“We are born on our own /

And we die on our own /

And we’re here to make meaning /

Of what happens in between /

We could hate, we could love /

We could doubt, we could trust /

But we’re here to make meaning /

For as long as we’re breathing and it’s alright /

Wherever you are, it’s alright /

Whoever you are, it’s alright”

Alicia Keys, Authors of Forever, ALICIA

Beyond the Quote (271/365)

Word choice matters. And with the opening concept of meaning in this above quote, I think Alicia nails it: We’re here to make meaning. We’re not here to find meaning. And I don’t think we’re here to mean nothing. Why be given life if we’re not meant to live? Why be given brains if we’re not meant to think? Why be given eyes if we’re not meant to see? Why be given hands if we’re not meant to touch? Why be given feet if we’re not meant to move? We’re certainly not born just to die—what’s the point in believing that? We’re born on our own, yes, but we’re not alone and we’re not born without what we need to make meaning—of that I’m sure.