The Light That Shines above the Void

Imagine there is nothing of real value in the world, as worth has no real meaning. Humans are similar to all other life forms, simply the result of chemical reactions over time. They follow patterns that persist unless disrupted. This preservation can be termed ‘thought’ in humans, driven by a desire for ‘self-gratification,’ often seen as greed, leading to the use of other objects, including other people, for one's own benefit. The main focus becomes replicating our genetic code, often translating into accumulating wealth and power, which we believe safeguards our descendants.

From this perspective, when a body can no longer sustain itself, it is not true death, but merely the end of a chemical process. Once this process fails, the mind and thoughts cease to exist, leading to a void. The fear of this void, though rooted in biology, feels real to many people. This fear has driven humans to seek distractions, whether through drugs, the pursuit of wealth, or exploitation of others, as long as it fulfills their immediate desires. If nothing has intrinsic meaning, then any action taken for self-enhancement is simply an expression of nature.

The only real alternative to this view of emptiness is the idea of total, immeasurable meaning. If meaning exists, it stands in stark contrast to emptiness, indicating other realities beyond our understanding. When we perceive a greater meaning beyond ourselves, it opens up concepts of good, evil, and deep love, indicating that existence cannot be just confined to chemical processes.

People who recognize this depth of meaning have a viewpoint that sharply contrasts with those who see existence as merely biological. Their experiences of fear and emptiness can lead to different actions and beliefs. It can also explain historical events perceived as incongruous, like the birth and death of a significant figure in obscurity, suggesting that true value lies beyond power and wealth.

Recognizing the infinite value of human life suggests that every individual carries immeasurable worth, overshadowing the importance of material pursuits. Those who understand this perspective may seem irrational to those who only see a void, but it is essential to grasp the conflict between these two views. The story of Christmas illustrates this disparity; the humble birth of a significant figure is detached from the world's materialistic values.

Ultimately, this interpretation of existence presents a challenge to the dominant worldview, underscoring that while short-term gratification drives many, there exists a deeper value in recognizing life’s inherent meaning. The narrative of this Christmas moment serves as a paradigm for appreciating this alternate value system, emphasizing the vast difference between such recognition and the conventional pursuit of power and material gains. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/the-light-that-shines-above-the-void/