9 Britannica Articles That Explain the Meaning of Life
The articles in this list don’t have all the answers. However, they serve as a useful primer on the basics—what we know about the universe and how our species evolved, how we perpetuate ourselves, and how we die, and the logical tools we use to understand our world. You’re just a click away from understanding.
universe
The universe is 13.7 billion years old. Earth formed, at the earliest, 4.6 billion years ago. You’re what, 85 years old, max? Ponder thy own significance. Ouch, right? I mean, uh, behold the grandeur of the cosmos…pretty telescope pics. Yay!
life
You might be slogging through the waking death of your work day, or catatonically staring at the screen during your “study break” so let me assure you: you are, in fact, alive. How did that happen? Check out Britannica’s fantastic article on life, written by Carl Sagan, Lynn Margulis, and Dorion Sagan. YOLO, indeed.
death
You are, however, going to die. I’m not saying it’ll be anytime soon, but it’s going to happen. If you’re not, I’ll have what you’re having. Either way, brush up your understanding of mortality with Britannica’s article on death. It’s sure to come in handy. Unless you’re reading this on your phone while stepping into traffic…
evolution
Speaking of natural selection…how did we evolve from single-celled organisms? What forces shaped the plants and animals around us? Until we achieve the singularity and you can just upload this article to your brain, scroll through Britannica’s coverage of evolution to find out.
human
Still with me, fellow primate? I know Sartre said “Hell is other people”—and may have had a point—but it couldn’t hurt to learn a little more about your fellow naked apes. Could it? Find out when you browse Britannica’s article on human evolution.
sex
In this very special article, Britannica covers it all. Meiosis. Budding. Parthenogenesis. All 50 shades and then some, people.
genetics
Why can’t I clone myself and have him finish this list? Putting aside the fact that any clone of mine would laugh in my face and then probably unplug my computer out of spite, we’re just not there yet. At least as far as we know… But people are doing all kinds of crazy stuff with genetics. Read more…
epistemology
Do you really know what you know? And what’s that worth? Check out Britannica’s coverage of epistemology, the study of the limits of human knowledge, to find out.
logic
Now, check yourself. Are your beliefs logical? Review the basic principles of logic with Britannica’s article on the subject.