In this series of lectures we discuss the question "Why am I here?" and a number of reasonable answers have already been reviewed, but how does a person behave when he really does not know the answer anymore?
I find it remarkable that I regularly hear on TV or read in the newspaper that in today's demanding society many people, and remarkably enough especially young people, struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression.
Was that also the case 50 years ago? I have no active memory of that, but what cannot be denied is that it is a fact today.
And as we formulate it with the current knowledge, it is tempting to escape into quick dopamine shots, everyone needs the happiness hormone.
You can dive into the pub after a very busy working week to let off some steam or dance intense in the club. Most people do this in a controlled manner,
but the moment you no longer have it under control, that it is something that has to be done daily, then you can label it as escape behavior.
One person escapes into gaming, another into drugs. Hours of video calling, not eating, or watching porn can also be symptoms of escape behavior.
There are different ways in which people try to avoid their problems and fears, but the common factor is that they all try to escape.
Escape behavior is not an evening of Netflix or staring aimlessly at your phone, but is characterized by excessive use of, for example, a smartphone, drugs, alcohol, or even an eating disorder.
With substances that you can numb yourself with or by gaming for hours, you get a lot of dopamine, but in the end, you do not get better from it. And your problems are not gone, it has not brought you anything.
How do you get out of this? While we happily let our thoughts wander every week about all those many options to give meaning to life - and the fact that we do that already makes it meaningful -,
someone on the run and dependent on his dopamine shots has to fight his way out of it. To stop an addiction you need a replacement.
It is no different, but the answer to the question "Why am I here?" is that replacement. Even if someone has lost sight of this, finding his way back is not impossible.
The reflection starts with the question: "What do you remember from the past?". After all, someone has not always been on the run. At some point, life must have been experienced as meaningful by that person too.
The hardest battle is for those for whom the addiction also has a physical component, but what about all those people who look at their smartphones all day these days?
Perhaps they are asylum seekers. Who knows? The Philosophy Class might be a possible reception center.
Thank you for your attention...
Main Sources:
MacMillan The Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2nd edition
TABLE OF CONTENT -----------------------------------------------------------------
1 - 100 Philosophers 9 May 2009 Start of
2 - 25+ Women Philosophers 10 May 2009 this blog
3 - 25 Adventures in Thinking 10 May 2009
4 - Modern Theories of Ethics 29 Oct 2009
5 - The Ideal State 24 Febr 2010 / 234
6 - The Mystery of the Brain 3 Sept 2010 / 266
7 - The Utopia of the Free Market 16 Febr 2012 / 383
8. - The Aftermath of Neo-liberalism 5 Sept 2012 / 413
9. - The Art Not to Be an Egoist 6 Nov 2012 / 426
10 - Non-Western Philosophy 29 May 2013 / 477
11 - Why Science is Right 2 Sept 2014 / 534
12 - A Philosopher looks at Atheism 1 Jan 2015 / 557
13 - EVIL, a philosophical investigation 17 Apr 2015 / 580
14 - Existentialism and Free Will 2 Sept 2015 / 586
15 - Spinoza 2 Sept 2016 / 615
16 - The Meaning of Life 13 Febr 2017 / 637
17 - In Search of my Self 6 Sept 2017 / 670
18 - The 20th Century Revisited 3 Apr 2018 / 706
19 - The Pessimist 11 Jan 2020 / 819
20 - The Optimist 9 Febr 2020 / 824
21 - Awakening from a Neoliberal Dream 8 Oct 2020 / 872
22 - A World Full of Patterns 1 Apr 2021 / 912
23 - The Concept of Freedom 8 Jan 2022 / 965
24 - Materialism 7 Sept 2022 / 1011
25 - Historical Materialism 5 Oct 2023 / 1088
26 - The Bonobo and the Atheist 9 Jan 2024 / 1102
27 - Artificial Intelligence 9 Feb 2024 / 1108
28 - Why Am I Here 6 Sept 2024 / 1139
[13:17] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): ♥«´`•° ♥❤Bravo♥«´`•° ♥❤
[13:18] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[13:18] Max Chatnoir: Thanks, Herman, and yes it might!
[13:18] Max Chatnoir: Be a possible reception center.
[13:19] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): smiles
[13:20] NickyParis Bellecoeur en>sv: ler
[13:20] herman Bergson: OK...this looks better...my framerate dropped to 3
[13:21] bergfrau Apfelbaum: good
[13:21] herman Bergson: A bit chaotic today :-)
[13:21] Daruma Boa: *GIGGLES* :)~~~~
[13:21] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): lag is terrible
[13:22] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well its a such day
[13:22] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ooo ok Herman
[13:22] herman Bergson: Should I redo the lecture?
[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): everyone catched everything?
[13:23] herman Bergson: Half of the group has missed it
[13:23] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): :)
[13:23] Daruma Boa: I was too late. But I dont come on a regular base.
