Are Excuses Acceptable?

Some of the most important questions in life are:Why am here? What is the purpose of life? Is there a purpose at all to it?

Although some people do pursue an answer to this posing interrogation, the vast majority is still diligently avoiding confronting such issue, specially in modern societies, by either filling up their hectic lives with overwhelming schedules or going shopping every time they do not feel good about themselves or seeking adrenaline packed activities in order to feel alive. Some do not really consider this to be a relevant reflective matter and others do feel this is important, but are terrified of facing the eminent answers by living in ultimate denial, avoiding living life at its fullest meaning. By evading the questioning, some avoid the inevitable pain associated with this search for human truth. Many claim they have no choice and transfer their responsibility to others, by projecting blame and playing victims of life. The more they play this passive role in face of life's challenges, the better they perceive themselves as hopeless human beings. However, their paid price is very costly, as their main currency is the Truth. Only inanimate objects have no saying or choices in their lives. A flower can fulfil its meaning of life without ever questioning itself or exercising any decision-making on the matter. They are non-human beings, yet complete. Nevertheless, we are humans, and, therefore, we always have choices to make. Even though, we cannot always choose what we really want, due to situational constraints, we will never be as limited as an inanimate object, no matter how constrained we may feel at times. We always have a choice, and, therefore, we are always accountable for our actions in life. No acceptable excuses. Moreover, it is perfectly human to feel fear in the face of the uncertainties of life and even in face of the meaning of life itself. What really makes us different from the animal kingdom is how we react in light of these fears and how we rise to the occasion. Pain is a normal human reflection of our inner fears and insecurities. However, only by true involvement and exercising reasoning can we ever cope with these inner urges and metaphysical emptiness. Getting 100% involved in this questionings is a necessary condition and is a partially form of answer in itself, but not a sufficient condition. We still have some answers to give and choices to be made, by either being involved in malevolent projects or benevolent ones. Again, our Choice. For instance, current terrorism forms are an expression of the meaning of life for fundamentalist groups. Only by giving up their lives to a "higher divine cause" can they fulfil their life purpose.

In the theatre of life, we all make conscious or unconscious role choices. Simone de Beauvoir has meaningfully answered these questions by addressing women's unconscious historical choices of taking a meeker passive role. Next week (27.02.), we shall be focusing on existentialism issues and Simone De Beauvoir's philosophy. Women always have a Choice too, as any human being. On our upcoming meeting, Mr. Hans Grelland will be talking about existentialism and Simone De Beavoir's work.

You have No Excuse not be present with your critical brains. See you next meeting at the Philosophy Cafe and until then, do not forget: Make your Choices, No Excuses!

Gisele and Ralph