Chapter 6: Examining Existence and Meaning

 As the glow of the dying day painted the sky with hues of twilight, Cal and Wee Zee sat by the crackling fire. There was an air of deep contemplation, as if the blanket of dusk draped not just the highland glens, but their conversation too.

"I've been thinkin', Cal," Wee Zee began, his voice carrying the weight of unvoiced thoughts. "About existence, I mean. About life, its meaning, its purpose... the whole grand mystery of it all."

Cal nodded, his weathered features catching the firelight. "Ah, the great existential questions. They've plagued humanity since the dawn of time, my lad."

Wee Zee leaned forward, his youthful curiosity shining through his thoughtful expression. "Aye, and they're plaguing me now. I want to understand... well, everything, I suppose."

Cal let out a hearty chuckle, his laughter echoing amidst the rolling hills. "A grand quest indeed, Wee Zee. But it's a quest worth embarking on. The journey may not always be comfortable, and the answers may not always be clear, but the wisdom gained will be worth the uncertainty."

Wee Zee squared his shoulders, a determined look in his eyes. "I'm ready, Cal. Let's delve into the deep, murky waters of existence and meaning. I want to learn, to question, to challenge. I'm eager to explore the philosophies that have tried to decipher these profound enigmas."

Cal gazed at the young lad, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. "Well then, let's set sail on this sea of thoughts. Be prepared, Wee Zee, for these are no ordinary waters. They run deep, and they hold many secrets. But in their depths, you may just find the answers you seek."

Existentialism: The Absurdity of Existence

Taking a deep breath, Cal steepled his hands together, peering into the flickering flames as he began. "Let's start with existentialism then, a philosophy that revolves around the individual and their experience in an indifferent or even hostile universe. This philosophy gave rise to some profound thinkers."

Wee Zee leaned in, his gaze intense, hanging on Cal's every word. "Who were they, Cal? And what did they say about existence?"

Cal pointed at the stars beginning to twinkle above. "You've got the likes of Søren Kierkegaard, who is often seen as the father of existentialism. He spoke of subjective truth, that truth is what is true to the individual. Then Friedrich Nietzsche, who declared that 'God is dead,' implying that traditional values, underpinned by religion, had lost their power in people's lives."

Wee Zee's eyebrows shot up, a murmur of surprise escaping his lips.

"Aye, shocking it was," Cal continued, a wry smile playing on his lips. "And then there's Jean-Paul Sartre, who contended that we're condemned to be free, that we have no predefined essence or nature. We're thrown into existence, and from there, we must create our own nature through our choices."

Wee Zee appeared contemplative, the gears in his mind visibly turning as he soaked in the philosophical perspectives. "So, all these philosophers, they were trying to understand... what, exactly?"

Cal leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "The human condition, Wee Zee. They delved into the essence of existence, the meaning of life, freedom, death, and the nature of reality itself. They examined how we, as individuals, navigate this existence, in all its complexities and contradictions."

Fear and Trembling

"'Fear and Trembling'," Cal commenced, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "Is a work by Kierkegaard, and a profound one at that. The title itself comes from a line in the Bible, in Philippians, that suggests working out your own salvation with 'fear and trembling'."

Wee Zee leaned forward, curious. "And what does it say, this 'Fear and Trembling'?"

"In this work, Kierkegaard explores the concept of faith, using the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac as his central narrative," Cal explained. "Remember how God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a test of his faith?"

Wee Zee nodded, his eyes wide with anticipation.

"Well, Kierkegaard uses this story to delve into the paradoxes of faith," Cal continued. "He speaks of Abraham's fear and trembling at the thought of sacrificing his son, yet his unwavering faith in God. The book examines this 'teleological suspension of the ethical', meaning Abraham was willing to suspend the ethical law against murder because of his faith in a higher purpose."

Wee Zee looked pensive, deep in thought as he grappled with the concept. "So, faith is a kind of... a kind of paradox?"

