The Meaning of Life by Alan Watts

Alan Watts was one of the people responsible for bringing Eastern thought, such as Zen Buddhism, to Western culture.

His book, self-referentially titled, "The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are," was one that profoundly expanded my worldview when I read it in college.

Since then, I have listened to many of his lectures & talks online.

I recently found this excellent quote that really does cut to the reality of our situation.

There is NO inherent or external "meaning" or "purpose" to Life. Any significance we give to our existence comes from the judgement of our own mind. This is not a nihilistic view. It's simply a recognition of the fact that we inhabit infinity.

"The meaning of Life is just to be alive.

It is so plain and obvious and so simple.

And yet, everybody rushes around in a great panic

as if it were necessary to achieve something 

beyond themselves."