[13:23] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): I am happy to re read
[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): im in no rush so ㋡
[13:26] herman Bergson: Re-read the lecture if you have the whole text
[13:26] Daruma Boa: Thanks Herman.
[13:27] herman Bergson: I think the issue at hand is rather important
[13:27] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): thanks Herman you are the best
[13:27] Daruma Boa: Well yes, I have the opinion that this is the main reason in life. people need a vision and goal in life.
[13:27] Daruma Boa: Its not looking on a mobile or watching Netflix.
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well speaking of chaos, that lecture is spot on on that, society is VARY stressful nowadyas
[13:27] herman Bergson: They do, daruma
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): very
[13:27] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): but when the vision is taken by electronics and our unbearable addiction to dopamine
[13:27] NickyParis Bellecoeur en>sv shouts: Men när visionen tas av elektronik och vårt oförenliga beroende av dopamin
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and that also indeed
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): what o u say, sex drugs and rocknroll
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): do
[13:28] herman Bergson: The only solution is that our goal in life is stronger than smartphones or drugs
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): we chase dopamine and pleasure like there is no tomorrow
[13:29] Daruma Boa: People wight now only react and have no vision and sadly , mostly no ethics in their own life.
[13:29] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): wel said
[13:29] herman Bergson: You should chase it with an eye on tomorrow, Bejiita :-)
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:29] Daruma Boa: They just follow basic instincts and no higher gials
[13:29] Daruma Boa: goals
[13:30] herman Bergson: Well, is such a generalization justified, Daruma....?
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): the issue today also is everyone is out for likes, LIKES LIKES LIKES, thats all that matters for many, i think likes are totally meningless if not from one you know personally
[13:30] herman Bergson: There may be some indication.....
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cause they are often not honest
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): = without value
[13:30] Daruma Boa: Yes. Sadly.
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but many seem not to realize this
[13:31] herman Bergson: Rightwing politics are the politics of alleged quick solutions....no nuances...and people love that more and more
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sure when i get a like on youtube for a comment ir even better a heart cause then i know it is probably honest
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but i dont chase likes
[13:32] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): for the case of that
[13:32] herman Bergson: That chasing Likes is generation dependent :-)
[13:32] herman Bergson: I am completely not interested in likes...
[13:33] Max Chatnoir: I like conversations that result in my thinking something I haven't thought about before.
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true herman i guess
[13:33] herman Bergson: Younger generations may feel insecure and feel strengthened by the number of likes they score....?!
[13:33] Daruma Boa: Yes Herman, they want quick solutions. But thats not possible. Everything must grow. And its not so easy as it seems mostly.
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:33] Daruma Boa: But a lot of people are not able to see this.
[13:33] Daruma Boa: So I mean: easy minded people.
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed, they are so in their bubble
[13:34] herman Bergson: That seems to be the case indeed Daruma
[13:34] Daruma Boa: Yes
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): there are more then likes on FB and Twitter, youtube ect in this wors
[13:34] Daruma Boa: sadly
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): world
[13:34] Daruma Boa: And a lot tries to adjust everything to tehm
[13:34] Daruma Boa: Thats a problem
[13:35] Daruma Boa: We are no "Neandertalers" anymore;-)
[13:35] herman Bergson: But if we observ e this phenomenon, we must ask the question....WHY IS THIS THE CASE?
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (checks on my 3D printer and gives it a like cause have not wrecked my model still)
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:35] herman Bergson: Why feel people, young people insecure....
[13:35] Daruma Boa: I think the Internet and too much information and possibilities is the problem
[13:35] Daruma Boa: Everyone Can and Should.
[13:35] Daruma Boa: But is that the case?
[13:35] herman Bergson: Just look at those INFLUENCERS....a horrible phenomenon in my opinion
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): good question, the demand for performance and fame i guess
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and of course MONEY and getting rich as influencer ect
[13:36] Daruma Boa: You must know yourself and wahta yiu can and what not
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): guh
[13:36] Daruma Boa: And _ ost importnat- be honste to yourself!
[13:36] Daruma Boa: honest
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:36] herman Bergson: and young people ask themselves such questions
[13:37] Daruma Boa: Thats hard and hurts.
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:38] herman Bergson: But the main point is, to free yourself from an addiction you need a replacement....a meaningful replacement
[13:38] Daruma Boa: Yes, true. Meaningful is important.
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:39] herman Bergson: You really need a personal philosophy these days...about life, about the future, about your goals, to make it these days
[13:40] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): many young peope believe they are not good enough as they are I guess
[13:40] herman Bergson: But what do we have to offer young people?
[13:41] herman Bergson: and thence you have these make=up, botox, slimline etc influencers
[13:41] Daruma Boa: In mythology they call it "A calling" you must have the feeling to look for it.
