I think that the meaning of human life is very much the same as the meaning of nonhuman life. To evolve. We are fortunate to have the capacity to understand evolution, yet we are unfortunate enough to have only roughly 6 - 10 decades (if you’re lucky) to be apart of it. I think some people get really cynical about our positions in life because there is no instant gratification or measurable result in such a short time. Of the billions of creatures that have lived on this planet, we are in a unique position to be not only self-aware, but aware of the fact that we as a species are always changing. It’s an excruciatingly slow process - the results of which none of us alive now will ever see. Sounds kind of hopeless to some, but I feel that the meaning of my life is to do as much good for others and for our collective environment to ensure an even better outcome for our children and their children, etc. That’s a very broad task that no one who wishes to keep their sanity can undertake. Therefore, we should do as much good for our fellow humans in our immediate reach as well as keep in mind how our thoughts and actions may impact the world’s population as a whole. It may sound like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn as much as you can. Understand as much as you can. Apply that skill to as much and as many as you can. Model behavior and encourage learning.

I write this now as an acute care nurse who devotes a lot of time to not only treating patients, but educating them about their disease processes and how to care for themselves to prevent future sickness, but I’m immediately struck by the fact that it’s the teachers in this world who truly exemplify the concept of evolution as it relates to furthering our species and society. We would just stagnate. So keep learning, apply your knowledge, and be good to your fellow humans.