A Meaning to Life (Michael Ruse)
OVERVIEW
Does human life have any meaning? More importantly: does it have any meaning within the confines of science, or does naturalism undermine all hope? This is the question philosopher Michael Ruse seeks to answer in “A Meaning to Life.”
It will only take us one short paragraph to summarize.
Religion is the only thing that can give you Meaning with a capital “M.” Science doesn’t ask or answer questions about Ultimate Meaning. Accepting a naturalistic view of the universe, one can only be agnostic as to whether Meaning exists, but our evolved value-seeking consciousness can still give us subjective meaning (meaning with a small “m’). Where might this type of meaning come from, and what shape might it take? Ruse argues (in precious few pages of the overall book) that meaning comes from within, and that our evolved human nature dictates the form – particularly, our socialness. Nature designed us to pursue and maintain close relationships (family and friends), as well as to commit to moral standards for the good of the group (society). Arising from this complex social environment, we also evolved to be highly inquisitive and creative. A meaningful life, then, is one devoted to family, friends, social harmony, and intellectual and creative pursuits (art, science, music, etc.). Happiness and meaning come from belonging, being good to others, and using our imagination in new and exciting ways.
Easy peas-y.
It’s not rocket science – a meaningful life is simply one lived according to our human nature.
WHAT NOW? (actions for mortal atheists)
The prescription is: people, being good to people, and applying your big ape brain to big ideas.
IN SUM:
Is this book entirely secular? No (the author is atheist/agnostic, but there’s so much religious prose and sympathy I don’t want to call it secular – and it’s my blog so I guess I can do whatever I want!)
If I had to describe the book in one sentence? A Michael Ruse thought-stream that’s more about history than it is about meaning.
Who should read this book? So, I didn’t enjoy this book – it rambled and I don’t think any of the meanderings were required to get to the point. I’m sure there are people who will enjoy it (just not me).