Reflections on the meaning of life
By Ivo Nardi
Interview with Robert Bauval november 2009
1) Generally the big questions about life arise out of grief, illness, death and seldom during happy moments– which we all chase. What is happiness for you?
Happiness is that feeling of being grateful to the 'universe' for being alive.
2) What is love for you?
Love is that powerful desire to make others happy and relieve their pain. It is the closest thing to 'compassion' or perhaps even the same thing.
3) How do you explain suffering in any form?
There is no explanation for suffering other that it is a necessary predicament to personal growth.
4) What is death for you?
Death is a new beginning. Without death there is no life.
5) We know we are born, we know we will die and within this temporal space we live and build up a route; for some this is lived consciously, for others unconsciously. What are your objectives in life and what do you do to realize them?
My objectives are to live my life fully and with passion. I listen to both my heart and my reason; know the difference, and act upon what they tell me. My main objective, then, is to be true to my inner voices.
6) Do we have an existential project to perform?
To fulfill my given mission to the best of my abilities. Even if it is fighting windmills. To follow my 'star', in all its impossibilities.
7) We are social animals, our life would have no meaning without the others, notwithstanding that we live in an era where individualism is more exalted than ever. This brings about a social involution: what do you think of that?
We are not only social animals, but also part of the cosmic world. Individualism is to step out of the social box and experience the cosmic connection. Changes and betterment in society can only come from those individuals who not only do this, but can demonstrate it truth to others.
8) How can we recognize good and evil?
Our soul always knows the difference between good and evil, even when we try to trick it or be deaf to its call.
9) Man has always been distressed by the unknown. Religions, and afterwards philosophies with the aid of reason, gave him some help. What help did you have?
The help I received was from an enlightened father who made me believe that it is useless to try to outsmart the gods. The divine plan is not for us to understand, but to participate in it.
10) What is for you the meaning of life?
Life is the penultimate gift. It can only have meaning with the awe and gratitude that one should always feel towards the Universe for this gift.
The purpose of life is life itself. Live free; live true; live with passion. Above all, live and let live... It is living, and living well, that the gods demand of us. Nothing more, nothing less.
"Honi Soit Qui Mal Y'Pense"
Italian version: Intervista a Robert Bauval
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