Exploring the philosophical nuances and implied meaning associated with antique writing serves as a pathway for a deeper appreciation of human feelings, actions, and struggles. An excellent example of this statement can be found in the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. Therefore, primarily focused on the eventual goal and outcome of all human existence, it reemphasizes people’s never-ending quest for significance and significance in life. This task aims to analyze how texts depict the impact that an awareness of death can have on the living and whether the existence of an afterlife is essential for life to have meaning.
The epic of Gilgamesh portrays the profound influence of mortality’s awareness on life’s appreciation. After seeing Enkidu, who was killed, Gilgamesh becomes scared of death, and he starts having hopes for eternity.[1]. One way to incite him to consider eternal life and, eventually, a life worth living before his death is awareness of death. The quest might have failed, but figuratively speaking, humans are always propelled by the need to live, learn, and discover the limitations of life.
This is shown by the story of Gilgamesh, whose awareness of defined living activities or choices is because we know of death upon us. Through this approach, he overcomes various confrontations with the dead; these include the slaying of Humba and fighting against Enkidu, among others. The latter makes him not just a monarch but also gives insight to people that they should aim high while alive.[2]. Therefore, this paragraph illustrates why people seek heroic actions while still alive to give meaning to their lives.
Death also draws men closer to others within society. By my reckoning, this can be seen in the relationship between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. The painfully heavy grief that Gilgamesh experienced upon the death of his friend and companion, Enkidu, is noteworthy and points out how significant their association was, which many people would yearn to see before they die. Such an acceptance allows death to be incorporated into human relations, implying a reason to live through one’s linkages with others. Finally, the texts assert that awareness of death drives people to seek knowledge among people. His change from a cruel, thoughtless, and selfish king into a wiser and compassionate man results from his realization and meeting mortality. He realizes that he will not enjoy eternity; after that, resolutions come in, and he should lead with wisdom to Uruk this time. Thus, our literature proves that the realization of death leads to the completion of one’s own understanding and inner truth, resulting in deep insight into what life is.
For many people, the belief in an afterlife adds profound meaning and significance to their lives. It is viewed as a never-ending home, where living is made of joy, rewards, and further spiritual journeys that will help drive away the sadness and fear associated with death. Such beliefs and good actions could be shaped by a transcendent reality awaiting them in another life. They view it as a moral compass during their lives in most religions. Living without an afterlife may seem meaningless, but it has some sense when alive. Aesthetically speaking, there is a significant amount of beauty and purpose in the temporality of life within the framework of atheism. It is a fact that only humankind feels the sensation of their mortality and understands that there will be no more days after tomorrow.[3]. Life should be lived day-by-day rather than pondering about eternity.
An existentialist argument maintains that life must have meaning, even without an afterlife. Existentialists postulate that everyone comes into a world with an open-ended personality, which is their duty to imbue with value and importance. Man is a purposeful being looking for knowledge, the meaning of existence, growth, and relationships with one another. It makes one have a self-sufficient living that is meaningful to oneself. Thus, such conscience and consciousness of ours may instill a sense of significance or purpose rooted not only in an abstract notion of post-life but also in the very body where we are situated.
In conclusion, mortality awareness influences us to value our lives meaningfully, as depicted in the Epic of Gilgamesh. This understanding compels one to embrace wisdom and compassion, replacing such behavior. It also affects people’s thinking regarding life’s meaning and worth. However, belief in an afterlife may be rendered meaningless, for instance. As such, it is essential to balance appreciating life and being aware of mortality.
Bibliography
Mark, Joshua J. “Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and the Netherworld.” World History Encyclopedia. Accessed December 14, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2128/gilgamesh- enkidu-and-the-netherworld.
MrEctomy. “Without an Afterlife, Is Life Not Ultimately Pointless from a Personal Perspective?,” February 28, 2017. https://www.reddit.com/r/DebateReligion/comments/5wkimt/without_an_afterlife_is_life_not_ultimately/.
www.historians.org. “The Epic of Gilgamesh | AHA,” n.d. https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/teaching-resources-for-historians/teaching-and-learning-in-the-digital-age/creation-stories-and-epics/the-epic-of-gilgamesh.
[1]“The Epic of Gilgamesh | AHA,” www.historians.org, n.d., https://www.historians.org/teaching-and-learning/teaching-resources-for-historians/teaching-and-learning-in-the-digital-age/creation-stories-and-epics/the-epic-of-gilgamesh.
[2]Joshua J. Mark, “Gilgamesh, Enkidu, and the Netherworld,” World History Encyclopedia, n.d., https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2128/gilgamesh-enkidu-and-the-netherworld/.
[3]MrEctomy, “Without an Afterlife, Is Life Not Ultimately Pointless from a Personal Perspective?,” February 28, 2017, https://www.reddit.com/r/DebateReligion/comments/5wkimt/without_an_afterlife_is_life_not_ultimately/.
write