The escape from a false sense of meaning you speak of is indeed a hard one to conquer. Especially if your experience is that there is no stronger motive to replace that, just the craving of finding one. I’ve been through a similar process, only my motivation has been what you already described: I’m lucky enough to not have to struggle unreasonably for my health, nutrition, sanitation, education and equality, while billions of people have not been as lucky. Personally I strongly believe that what an individual does can make an immense difference for those in need of help.

This is my silver bullet.

In order to establish point of view and clarity, the Bible, the Qur’an, the Mahābhārata or other spiritual guidelines can in some circumstances be of help, as can meditation, abandoning all earthly possessions and becoming a hermit. Strong emphasis on can here: thoughts are an essential first step, but even the good ones matter little if they do not lead to action.

I’ve been reading a book on productivity called Getting Things Done by David Allen. First, Allen guides us to gather everything we feel we need to do on a single system, or to-do list if you will. Everything. From work tasks to “it would be nice” sort of stuff. Each of these items should then be analyzed as to what would be the Next Action they require in order to be closer to be regarded as “completed”. Now, gathering this list could take a while, perhaps two full days, but I can assure you it’s worth the effort and pays back in clarity and peace of mind.

Second, once this is done, Allen urges us to “gain height” and look at our lives from afar. What are our major goals? What do we really want to acheive in our lives? What makes a difference? Once you start fathoming your Life Goals, it becomes increasingly easier to see which of them each of your short-term tasks promote. Also, it becomes increasingly easier to decide whether the tasks should be done at all – as well as it becomes clearer to fathom meaningful tasks that promote your Life Goals.

This is how I found my silver bullet.

I found your post very fascinating and it hit on a point that I think a lot of internet generation youngster’s face today. I’ve also had times where I refresh a news site continually for no real reason. I mean it’s not like I really care what I’ll read if there is a new post or something, but it’s just more of a symptom of an overly-amused life with no real direction. Sort of like the movie “The Matrix” we are on a search for meaning and I suppose think that MMOs or the net can provide that, or at least let us forget about that nagging question of meaning for a little while.

I’ve never played a MMO game seriously but I totally understand their appeal. But like you, I don’t want MMO’s or any other game to be my answer to my lack of direction.

There is really so much more beneficial things in life than MMO’s or any other entertainment form. The problem is I suppose we are brought up in this sort of media culture that encourages us to seek entertainment above all else. Most young adults do the 9-5 job and come home to MMOs, TV, movies, or whatnot.

However, I personally have found the only thing that brings real meaning for me is my relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ, since I’m a Christian. Obviously, that’s controversial, but I think many people in our society today feel as you’ve said because so many people look to themselves and to media to find enjoyment, but they find that this inward focus only leads to a dissatisfaction that is hard to describe but nonetheless very real.

Even though I’m a Christian I have had times in my life where I feel very similar to your post, with the general unsatisfied feeling. I suppose the reason we feel so empty is because ultimately things like WotLK are vanity, they don’t last and have no real value, yet they are so alluring. I know for me I find my ultimate purpose by knowing the Creator of the Universe through His Bible, but for others who don’t turn to Jesus, I really have no answer for them. I’ve had many friends in high school and college who expressed similar views as your post has, but no answer could be found no matter all the things they turned to.

So for me, my answer is to turn to the God of the Bible, and find eternal meaning in His promises. I just want to encourage you that a definite answer can be found. I humbly thank you for your time, and I do hope you find a meaningful life purpose. Anyway, thanks again for your music. In much thankfulness and sincerity, Brumbek.