The Joy of Exploration: Why I’ve Spent 85 Years Grappling
with Life’s Big Questions
"An unexamined life is not worth living."
Socrates' ancient wisdom rings as true today as it did two millennia ago. At
85, I reflect on my life's journey—a journey defined by a relentless quest to
understand the profound mysteries of our existence. From the universe's origins
to the purpose of life, the existence of God, the basis for religious belief, the cause of human suffering, the origin and what we know about the universe, immutable laws of the cosmos and logic, and man's inhumanity to man. I've spent my entire life grappling with questions that
many choose to gloss over.
The truth is, not everyone embarks on this quest. In my
encounters with others, I am often amazed at how many have never deeply
considered these fundamental issues. It's as though life’s biggest
questions—those that touch the core of what it means to be human—go unexamined,
passed over in favor of the every day and the superficial.
Exploring these existential questions has been exhilarating
for me. It has contributed to my enjoyment of life and has
liberated me from superstition and unfounded beliefs. The greatest benefit of my lifelong inquiry has been the freedom from "tooth fairy religions" that demand belief without evidence and promise rewards in some unprovable afterlife. By questioning everything and accepting nothing on blind faith, I've found clarity and peace that no dogma
can provide.
Many find comfort in religious beliefs or societal norms
that offer easy answers, but I find my comfort in the unknown and the quest for
truth. To grapple with life's big questions is not to expect definitive answers
but to find joy in the journey. It's a journey that encourages curiosity,
fosters intellectual freedom, and, most importantly, provides liberation from
the myths that often serve to control rather than enlighten.
I've often wondered why so many people shy away from this
journey. Perhaps it's the discomfort of uncertainty or the daunting prospect of
confronting deeply held beliefs. Maybe it's the fast pace of modern life, where
time for reflection seems a luxury few can afford. Yet, the rewards are immense
for those who take the time to explore. The journey toward understanding our
universe, our purpose, and the human condition is not just a path to
knowledge—it’s a path to freedom.
Looking back on 85 years of exploration, I see a life
enriched by the questions and truths I've sought. My journey has been about
more than just finding answers; it’s been about rejecting the easy comforts of
superstition and instead embracing the exhilarating freedom that comes with a
life of inquiry. This is the joy of the examined life, which I wish more would
experience.
In a world filled with complexities, injustices, and
suffering, the need to question and understand is more critical than ever. So,
I encourage others: don’t shy away from the big questions. Dive into them,
grapple with them, and find your path to freedom from superstition. It's a
journey worth taking that can enrich your life and provide a deeper
understanding of the world and your place within it.
William James Spriggs
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