Woody Allen talks about the meaning of life, or lack thereof

Thanks to Jen for sharing this Woody Allen video in a comment. Allen says that artists, and I guess we're all artists of life, have to provide reasons for living in a universe that doesn't possess inherent meaning.

Meaning is provided by us humans, not by the cosmos. Allen also observes at the end of the video that everybody needs illusions to get us through the harsh realities of life. I agree. But our goal should be to embrace the wisest sorts of illusions.

(Defining "wise" in this context is what keeps this blog going, along with almost everything else in life -- philosophy, politics, hobbies, relationships, etc. etc. etc.)

 

Comments

[Osho Robbins]

at 2 min 40 secs into the video Woody Allen cleared up what the cosmologists failed to do.
""Eventually the entire universe goes, disappears, and nothing is left at all" - Woody Allen
So there we have it - the universe DOES end. I knew it!
And I now have the authority of woody Allen to back me up.

[Spence Tepper]

Here is another example where my love for Woody Allen and his classic nihlism is forever tainted by his pedophilia, in a similar way as with Charlie Chaplain.

As film maker Chaplain was heroic, and a genius. Who warned us with biting humor about Adolph Hitler. Just as Woody Allen captured the human condition with pathos and humor. He has raised the standard so very high and remade Hollywood film making far more than George Lucas, also a Titan.

But these personal weaknesses that harm others make it very difficult for me to watch another Allen film.

Still, I remember showing Sleeper to my son and both of us howling until it hurt our sides. So I guess I have to thank Woody for that, and all the others.

[Jen]

Spence, yes, pedophilia is very disturbing and I was a bit concerned about posting the video about Woody but then I thought about the way life was like back then. We are all flawed human beings and many people preach about love and forgiveness, which isn't very easy sometimes but we have to try.

Elvis is another example and people just turned a blind eye because they loved him so much...

"During Elvis Presley's Army career, he met Priscilla, on September 13, 1959, during a party at his home in Bad Nauheim, Germany. Though only 14 years old, she made a huge impression on him.
...
After Elvis's return to the US, she managed to stay in touch with him by phone, though they would not see each other again until the summer of 1962, when Priscilla's parents agreed to let her visit for two weeks.
...
Shortly before Christmas 1966, Elvis proposed to Priscilla. Accounts suggest that Priscilla threatened to take her story to the press if Elvis refused to marry her, and that her father threatened to have Elvis charged under the Mann Act; "taking a minor across state lines for sexual purposes"."
...

I'm not making excuses for Woody's behaviour, just trying to see the best in others which makes life easier. Its a big test...

[Spence Tepper]

Hi Jen
I love Woody Allen.
My rule is not that anyone must be perfect.
We've all got some history.
But I want to allow the victims to have voice. I don't want to dismiss someone being violated simply because the perpetrator is strong, brilliant, funny, beautiful or rich. That's how high school all stars and well loved priests have been getting away with rape and murder for more than decades.

And hearing the victim's pain, seeing their scars, I'm reluctant to lend any support to the perpetrator, at least until some public amends has been made to the victim's satisfaction. This has happened with Prescilla, but I'm not sure about the victims of Bobby Brown, Miles, Woody, or Charlie.

[Jen]

Hi Spence,

I've been thinking about what Osho said about Gurinder's advice is to "relax and let go". I loved that, because letting go has been my mantra for some time now. The mind loves duality and clings to some idea or other, especially with what is right and what is wrong, what is evil and what is good etc.

I see in you that you want to put the world right and that seems to be your mission in life and thats okay. To each their own. I also get hooked by what seems so unjust and nasty and then I do my little mantra of letting go. Me being upset about whats happening in the world is not going to help anyone.

Almost a Buddha quote: “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

Cheers,
Jen

[Spence Tepper]

Hi Jen
I'm sure I can't make the world any different than it is, or even want to.
I just don't think it's right to tacitly support something that isn't right. That's why I'm a vegetarian.
All I can do is say "I think that 's not right".
I feel very right about doing that much at least.
I like letting go, too, right after I've done what I believe is my duty, however small.

[Jen]

Hi Spence,

Each of us can affect others around us, even if we don't try or want to. Just reading Brian's blog over the years and hearing what he has to say, also just reading other peoples comments, has had a huge effect on me and I'm very grateful.

I started off as a satsangi defending my viewpoint and slowly changed those views and am still reviewing and watching myself, being the observer, which works for me. I'm fascinated with youtube and how it knows my algorithm so I deliberately search for different topics so that the recommendations are not always along the same mindset. Change is good imo.

Anyway, enough of me, enjoy your path Spence, its an ongoing process :)

[spence tepper]

hi Jen!

Yes, I really resonate with what you are saying. The mileau here at Church of the Churchless, is transformative, if painful.

[Joe W]

Shut the Hell up:Woody is not a pedophile.