[13:41] Daruma Boa: Its not helpful to tell them.
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): one problem is i think they are pushing each other + hate comments ect like "YOU SUCK!" "CANT U DO BETTER!?"
[13:41] herman Bergson: Yes..
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): these things don't help
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): driving on like that
[13:42] Daruma Boa: It must hurt you in your life and you want to search for it
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): very harmful
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): indeed
[13:43] Daruma Boa: But I have this also in comments on YT and such things. People just complain but have no solution.
[13:43] Daruma Boa: But they think they have an answer and are right
[13:43] herman Bergson: They create their own bubble...
[13:43] herman Bergson: We discussed that in a previous lecture.....
[13:43] bergfrau Apfelbaum: I don't think they're all like that. Two of my grandchildren are 14. They play on their phones. Yes. And on the computer too. But they also play tennis. And skateboard, meet up with friends and go to local bars and shopping. And do well in school
[13:44] herman Bergson: personal emotions are regarded as facts today by many people...
[13:45] herman Bergson: That was the reason of my remark on generalization, Bergie....
[13:45] Daruma Boa: No not everyone is the same. But sadly there are a lot of haters who are not constructive
[13:45] Daruma Boa: I love constructive criticism.
[13:45] herman Bergson: Are we talking about minorities or majorities here?
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:45] Daruma Boa: But not those who just complain
[13:45] Daruma Boa: those
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:46] Daruma Boa: I have the feeling that there are more who are haters and compain
[13:46] herman Bergson: But it is often just a small group that is in the News....anad the news media love to publish and show this sensation...
[13:46] Daruma Boa: Cos the constructive ppl just do and dont write about it
[13:46] Daruma Boa: They have no time for that
[13:46] Daruma Boa: And haters must pst hate.
[13:46] Max Chatnoir: Good point!
[13:46] Daruma Boa: Cos thats their "job"
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they seem to believe that
[13:47] Daruma Boa: *GIGGLES* :)~~~~
[13:47] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): The statement "the only solution is that our goal in life is stronger than smartphones or drugs" aligns well with the philosophy of Aristotle. Aristotle emphasized the importance of having a clear and ultimate goal in life, which he referred to as "eudaimonia" or flourishing. He believed that living a virtuous life and pursuing meaningful goals leads to true happiness and fulfillment, rather than seeking temporary pleasures or distractions.
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): i do a lot of things other then computers ect. I dance, play golf, bowling and so
[13:48] herman Bergson: yes NIcky...and it is based on virtue ethics.... a rare thing these days
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its not just me and my computer/phone
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:48] Daruma Boa: Yes. Its a tool.
[13:48] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): true
[13:48] Daruma Boa: Mobile, PC and so on
[13:49] Daruma Boa: I still love it, bt we must know why and when to use
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like i love doing game development and programmign but thats far from everything i do, i use to say Im an active hacker
[13:49] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like physically active
[13:50] Max Chatnoir: Computer tech helps us communicate with people we might not otherwise meet, but we shouldn't let it cut out communication with friends and family.
[13:50] Daruma Boa: True Max
[13:50] bergfrau Apfelbaum: true Max
[13:50] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:50] Max Chatnoir: Of, course, friends and family these days maybe be very scattered!
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its really useful but need to be used right way
[13:51] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:51] herman Bergson: And it is way more pleasant to communicate with a group that agrees with you all the time than debating with that left wing uncle :-)
[13:52] Max Chatnoir: Very true!
[13:52] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): smiles
[13:52] herman Bergson: So back to FB and Twitter :-)
[13:52] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): i forgot to bring my Pro Trump friend
[13:52] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): o.O´
[13:52] herman Bergson: let me tell yousomething weird....
[13:53] Daruma Boa: Twitter? Does anybody still use that?
[13:53] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): listens carefully
[13:53] Max Chatnoir: Tell us!
[13:53] herman Bergson: The National Dutch dictionary always elects a word of the year....
[13:53] herman Bergson: they suggest several new words and people may vote for one...
[13:54] herman Bergson: This year they have canceled the election process....
[13:54] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ok
[13:54] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): why
[13:54] Max Chatnoir: No voting for a word?
[13:54] herman Bergson: There was really raging a war among voters about some suggesting words...
[13:55] herman Bergson: The Dictionary decided to call POLARIZATION the word of the year....no voting...
[13:55] Max Chatnoir: appropriate!
[13:55] Daruma Boa: I think ist fitting
[13:55] Daruma Boa: its
[13:55] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they were POLARIZED for sure it sounded like
[13:55] herman Bergson: Everybody behind a keyboard has an unrestricted opinion and believes he/she is right
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:56] Daruma Boa: Well, when you did not check your opinion with others.
