[MD] Thoughts on Nihilism

[Steven Peterson]

Hi DMB,

DMB:
> Not to change the subject, but doesn't seem like a much more sensible question? Instead of asking what life means, maybe we should be asking about the good life, about the best way to live. Despite their differences, Plato and Aristotle are both connecting "the good" with a meaningful and happy life. It's an awfully vague goal, and that's what's so good about it. If it gets much more specific, then we're right back in the soup and it's just another externally imposed meaning. Good is goal of all endeavor. Add that to Pirsig's idea that art is any high quality endeavor. They add up to an idea that the meaning of life is to live artfully.

Steve:
You aren't changing the subject. You've just finally got the point. If
meaning cashes out to use, then the question of the meaning of life is
a matter of better and worse uses for life. It is a question
determining good ways to live rather than a question of justifying
being itself.

Best,
Steve