

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Currently listening to: John Lennon - Imagine

down to earth~