The Meaning of Life

In "The Death of the Moth," Woolf ponders the meaning of life while observing a helpless moth -- trapped in its windowpane during the daytime, the moth is unable to receive the full benefits of the "clamor" and excitement of the outdoors that it yearns so dearly to be a part of. She parallels the moth's struggle to live to the same struggle fought by all mankind and attests that this struggle, while admirable, is somewhat pitiable. In Woolf's depiction of the moth's futile attempts against the inevitable force of Death, she ultimately poses the question: Is there meaning to life?

A plethora of links to stimulate thought:

Leading scientist and scholars answer the question, "Does the Universe have a purpose?

http://www.templeton.org/purpose/

Neil deGrasse Tyson's answer in video form, illustrated by minutephysics:

On a related note, here's a selection from Carl Sagan's famous "Pale Blue Dot" monologue (shout-out to Sneha!):

https://vimeo.com/51960515

Finally, a short (4 min) film by Mischa Rozema using NASA footage and sci-fi imagery (I recommend full screen):

http://vimeo.com/58626695

I do think there is meaning to life; the very fact that people are constantly in pursuit of purpose is what gives it meaning. People do try to examine their lives and find a set of principles by which to live. People do try to do good, make impacts, and to improve the lives of others. Whether these facts are of crucial importance to whatever forces are ultimately dominating the Universe is questionable. However, these facts are important to us, and, to us, their meanings are very real. And, after all, aren't we the ones experiencing life?