Cal grinned, looking pleased. "Aye, that's the crux of it, Wee Zee. Faith, to Kierkegaard, is full of paradoxes and contradictions. It's not rational, but that doesn't make it any less meaningful or real. In fact, it's precisely because it's not bound by rationality that it holds such a powerful sway over us."

On the Genealogy of Morality

“Now let’s have a look at one of Nietzsche’s main works 'On the Genealogy of Morality'." Cal looked up.

Wee Zee nodded, looking eager to learn.

"In this work, Nietzsche analyzes the development of moral values," Cal explained. "He argues that our traditional moral concepts, like 'good' and 'evil', didn't spring out of nowhere. Instead, they evolved over time, shaped by our social, historical, and cultural contexts."

"But how did they evolve, Cal?" Wee Zee asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Nietzsche proposed a bold idea, lad," Cal said, his voice dropping a little. "He suggested that our original distinction wasn't between 'good' and 'evil', but between 'good' and 'bad'. To Nietzsche, 'good' initially meant 'noble' and 'powerful', while 'bad' meant 'common' or 'weak'."

Wee Zee's eyebrows knitted together, deep in thought. "So, how did 'evil' come into it?"

"According to Nietzsche, the concept of 'evil' arose with the development of societies and the resentment of the weak against the powerful," Cal explained. "The 'slave morality', as he called it, reevaluated values. What was once 'bad', the common and weak, became 'good', and what was 'good', the noble and powerful, was recast as 'evil'. It's a thought-provoking perspective, isn't it?"

Wee Zee was quiet for a moment, then nodded slowly. "It certainly is, Cal. It certainly is."

Being and Nothingness

“What is Sartre’s main work?” inquired Zee.

"'Being and Nothingness' is a philosophical treatise by Jean-Paul Sartre," Cal began, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Now, it's a hefty piece of work, mind ye, full of ideas that will make ye ponder for days, if not weeks."

Wee Zee nodded, a serious expression on his young face. "I'm ready, Cal. Let's dive in."

"Alright then," Cal said, his voice serious. "In 'Being and Nothingness', Sartre discusses what he calls 'being-in-itself' and 'being-for-itself'. The 'being-in-itself' is the objective reality, things as they are in the world, with no consciousness to perceive or understand them. An example could be a stone, unchanging and passive."

Wee Zee nodded, indicating he was following.

"Now, 'being-for-itself' is the conscious being," Cal continued. "This being possesses a subjective reality, characterized by freedom and consciousness. Us humans, we're beings-for-itself. We have the capacity to understand, to change, to desire. Sartre suggests that through our consciousness, we're always reaching towards what we're not, creating a kind of 'lack'. This 'lack' leads to the idea of 'nothingness'."

"But, Cal, what does this 'nothingness' mean?" Wee Zee asked, looking puzzled.

"'Nothingness' to Sartre, lad, is closely tied to freedom," Cal explained. "Through our consciousness, we have the capacity to negate things, to imagine what is not, to envisage a different future. This allows us to go beyond our current situation. However, it also means we're doomed to be free, as Sartre put it, forever condemned to make choices and bear the responsibility for our existence. It's a bit of a double-edged sword, ye could say."

Wee Zee fell silent, processing the information. "That's... a lot to take in, Cal," he finally admitted.

"Aye, lad, philosophy often is," Cal replied with a gentle smile. "But it's the kind of journey that's worth every step, don't ye think?"

Absurdity and Authenticity

"So, Zee," Cal began, looking at his young student. "I can see from that expression on your face that you're thinking hard about Sartre's ideas. That's good, lad. Philosophy is a bit like trying to scale a mountain – it's a tough climb, but the view from the top is worth it."

Wee Zee laughed a little. "You're right about that, Cal. I feel like my brain's doing gymnastics. But this is fascinating. So, what about this idea of 'absurdity' and 'authenticity' then?"

"Well, lad," Cal responded, "in the world of existentialism, these are two very significant concepts. The 'absurd' refers to the conflict that arises when human beings look for meaning and purpose in life, but are faced with a universe that is silent and indifferent. The universe doesn't hand us meaning on a silver platter, so to speak."

