EP13: What if There’s No Meaning to Life? (On Benatar’s The Human Predicament)

In 'Being and Time', Heidegger delves into the fundamental question of what it means to 'be'. The book is divided into two main divisions: the first analyzes the existentials of Dasein, or 'being-in-the-world', while the second grounds these existentials in temporality. Heidegger introduces key concepts such as 'Dasein', 'Being-with', and the three temporal ecstases (having-been, present, and to-come), emphasizing that Dasein's existence is essentially futural and characterized by its possibilities and projects. The work challenges traditional philosophical notions of subject and object, instead positing that Dasein is inseparable from its world and historical context.

In this book, Paul Barolsky examines the role of wit and humor in Italian Renaissance art, providing insights into the artistic and cultural context of the period. The work delves into how artists of the Renaissance used humor and wit in their creations, reflecting the broader cultural and social attitudes of the time.

Schopenhauer's 'On the Suffering of the World' directly addresses the pervasive nature of suffering in human existence. He argues that suffering is inherent to life, stemming from the insatiable desires of the 'Will. ' The book explores various aspects of suffering, from physical pain to emotional distress and boredom. Schopenhauer offers insights into the nature of pleasure as a mere absence of pain, highlighting the cyclical nature of desire and dissatisfaction. He explores potential paths to alleviate suffering, including asceticism and aesthetic contemplation.

In 'Morality', Rabbi Jonathan Sacks traces the current societal crises to the loss of a strong, shared moral code and the elevation of self-interest over the common good. He argues that morality has been outsourced to the market and the state, neither of which can provide a moral framework for living. Sacks leads readers through a historical sweep from ancient Greece to the present day, emphasizing that there is no liberty without morality and no freedom without responsibility. He advocates for rebuilding a common moral foundation and restoring the importance of collective responsibility and the 'we' over the 'I'.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.