Finding Meaning in a Physical Reality

The physical reality we inhabit is a beautiful and powerful phenomenon. Our physical bodies are the sole way we engage with the world, and for that reason alone, they are worth celebrating. Reflecting on this can be a source of profound meaning. We are, after all, quite literally stardust, connected to the same atoms that burst forth from the Big Bang at the dawn of the universe. The cosmological journey that culminated in our conscious minds, capable of this very reflection, is simply astounding.

This may seem obvious, but I believe this simple truth is often overlooked in modern society. We are distracted from our physical embodiment and from living in the present moment by the digitization and spiritualization of our lives.

We are all too familiar with the digitization of human experience. The vast majority of our day is spent staring at screens, engaging with the internet, our phones, laptops, and AI chatbots. It's not a stretch to say this constant engagement is disconnecting us from our physical reality.

The other tendency is the spiritualization of human experience. As a Christian, my critique of this may seem surprising, but this is likely due to a misunderstanding of the Christian worldview rather than any intellectual inconsistency on my part.

For too long, the dominant Christian message has been far too Platonic in origin, rather than rooted in the ancient Jewish worldview from which it was born. Plato described the physical body as inferior and the metaphysical forms as superior. This idea that physical reality is flawed and we must strive for a higher, spiritual reality is a common notion among many Christians. This view is not only theologically unsound, but I would argue that it also promotes poor decision-making and ethics in the here and now.

If this present reality is seen as "bad" and our only hope is to achieve salvation for our eternal soul to enter a spiritual heaven, it leaves little motivation to care for our bodies or the planet. Furthermore, the only motivation for making the world a better place becomes the "saving of souls" which can often lead to a blatant disregard for the practical needs of ourselves and our communities today.

A more fruitful path is to work toward making the world more like heaven now. This begins with self-discipline and caring for your own life, then extends to your family and community, and reaches as far as your motivation allows.

My goal is not to eliminate either the digital or the spiritual. Both have significant roles to play in our lives. My argument is that we should not solely rely on either force to find our sense of purpose and meaning.

By rejecting the complete digitization and spiritualization of everything, we are forced to confront the present moment in a finite universe. This may feel daunting at first, but it aligns with the ancient teachings of sages and monks: the profound value of mindfulness and presence in the here and now.

The present moment in your physical body, in a physical reality is all there ever is for our conscious experience. The past and future exist, but you will never be there. You will only ever be right here, right now. This can be a transformational truth once it's accepted and practiced.

I think about philosophy because it leads to ideology, and ideology leads to action, and action leads to consequences. I believe many of the world's problems stem from a lack of respect for philosophy. Distraction with the digital and spiritual allows people to ignore the risks and opportunities that exist today.

For me, a deep recognition of the divine beauty in physical reality - expressed through science and philosophy - energizes me to live a meaningful life every day. I take my physical health seriously and joyfully; I find nature photography to be a satisfying creative outlet; I strive to treat everyone with respect and kindness; I approach my work with diligence and a desire for excellence. I find adventure in surfing, snowboarding, and dirt biking. I try to approach political issues with a critical and analytical lens, without getting caught up in groupthink.

I am far from perfect, but my philosophical understanding of the inherent meaning and purpose in our present moment has given me a true zeal for life, and I want that for everyone, regardless of their faith or background.

Now my admiration for the physical universe we are a part of, does not indicate that I think the universe has some sort of will for our lives. When I stated earlier that you were chosen, I meant that poetically, not factually. It has become commonplace to hear people describe the universe as an entity that desires good for you. The common beliefs go on to state that if you manifest correctly, the universe will champion your energy and will grant your wishes. It sounds nice, but in reality, the universe is indifferent.

The claim that the universe is a caring, nurturing force is an intellectual contradiction. The universe is an inanimate expanse of matter and energy. This intellectual inconsistency is often overlooked by a public that finds comfort in this personification. In stark contrast, those who dare to use the term “God” are frequently met with suspicion and eye-rolls. Yet, a personal God is a logically consistent concept as a conscious, relational being who can and does care.

Nietzsche famously proclaimed "God is dead," a lament and a challenge for humanity to create its own meaning and values. However, the philosophers who took up that mantle, like Sartre and Camus, often failed to provide a sufficient foundation for collective meaning and purpose. Their ideas are usually centered around a sort of radical liberation and ultimate freedom for the individual who is daring enough to embrace it. However, this philosophy can fall short.

This is because there is no such thing as freedom in the way we often imagine it. An individual either submits to God, the world, or their own erratic impulses. One can be a slave to the consequences of their own decisions, or one can follow God, who “causes all things to work together for good.” Having seen God's ways, the world's ways, and my own ways, personally I try to choose God.

Claiming the universe has no meaning is an arrogant assertion. Who are you to say? Did you precede the Big Bang? And to make such a claim is to present a statement of absolute truth and meaning, which is in and of itself, a philosophical contradiction on your part.

Even if we were to set aside the concept of God, the universe remains a source of profound meaning. If reality is nothing more than atoms and energy, and we are the only known conscious beings capable of reflecting on its nature, that is powerful and meaningful enough. With an almost infinitesimally small chance of existing, you were “chosen” to experience this life. Science itself has revealed a universe so full of beauty and purpose that it can stand on its own.

I remember seeing the Yosemite landscape and thinking, "If this is all there is, it's worth it." That deep connection to nature is now so far removed from modern life, and that's a problem. Our crisis of meaning is compounded by the fact that we are collectively disconnected from nature, with lives dedicated to screens and a constant bombardment of distractions.

It is a dizzying world, and focus has become our rarest and most precious commodity. I advise everyone to rebel by reading. Choosing a book is one of the few ways you get to dictate what you want to focus on and learn about. Social media and news media tell you every day what to care about and what to think. Reading allows you to escape algorithms and check in with your soul, asking: What do I want to learn today?

Some don't think deeply about these matters, but I believe it is important. Beliefs and principles drive behavior. To live on instinct alone is to live like an animal. If not careful, then an easily manipulated animal. As powerful human beings with the capacity to live on a higher plane of consciousness, higher values and beliefs can enable us to accomplish amazing things through action, ultimately inspiring others.