The Meaning of Life

Now it's time for my daily philosophical dose. :D

What's the meaning of life? Why are we placed upon this earth, if in the end, we all die? What's the meaning in thinking that life is just a series of events: being born, education, getting a job, retiring, and, eventually, dying? Is that really all there is to life? What about the happiness encountered on your journey to the grave? (ok, that sounded weird) What about the pain and frustration endured? Is the world becoming too materialistic? I see classmates treasuring their cell phones and Ipods, whilst ignoring or maltreating their friends and feelings. Has it become so that the word now relies upon material things, so much that many now shun the memories and moments that made our life worthwhile? Given a month to live, and 3 wishes, what would YOU wish for? A trip to the moon? Maybe a new computer? Or would you think about the world, be less selfish, and wish for world peace, for cosmopolitan joy, for universal, unending love? On Facebook, there was a quiz in which they asked you what you would do if you had 30 days left to live. I scanned through the answers, and guess what I found? All of the answers provided had something to do with ME. With what I, personally, without consideration for others, would do. There was nothing about trying to make world peace, nothing about trying to stop global warming, nothing about helping everyone around the world live a better life. In my Call of the Wild response written a couple of weeks ago, I responded to a trio that displayed all of these selfish, ignorant, obstinate qualities as seen today, albeit in a different setting. What has the world become? Are we relying on being selfish, and having materialistic things to survive? How many people would, if presented by a choice, choose something that would benefit everyone in the world besides themselves, as opposed to something that would only benefit him/her? Although this may be cliche, money really, truly can't buy happiness. The best things in life ARE free. You're closest friends pick you because of your endearing qualities, and with them, you share the moments that all should treasure - the moments of joy, of sorrow, of knowing that you have someone to have fun with, to stick with you through the times. Has everyone really forgotten when we relied on each other? Has everyone now become self-centered, wanting only happiness for themselves? What would happen if you were given one wish? Sure, some "smarter" people might wish for an intangible thing, like wonderful beauty, athleticism, intelligence, But how many would think to change their wish to unending beauty for myself, and everyone else in the world? For a universal intelligence, or worldwide athleticism? How many would find a way to help others in the world be happy, regardless of the boundaries given? How many, when give the chance, would truly put others before themselves? How many are truly good, unselfish, and kind? And how many would take advantage of these people? So tell me, what is the meaning of life? Because I have yet to discover one person who truly knows the answer.