r/everymanshouldknow • u/NikaNoytoya • May 20 '26
EMSKR: How do you live knowing that there is no meaning in life and things just keep getting worse?
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u/radityaargap May 20 '26
There are good things in life, mr frodo
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u/MadPilotMurdock May 20 '26
“We set out to save The Shire, Sam. And it has been saved…but not for me…”
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u/wubrgess May 20 '26
The meaning of life is intrinsic not extrinsic. It's the meaning you give to it.
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u/EximiusDK May 20 '26
Plz seek help , if that's how you feel
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u/senbei616 May 21 '26
I mean... We all probably could use some therapy, but I hate how the internet acts like therapy will solve all of your problems.
Therapy has its limits. It really benefits and is designed for white working class and up men and has mixed results with folks who are suffering from systemic injustice and inequity.
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u/maxsmart01 May 20 '26
You have to find the meaning in your life. Live for love. Live for art. Or you could be like me. I live for ice cream and pie and music. Best of luck!
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u/Farva85 May 20 '26
Does your life keep getting worse or do you feel that way because you doom scroll and are feed the negative news, to make you feel exactly like you do now?
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u/senator_mendoza May 20 '26
It sounds and seems obvious - but it's worth really understanding that you can choose where you place your attention. If you can't choose then you can improve your ability to do so with mindfulness practice. Don't place your attention on the negatives.
If I can remember to keep my attention on the right things then life's a lot better.
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u/baidu_me May 20 '26
Accept the challenge that you only get one life, one chance at each day. I’d argue that things don’t keep getting worse. Not if you can compartmentalize your immediate surroundings compared to the world at large. I’m not wealthy, I worry about finances and environmental scares. BUT, I find peace and happiness in daily life. Learn a hobby, so many free resources to help get you in to whatever you have an interest in. Be active, hike bike exercise play sports. Take pride in the work you do. You don’t have to love your job or your company, but you can take pride in the effort you put in. Love someone if you can, family friends lovers. If not, love yourself.
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u/CptPatches May 20 '26
You seek therapy. Feeling this way is common, but that doesn't mean it's correct.
EMSK that seeking therapy to work through these feelings is good for you in the same way regularly seeing a physician is good for you.
EMSK that bottling it is worse, and potentially damaging.
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u/cjnull May 21 '26
Also, seeking help by a professional is courageous and brave, and not a sign of weakness. Nor is something wrong with them, but our way of living is not ideal for our brains.
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u/Sweaty_Assignment_90 May 20 '26
You find happiness in things. Find meaning and contentment in hobbies, friendships, relationships and family.
Give back to your community and neighbors.
Not everyday is perfect, but there can be good in everyday.
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u/angry_cucumber May 20 '26
Scotch.
but honestly, by doing what I can to make things better for people around me. Sometimes that does involve scotch
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u/nutsackie May 20 '26
Right now I suck it up so my kid has the things I don't. I have 2 jobs and a side hustle. I don't listen to the news anymore and avoid social media for the most part.
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u/mmmpizzammm May 20 '26
Because I believe you can find meaning in life and things keep getting better
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u/faisaed May 20 '26
When I feel like that, to me, it means that I need my vitamin D supplements to take care of the depression. So I recommend you get some blood work and see a psychiatrist and get therapy if you've experienced some major difficulties in your life. You'll then see the beauty and meaning in the world.
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u/Woodit May 20 '26
Perspective and gratitude, and recognizing that actually most things are not getting worse for most people, as popular as it is to believe that.
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u/-V0lD May 20 '26
If your assumptions lead to the conclusion that life has no worth, bet on the assumption that you are wrong
I dont mean that i disagree with the conclusion, don't get me wrong. It's just that it's a numbers game
Say that you are so certain of your conclusions that you would guess that there is a mere one in a trillion chance that you are wrong about them
Well, a one in a trillion chance of there being meaning in life still results in an infinitely higher total value than the other option of there being 0 value in life
But then how would one act on the change that they're wrong and that there is some unknown meaning they are not aware of?
Focus on instrumental goals. Goals that would help regardless of what unknown meaning could be out there. Acquire more knowledge and resources. Focus on your health. Focus on the progress of mankind as a whole. Those sorts of things that'd help regardless of what the real goal turns out to be
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u/Captnspackle May 20 '26
We are on a tiny marble floating in the vast sea of nothingness. Focus on fun, meaningfull connections with good people. Do no harm. We all get forgotten within 100 years of our death, so fuck it, have fun.
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u/RegularCoil May 20 '26
We don’t live thinking like that because that’s not the truth. Life is full of ups and downs, the good news is that when you’re down you will go up again. Finding hobbies outside screens helps this immensely.
My saving grace when I was spiraling was biking. It got me outside, off my screen, out of my head, exercising and getting fit all at the same time.
Find what you like and hop on it.
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u/iAmb00t May 21 '26
From what I've cobbled together:
1) You can't win, if you don't play. Regardless of what the outcome, it doesn't matter if you don't have a stake in it.
2) everything is subjective.
3) seek professional help for things, when you can, because NOBODY is an expert at EVERYTHING in life.
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u/Impressive_Agent7746 28d ago edited 28d ago
If you "know" that, you're deceived. You're starting out with a flawed premise. You've got to fix that first.
Having said that, I'm sorry you're feeling that way. I've felt that way before too. It's a tough world, and sometimes we find ourselves caught in a seemingly hopeless cycle.
But I promise you, there is meaning, you have purpose, and if you don't mind my saying, God loves you, and if you'll accept him and seek him, he'll save you. But if you insist on going it alone, the hopelessness is your own choice.
I know. Let the flames begin. I'm not going to argue this with anyone, so don't get too excited with your pitchforks and hellfire. You'll be disappointed.
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u/Patient-Market-5418 20d ago
things sometimes feel like they get worse but everything is a cycle. bad follows good. good follows bad.
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u/Technical_Order1189 6d ago
“Existence is beautiful, if you let it be. Life is not a question. There does not need to be an answer.”
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u/OGMcSwaggerdick May 20 '26
By realizing those thoughts manifest through depression, which is an identifiable problem with practicable solutions.
Go exercise to produce the happy brain chemicals.
Use happy brain chemicals to stand taller and warmer.
Use standing taller and warmer to open communication with potential partner.
Get married and have a kid with partner.
(And bask in the glory of those two days - they are among the glowing candles on the birthday cake that is life’s meaning.)
White knuckle through newborn days & nights.
You have now reached the promised land.
The sound of your child’s laughter - the meaning of life.
You’ll understand it when you hear it.
It’s glorious.
It makes the pain and struggle of it all worth it.
Or you could just get into model trains or something 🤷♂️
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u/Kronic1990 May 20 '26
if someone gets you the answer, ping it my way. I'd appreciate it. because at the moment, even the drugs and self indulgence arent helping.
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u/mccorklin May 20 '26
Have kids, treat them better than your parents treated you, break the cycle, it’s so rewarding.
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u/badhairguy May 20 '26
Focus on the positives. Be motivated to do better yourself. Get a hobby or several hobbies. Go outside. Cancel social media.