What is the meaning of the word “life?” To understand life itself, we should first start by analyzing the meaning of the word, and we can explore how we can live.
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word “life” is a noun which refers to the “period between life and death,” or the condition of being a living thing. Although there are more definitions of the word in the dictionary, I will only focus on two of them.
Everyone is given a period between life and death to experience life. As a living thing, every person chooses to experience the period between life and death in a different way. When a child is born, they are not able to understand the meaning of life, and how it should be lived. Throughout their childhood, a child receives useful guidance on how to navigate their lives, but a child gets an opportunity to learn more about life when they become independent adults.
How Can We Know Life?
Famous philosopher Socrates once stated that he acknowledges his existence because he is a being with an ability to think. In other words, he said “I think therefore I am.” A human can know that they are a living being because they have the ability to think, or understand that they are being that is capable of living. Furthermore, a human can acknowledge their existence by understanding that they have the ability to know that they are in a period between life and death.
How Can We Live Life?
If you are puzzled on how your life should be lived, consider the following:
- Do I have a purpose in life? Some believe that they are here on this earth for a reason.
- If I have a purpose, what is it? Reflection and journaling can help narrow down your purpose.
- Is there anything that I want to accomplish? Reflect on any goals, and keep track of them.
- Is there anything that I want to experience?
- When I die, what do I want to be known for?
- Do I wish to make an impact on the world?
Life is something that is given to a human being who has the ability to acknowledge their existence, and know that life is not permanent. There are several ways that a human can live, but they have to reflect on their own lives to know how they can take ownership of their lives.