Ansen Cheng ENG-193-02 FYS: The Search for Meaning Formal Paper 1 February 28, 2024 The quest to search for the meaning of life has been a perennial philosophical phenomenon that has intrigued humanity since the start of time. We have all undergone a deep, personal and introspective journey to understand our existence, purpose, and significance in the universe. How we come to these results is our society, culture, and environment, as these produce our core beliefs, and subsequently, our definition of the meaning of life. Many individuals, particularly those of Christian and Catholic faiths, find religion to be a crucial guide in their pursuit of life's meaning. The Bible has proven to be a powerful tool in guiding life's purpose, offering varying …show more content…
It comes from a place deep down in our hearts that we must find in deep reflection. The Book of Job also addresses the idea of wisdom, especially in the context of the arguments between Job and his companions. Job disputes this idea, maintaining his innocence in the face of hardships, while his associates stand in for conventional wisdom, claiming that suffering is a punishment for sin. Job’s profound encounter with God as a result of his persistent questioning and struggle with God's justice, due to his humble acknowledgment of God's unfathomable wisdom. The Book of Job emphasizes the transcendence of human comprehension of divine wisdom, highlighting the significance of humility and faith in God's sovereignty, even in the face of unfathomable pain. Ecclesiastes indirectly tackles suffering as an unsolvable dilemma that is inevitable for all humanity. Still, the message encourages readers to find contentment in life’s fleeting moments, as both joy and sorrow are …show more content…
In Chinese culture, the concept of yin and yang is that opposing forces are interconnected and dependent on one another to create harmony in a person and in the universe. This is evident in both works, as Ecclesiastes and Job experience the good and bad that comes with the human experience. In the Book of Job, Job has immense wealth, a healthy family life, and good morals. Nonetheless, he receives unimaginable suffering in the blink of the eye, through the death of his children, grave illness, and loss of his affluence. Job only had happiness and comfort in his life, so he was destined to be confronted with suffering. Similarly, in Ecclesiastes, the Teacher talks of his experiences being the King of Israel, having wealth, power, and entertainment at the palm of his hands, but faces mourning and sadness in his life. But unlike Ecclesiastes, the Book of Job confronts suffering directly, as the anguish of Job sparks theological debates with his friends over evil. Bildad doesn’t believe in the fault of God and indirectly blames Job with his statement, “Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?” (Job