Wee Zee frowned a little. "That sounds quite... bleak, doesn't it?"

"Ah, that it can seem, Wee Zee," Cal replied. "But that's where 'authenticity' comes in. In the face of the absurd, existentialists like Sartre and Albert Camus argue that we have to create our own meaning, our own values. We have to live 'authentically', true to ourselves and our experience, instead of relying on external authorities or societal norms."

"So, the world might be absurd, but we still have a responsibility to ourselves to live in a way that's meaningful to us?" Wee Zee queried.

"Exactly, lad," Cal confirmed. "This embrace of freedom and responsibility is a cornerstone of existentialism. It's about facing the absurdity of existence head-on and choosing to live authentically despite it. Quite a brave stance, wouldn't you say?"

Wee Zee nodded, deep in thought. "Yes, it certainly seems that way, Cal.”

The Stranger

Cal took a deep breath, "Alright, Wee Zee. If you think of Camus, you think of 'The Stranger.' It's a fascinating piece of literature that embodies many existential concepts we've been discussing."

He began, "The novel tells the story of a man named Meursault, living in French Algeria. He's an interesting character, to say the least. To put it simply, Meursault is indifferent to life. When his mother dies, he doesn't mourn; he enjoys simple physical pleasures like swimming and smoking but doesn't seem to derive any profound joy from life."

As Cal continued, Wee Zee listened intently, "One day, Meursault gets involved in a quarrel initiated by his friend, and he ends up shooting and killing a man. He's put on trial, but rather than focusing on the act of murder, the court is more scandalized by his lack of 'proper feelings' towards his mother's death."

Cal paused and looked at Wee Zee, "In the end, Meursault is sentenced to death. Faced with his impending execution, he finally experiences a sort of epiphany. He comes to accept the 'gentle indifference of the world' and finds peace in the absurdity of his situation."

Cal concluded, "In essence, 'The Stranger' portrays the existentialist themes of absurdity, alienation, and the importance of personal freedom and authenticity. Meursault is a 'stranger' in the sense that he refuses to conform to societal expectations, and instead, he lives authentically according to his own desires. It's a rather unsettling story, but it paints a vivid picture of existentialist philosophy."

Meaning and Purpose in Life

Cal, always ready to dive deep into the depths of thought, nodded with a slight smile. "So, we're moving on to another grand topic – the meaning and purpose of life. Different philosophies and schools of thought present different answers to this universal question."

The druid looked at the dancing flames of the campfire as he began, "Let's start with hedonism. This school of thought holds pleasure as the primary or most important intrinsic good. In its simplest form, it is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. So, according to hedonism, the meaning of life is to maximize one's own pleasure and happiness."

Wee Zee listened with rapt attention as Cal went on, "On the other hand, there's eudaimonism, derived from the Greek word 'eudaimonia,' which translates to 'flourishing' or 'fulfillment.' Eudaimonism emphasizes the realization of personal potential and the fulfillment of the self. It argues that the highest good is found in leading a virtuous life and actualizing one's abilities and potential."

Cal shifted his gaze from the fire back to his young companion, "Yet another perspective focuses on the pursuit of personal fulfillment, which could be linked to a variety of factors, such as relationships, work, service to others, learning, creativity, or spiritual growth."

He ended with a question, aiming to stimulate Wee Zee's own thought process, "So, what do you think? Which of these perspectives resonates most with you, lad?"

Wee Zee thought for a moment before replying, "I suppose personal fulfillment makes the most sense to me, Cal. But isn't personal fulfillment a broad term? Couldn't it include elements of hedonism and eudaimonism as well?"

"Aye, ye've got a point there," Cal agreed, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Personal fulfillment can indeed be a mixture of many things. But here's a question for ye: is the pursuit of pleasure always aligned with personal fulfillment? Can a hedonistic life lead to fulfillment?"

Wee Zee pondered on this, "I think it depends on what kind of pleasure we're talking about. Some pleasures might be short-lived and leave us wanting for more. But there are others, like the pleasure derived from helping someone, that might indeed lead to a sense of fulfillment."