[13:56] Daruma Boa: Then yes;-)
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like there are no real people on the other end because the computer is in between
[13:56] Daruma Boa: Therefore it's always important to connect with others
[13:56] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its strange
[13:56] Daruma Boa: Also online
[13:56] herman Bergson: That is not how it works Daruma :-)
[13:56] Daruma Boa: Like here in this group
[13:57] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): O go to sleep
[13:57] herman Bergson: You drop some personal opinion on some platform and wait for the responses...
[13:57] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): is 11 in Sweden
[[13:57] Daruma Boa: We always must be brave enough to compare our opinions
[13:57] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[13:57] Daruma Boa: And to discuss thoughts
[13:57] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): godnatt Nicky
[13:57] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:57] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ses
[13:57] herman Bergson: then...all who agree with you, reinforce your opinion...
[13:57] Nicky (nickyparis.bellecoeur): is 11 in Swedenill say hi to Morphy for all of you
[13:57] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:58] herman Bergson: all that disagree you discard as morons and there is your bubble :-)
[13:58] Max Chatnoir: and to accept the possibility that we might be wrong about something.
[13:58] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ah
[13:58] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:59] Daruma Boa: Yes that is the bravery. To explore thate we might be wrong;-)
[13:59] Daruma Boa: Or a little bit wrong.
[13:59] Max Chatnoir: You can't just kill everybody who disagrees with you.
[14:00] Daruma Boa: No?
[14:00] Daruma Boa whispers: Why?;-)
[14:00] Max Chatnoir: Or put them in jail. :-)
[14:00] herman Bergson: Ohh....that makes me think of a comment of Angela Merkel about Trump....
[14:00] Daruma Boa: Ahhh
[14:01] herman Bergson: She had learned that for T there never is a win-win situation ( a compromise...being a bit right, being a bit wrong)
[14:01] bergfrau Apfelbaum: there wouldn't be many left :-) Daruma
[14:01] herman Bergson: for him there is only a win-loose situation
[14:01] Max Chatnoir: and he can never lose.
[14:02] herman Bergson: And that is in politics a dangerous mentality
[14:02] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like "ONLY I CAN WIN AND EVERYONE ELSE IN THE ENTIRE WORLD ARE LOSERS!"
[14:02] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): thats more or less Trump
[14:02] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): biggest ego on planet
[14:02] Max Chatnoir: That's the curse of power.
[14:02] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): along with Putin
[14:03] herman Bergson: Well, I guess we all have found our meaning of life for today at least....
[14:03] Daruma Boa: Well the Trump topic is very complex.
[14:03] Max Chatnoir: You don't have to go through the pain of working out disagreements.
[14:03] herman Bergson: A right moment to close the debate :-)
[14:03] Daruma Boa: *GIGGLES* :)~~~~
[14:03] Daruma Boa: Na.
[14:03] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): at least Trump have not murdered anyone yet. Oh wait he murdered 1000s of americans during covid with his incompetence
[14:04] herman Bergson: indeed Bejiita :-)
[14:04] Daruma Boa: To be continued.....
[14:04] herman Bergson: Oh yes, Daruma :-)
[14:04] Max Chatnoir: Good one, Herman!
[14:04] bergfrau Apfelbaum: thank you Herman and class!
[14:04] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm
[14:04] bergfrau Apfelbaum: ~Applause~
[14:04] Daruma Boa: Thank you!
[14:04] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): this was a good one indeed
[14:04] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): Thank you Herman
[14:04] herman Bergson: Thank you all gain
[14:04] herman Bergson: Class dismissed....
[14:04] Max Chatnoir: And I hope our visitors will come back!
[14:05] herman Bergson: and I hope....IN TIME next time :-)
[14:05] Max Chatnoir: See you Thursday?
[14:05] herman Bergson: yes....
[14:05] Max Chatnoir: yay
[14:05] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[14:06] Max Chatnoir: OK, see you all soon!
[14:06] herman Bergson: Such invasions ruin my concentration :-)
[14:06] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cu Max
[14:06] Daruma Boa: See you soon. And don't lose your positive vision in life!
[14:06] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hehe
[14:06] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hugs Daruma
[14:06] bergfrau Apfelbaum: When do we have Christmas holidays, Professor? :-)
[14:06] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[14:07] bergfrau Apfelbaum: byebye Daruma :-)
[14:07] Daruma Boa: Who needs Christmas?;-) Bye - see yo alls
[14:07] Daruma Boa: all soon
[14:07] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): bye Daruma
[14:07] bergfrau Apfelbaum: me and ma family :-)) in rl and sl
[14:07] herman Bergson: Xmas Holidays....let me see.....Let's make 17 December the last lecture of this year
[14:08] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i need Christmas too
[14:08] bergfrau Apfelbaum: ok
[14:08] herman Bergson: or maybe next Thursday :-)
[14:08] herman Bergson: yes...
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