The Thomistic Institute Finding Meaning Amidst the Chaos Or: Why Get Out of Bed in the Morning? – Dr. Robert McNamara
Nov 20, 2025
Dr. Robert McNamara, a philosophy lecturer and specialist in medieval and phenomenological thought, dives into the chaos of contemporary life. He discusses how nihilism and absurdism poison our cultural air and lead to meaninglessness. By emphasizing wonder, attention, and virtue, he offers a path to finding purpose amidst chaos. McNamara draws on Viktor Frankl’s insights about finding dignity in suffering and argues that personal meaning is linked to our unique destinies. He also provides practical tips for cultivating wonder through friendship, nature, and the arts.
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Cultural Air Shapes Meaning
- Contemporary culture often feels chaotic because nihilism and absurdism have polluted our intellectual atmosphere.
- These movements pressure individuals to impose meaning rather than discover it, producing confusion and paralysis.
Reality Is Intelligible
- The Western intellectual tradition holds that reality is intelligible and full of meaning that we can read.
- Attentive use of the intellect lets things disclose their meaning and goodness to us.
Attend Deeply, Not Superficially
- Focus your intellect with sustained attention to let reality reveal itself rather than skimming superficially.
- Be present and avoid distractions so things and people can give their meaning to you.