"Ah, ye've hit the nail on the head!" Cal exclaimed, "Pleasure itself can take on many forms, and not all of them necessarily lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment. What about eudaimonism, then? How does the idea of self-actualization sit with you?"

"I like the idea," Wee Zee responded. "But it seems to me that self-actualization could also be a part of personal fulfillment. If personal fulfillment is about achieving a state of happiness or contentment in life, then realizing our potentials and capabilities would surely contribute to it, wouldn't it?"

"Well reasoned, lad," Cal responded with a nod of approval. "So, it sounds like you see personal fulfillment as a sort of umbrella term that can include hedonistic pleasures and eudaimonic flourishing, depending on how we interpret and pursue these concepts. Is that right?"

"I believe so, Cal," Wee Zee confirmed, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he delved deeper into the philosophical inquiry.

Nihilism: Meaninglessness and Existential Dread

As the conversation shifted towards more sobering themes, Cal's tone became serious, "Let's move onto something a bit more austere, lad. Have ye ever heard of nihilism?"

Wee Zee nodded, his eyes reflecting a hint of trepidation. "Aye, Cal. From what I understand, it's the belief that life has no inherent meaning or value. It seems pretty bleak to me."

"Bleak, indeed," Cal affirmed, his eyes seeming to mirror the grey skies outside. "Nihilism challenges us to confront the idea of meaninglessness head-on. Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher we've already discussed, often associated with nihilism, warned about its potential dangers."

"Such as?" Wee Zee asked, curious despite the heavy subject matter.

"Well," Cal began, his words measured, "Nietzsche believed that the death of God – or the decline of religious belief and the moral structure it provided – would lead to an existential crisis, a vacuum of meaning. This could result in what he called 'passive nihilism', a state of despair and inertia, believing that nothing is worth doing because everything is ultimately meaningless."

"But isn't that a terrible way to look at life, Cal?" Wee Zee responded, his voice laced with concern.

"Aye, lad, it can indeed be. But remember, philosophy is not about providing comfortable answers. It's about examining our beliefs and understanding different perspectives, even when they're uncomfortable," Cal said, his voice firm but comforting.

"Existential dread, the profound anxiety about meaninglessness, is a part of the human condition that we all must grapple with at some point. But it's important to remember that even in the face of this, we have the power to construct our own meaning, to determine our values and purpose. As we've seen with existentialism, we have the freedom and responsibility to create meaning in our lives," Cal explained, a determined glint in his eyes.

"Well now, Wee Zee," said Cal, leaning back in his chair and clasping his hands together, "let's delve a wee bit more into Nietzsche's thought. an essential concept of his philosophy, the idea of the 'Übermensch', or as it's often translated, the 'overman' or 'superman'."

He saw Wee Zee's eyes widen a bit at this. "Like the comic book hero?"

Cal let out a chuckle. "No, lad, not like the comic book hero, though I can see how you'd make that connection. The Übermensch Nietzsche was referring to is more of a philosophical ideal, a vision for humanity's potential."

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "You see, Nietzsche believed that the death of God, the decline of religious belief and the moral structure it provided, could lead to nihilism. But, as dire as that sounds, he also saw it as an opportunity."

Wee Zee looked confused. "An opportunity? How so?"

"Nietzsche saw the possibility of a new kind of human being emerging from the ashes of the old moral order," Cal explained. "This 'Übermensch' would be an individual who has overcome the limitations of traditional morality, created their own values, and lives life with passion, creativity, and joy."

"But this is not to say that the Übermensch is without morals or ethics. Rather, they would create their own values, affirm life, and live authentically, fully embracing their freedom and responsibility. They would say 'yes' to life in all its complexity and uncertainty, embracing both its triumphs and tragedies."

Cal leaned in closer to Wee Zee, looking him squarely in the eye. "Remember this, lad. The idea of the Übermensch is a challenging concept, and it's been misinterpreted and misused many times in history. But at its heart, it's a call to each of us to strive for our highest potential, to create meaning in our lives, and to embrace the fullness of existence with courage and joy."

