The enlightenment and the modern “godless” world that it created, promised purpose in form of a romantic’s idea of the world. A world of adventure and maidens and such. Also, a promise of romantic love that would give life its meaning.
So life’s meaning can be found, in the biological imperatives of finding a partner and getting offsprings.( Many would put a counter point that actually Romantic conceptualization of meaning and purpose of life, was to seek it in passions which we feel in our hearts, for our work, for our hobbies etc.. but the again what I explain below, on the hollowness of calim of finding purpose and meaning in romantic love for your partner, could also hold perfectly well for those other kinds of “passionate persuit” too)
But that was, indeed, a false ideal. Generations which went through their lives thinking of this as the sole and the supreme purpose of existence, did not find any everlasting source of happiness in it. And moreover, those lucky few who actually did, had nothing substantial to contribute back to the cultural mainstream. Think of how hollow a movie is, like Goodwill Hunting.. and how sad and pathetic is the life of a romantic character such as that of Robin William’s, in his movies where this idea which I am trying to lay out here, is exaggerated a millionfold and presented to the audience as a replacement for the nihilism they might feel in their lives as a consequence of “death” of religion and decrease of the role culture and traditions plays in their lives.
Alongside this romantic idea of human existence, also grew strong another movement. And that was of those of the racists and eugenicists. Afterall, if reproduction is the sole purpose of existence, why not try to think up ways to “breed” the best race of men. The eugenic movement though, is not a new phenomenon but a very old one. But where in past, it manifested itself withing the structure of traditions and religion, in form of familial groupings.., in the modern world, it has taken an industrial scale and a “scientific” and sinister turn. Even as you read this, gene alteration therapy is being reasearched at breakneck speeds to , again as said earlier, “breed” the best generation of men.
On racist corners of internet, places such as 4chan and 8chan etc, from where neo Nazis are born, a very commonly used word is “Mutt” , a person who is a mixed “breed” between a supposed “higher race” and a “lower one”.(for reference, Google amerimutt.)
Then you would have to ask yourself. What could replace this romanticized idea of human existence. If reproducing itself, which is the most biologically intuitive thing to do, cannot be the refuge we need to fill the purpose size holes in our hearts, then what could it be ? Does anyone know .. afterall ?
The Existential Routine 