PHILOSOPHY, EXISTENTIAL

The current world philosophy is summarized by the following: A man sat waiting for the light to turn green when his car was unexpectedly rear-ended. The two drivers hopped out of their cars and a vicious argument ensued. The man at fault defended himself by saying, “I really felt like running into someone today to vent my frustrations, and your bumper sticker has given me license to crash into your car.” The bumper sticker read: “If it feels good, do it.”992

It is said that there is a tombstone from ancient Rome that has inscribed on it the following:

I was not and I became;

I was and am no more.

This much is true;

Whoever says other, lies;

For I shall not be,

And thou who livest, drink, play, come.

Although we are separated from the one buried under that inscription by many centuries, that is the philosophy of our generation. But the Christian message is that there is more than this life. Life does not end at death, and so it has a purpose greater than enjoyment and pleasure.993