Finding Meaning in Relationships and Contribution

As they continued their conversation, Cal turned to the idea of relationships and contributions. "You see, Wee Zee," he began, his voice soothing and full of wisdom, "there is one aspect of existence that is often overlooked in the philosophical debates, but it is nonetheless crucial to our understanding of meaning. That's the part we play in each other's lives."

Wee Zee listened, intrigued. "Are you talking about relationships, Cal?"

"Aye," he nodded, "Not just romantic ones, mind you, but all forms of human connections: friendships, family ties, mentorships, and even our relationships with strangers. These relationships, these connections, give our lives a tremendous amount of meaning."

Cal took a moment before continuing. "When we interact with others, we affect their lives in ways we may never fully comprehend. Every word, every action, every smile can have a significant impact. It's in these simple moments of connection where we often find the most profound sense of meaning."

He then steered the conversation towards contribution. "Similarly, lad, there's a tremendous amount of fulfillment and sense of purpose to be found in making a positive impact, not only in the lives of individuals, but also in society at large."

"Altruism, compassion, and making a positive impact... these things aren't just noble virtues, but they are also sources of meaning. Whether it's volunteering at a local charity, helping a friend in need, or working towards a cause you believe in, contributing to the well-being of others can provide a powerful sense of purpose."

Cal's eyes sparkled as he spoke, showing his deep conviction in what he was saying. "We're all in this journey of life together, Wee Zee. And it's through our relationships and our contributions that we can create a sense of meaning that transcends the mere individual and connects us all in the grand tapestry of life."

Religious and Spiritual Perspectives

Cal shifted his gaze upwards, towards the twinkling night sky, as he transitioned their discussion towards another aspect of existential contemplation: religious and spiritual perspectives on existence and meaning.

"Over the course of human history," Cal began, "people have sought answers to these existential questions through various religious and spiritual traditions. These practices and beliefs, in their own unique ways, offer frameworks for understanding existence, ascribing meaning to life, and providing a moral compass for ethical conduct."

He continued, "Take the idea of divine purpose, for instance. Many religious traditions posit that life is imbued with a sacred purpose, assigned by a higher power or divine entity. This belief can offer comfort and guidance, fostering a sense of belonging in the larger cosmic order."

Cal then moved onto the concept of transcendence. "Some traditions emphasize the spiritual quest for transcendence, the pursuit of a higher state of consciousness or union with the divine. This journey, they believe, is not just about personal enlightenment, but also about achieving inner peace and contributing to the betterment of the world."

"And then, of course," he said, his voice taking on a more somber tone, "there are beliefs about the afterlife. Ideas about life after death, reincarnation, or spiritual continuation can profoundly influence how individuals perceive their current life, their actions, and their approach to death itself."

Cal looked back at Wee Zee, his eyes soft but serious. "These perspectives, Wee Zee, while diverse and sometimes contradictory, all attempt to grapple with the questions that we've been discussing. They reflect humanity's eternal quest for understanding, the longing to find meaning in existence, and the hope of discerning a higher purpose amid the complexities of life."

The Student's Reflection on Existential Inquiries

Wee Zee took a deep breath, contemplating everything that Cal had shared. His mind was filled with a whirlwind of ideas, questions, and theories. The exploration of these existential inquiries had opened up an expansive realm of thought for him. His eagerness to delve deeper was accompanied by a quiet reverence for the profundity of these age-old philosophical questions.

"I must admit, Cal," Wee Zee started, his gaze thoughtful. "It's a lot to take in. The absurdity of existence, the search for authenticity, the concept of meaning, purpose in life, and the views of nihilism... each of these ideas is profoundly intriguing in its own right. They all offer different lenses through which we can look at our existence and seek to understand the world around us."

Cal nodded, an encouraging smile on his face. "That's the beauty of philosophy, lad. It challenges us to confront these deep questions, to examine our beliefs, and to seek our own understanding. But remember, it's a personal journey. There are no universally right or wrong answers."

