Neil deGrasse Tyson has been an admirable surrogate for Carl Sagan. Few people can translate scientific jargon in a way that’s both interesting and meaningful to the layperson. Tyson, like Sagan, has that gift, and many times he’s taken the late astrophysicist’s torch to bring us all over space and time. On both Cosmos and StarTalk Radio, Tyson has shared the intrigue of the cosmos with all who have cared to come along for the ride.

In his latest life lesson, Tyson digs deep and tackles the meaning of life itself. “I have a different take on ‘what is the meaning of life.’” Of course he does! After acknowledging religion and various “searches” as routes to the meaning of life, he explains his own thoughts on the issue.

“For me, the meaning of life is not something you look for as though it’s behind a tree or under a rock. I don’t think it’s what you look for, waiting to be found by you. Maybe it is and maybe you did find it, fine. For me, the meaning of life is what you create. You use your love, your compassion, your intelligence and you create meaning in life.”

Tyson then mentions learning, celebrations, and rituals as common methods of bringing meaning to humans’ lives. He concludes with an altruism, once again channeling the cosmic profundities of Mr. Sagan. “For me, meaning is an eternal act of what can enrich your life, but perhaps even better, ways that you can enrich the lives of others, and then it brings meaning to both of you.” What a guy.

What’s the meaning of life to you? Let us know in the comments.

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HT: Tech Insider

IMAGE: Tech Insider

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