Wee Zee nodded, appreciating the freedom to explore and develop his own perspectives. He realized this philosophical inquiry was not just about learning theories or understanding the views of famous thinkers, but about embarking on a journey of introspection, personal growth, and understanding of his own existence. The experience was transformative, offering new insights into the way he perceived himself, others, and the world.

Cal and Wee Zee continued their conversation, delving into a back-and-forth questioning and challenging of ideas to reach a deeper understanding.

Cal began, "So, Wee Zee, now that we've journeyed through existentialism, nihilism, and differing views on the purpose of life, what do you make of it all? What is your understanding of our existence?"

Wee Zee pondered for a moment, then responded, "I see that we humans are unique in that we question our existence, its meaning and purpose. In existentialist thought, there's this idea of the 'absurd', that life inherently lacks meaning, and it's up to us to create it. Authenticity and personal responsibility play a crucial role here."

"Aye, that's one perspective," Cal responded, "Now, what about nihilism? How does it contrast with existentialism?"

Wee Zee thought for a moment, then said, "Well, while existentialism encourages us to create our own meaning, nihilism asserts that life is essentially meaningless, even devoid of any value. It seems like a darker, more cynical view, but I suppose it can also be liberating in a way. If nothing matters, then we're free to live as we wish, without fearing consequences."

Cal nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Yes, that's a common interpretation. Now, let's consider the various philosophical perspectives on meaning and purpose in life. What did you gather from those discussions?"

Wee Zee reflected, then replied, "I realized that the search for meaning can take many forms. It can be hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure, or eudaimonism, seeking happiness through virtue and realizing one's potential. Personal fulfillment seems to be a common thread across these perspectives."

"And how about the role of relationships and contribution?" Cal prompted.

"I see their significance," Wee Zee admitted, "Building meaningful relationships, contributing to the betterment of others and society, it not only provides a sense of purpose but also enriches our existence. It creates a shared meaning that transcends individuality."

"Brilliant!" Cal exclaimed, "And finally, we've considered religious and spiritual perspectives. What role do they play in this exploration of existence and meaning?"

Wee Zee responded, "For many people, religion and spirituality offer answers to existential questions. They provide a sense of divine purpose, concepts of transcendence, and the possibility of an afterlife. For believers, these ideas offer comfort and guide moral conduct."

Cal nodded appreciatively, "That's quite an insightful review, Wee Zee. Remember, philosophy is a journey. It's not about finding definitive answers, but about learning to navigate the complexities of existence, question assumptions, and appreciate the richness of human thought. Our search for meaning is what makes us truly human."

Wee Zee grinned, "I reckon I'm up for the challenge, Cal!" And so, their journey of exploration continued, each dialogue opening new doors to the vast world of philosophical inquiry.

Embracing the Search for Meaning

As their discussion wound down, Cal turned his thoughtful gaze on Wee Zee. The boy had shown remarkable growth in his understanding of existential inquiries. It was time for a reminder, a gentle nudge toward embracing the journey, the search for meaning, as a life-long endeavor.

"Ye ken, Wee Zee," Cal began, the soft hum of his Scottish accent filling the space between them. "Philosophy isnae about arriving at a destination. It's all about the journey, the quest for understanding, and the courage to ask difficult questions. Existence, meaning, purpose—these are nae simple riddles to be solved, but profound mysteries that can unfold throughout one's life."

Wee Zee looked up at Cal, nodding in understanding. He'd come to appreciate the complexities and nuances of philosophy, the diversity of perspectives, and the richness of human thought. The journey, as Cal had just described, was far from over.

"Ye're on a transformative journey, lad," Cal continued, "and the more ye question, ponder, and reflect, the more ye grow. The quest for meaning and purpose is what makes life truly rewarding."

Wee Zee looked thoughtful, his gaze distant as he absorbed Cal's words. After a moment, he smiled at the old druid. "Aye, Cal. It's a journey I'm excited to embrace."

"And that, Wee Zee," Cal replied with a grin, "is the true spirit of a philosopher." With that, they raised their glasses, toasting to the exciting philosophical journey that lay ahead, eager to continue exploring the depths of wisdom, existence, and meaning.