The Lesson of Life The Sumerians were no more pessimistic about their lives and their gods than contemporary humanity. The environment was different, the known and unknowns vastly more vague, but the Sumerians struggled with same internal woes that we do now. What is our place in this vast expanse of time? What purpose do we serve or are suppose to serve? Is there a creator? Are there multiple creators that convene together to decide all of humanities fate? Why do terrible tragedies occur? Is greatness only for a mere few out of the billions of inhabitants of this planet? The questions could go on for all of eternity. At some point in life everyone struggles with these internal woes. The Epic of Gilgamesh goes in creative detail addressing
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He has searched relentlessly for immortality only to learn that he cannot escape death. However, that fleck of wisdom is not readily accepted. “Utnapishtim said, ‘As for you Gilgamesh, who will assemble the gods for your sake so that you may find that life for which you are searching? But if you wish, come and put it to test. Only prevail against sleep for six days and seven nights.’ But while Gilgamesh sat there resting on his haunches, a mist of sleep like soft wool teased from fleece drifted over him.” (Anon., pg.114) When Gilgamesh awakens after days of sleep, he is disappointed to learn he has failed to obtain immortality. “Utnapishtim said, ‘There is no permanence. Do we build a house to stand for ever; do we seal a contract to hold for all time? DO brothers divide an inheritance to keep forever? Does the flood-time of rivers endure? It is only the nymph of the dragon-fly who sheds her larva and sees the sun in his glory. From the days of old there is no permanence.” (Anon., pg. 106-107) Utnapishtim’s proverbial lesson about the flood teaches Gilgamesh how foolish his quest is to escape death. After all of Gilgamesh’s trials and tribulations, he finally reaches the ultimate lesson of understanding about life’s journey. Death is inevitable. No matter what your positions is in life, rich or poor, king or peasant, it will happen to all of mankind. However, if our focus is solely …show more content…
It discusses the many facets of life and the ups and downs that accompany it on one’s own journey. As life advances with time, we are offered many lessons. Sometimes we can become caught up in our emotions and be blinded by the true meaning of things. However, if we fail to seek the understanding of these lessons, we will hinder our wisdom and miss all that life can offer us. Pessimism and optimism are unavoidable perspectives that everyone will assume at some point in life. Pessimism about the plights of life’s journey can jade us and halt our true purpose. Optimism can be naïve, but ultimately will lead us back to meaning. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of both perspectives. If we focus on the negative aspects in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the story can be perceived as one of pessimism. However, if we find the lessons of hope and understanding, as Gilgamesh ultimately does, than it becomes one of optimism. We must all grapple with life’s existential woes, but how we evolve with it is wholly
He has searched relentlessly for immortality only to learn that he cannot escape death. However, that fleck of wisdom is not readily accepted. “Utnapishtim said, ‘As for you Gilgamesh, who will assemble the gods for your sake so that you may find that life for which you are searching? But if you wish, come and put it to test. Only prevail against sleep for six days and seven nights.’ But while Gilgamesh sat there resting on his haunches, a mist of sleep like soft wool teased from fleece drifted over him.” (Anon., pg.114) When Gilgamesh awakens after days of sleep, he is disappointed to learn he has failed to obtain immortality. “Utnapishtim said, ‘There is no permanence. Do we build a house to stand for ever; do we seal a contract to hold for all time? DO brothers divide an inheritance to keep forever? Does the flood-time of rivers endure? It is only the nymph of the dragon-fly who sheds her larva and sees the sun in his glory. From the days of old there is no permanence.” (Anon., pg. 106-107) Utnapishtim’s proverbial lesson about the flood teaches Gilgamesh how foolish his quest is to escape death. After all of Gilgamesh’s trials and tribulations, he finally reaches the ultimate lesson of understanding about life’s journey. Death is inevitable. No matter what your positions is in life, rich or poor, king or peasant, it will happen to all of mankind. However, if our focus is solely …show more content…
It discusses the many facets of life and the ups and downs that accompany it on one’s own journey. As life advances with time, we are offered many lessons. Sometimes we can become caught up in our emotions and be blinded by the true meaning of things. However, if we fail to seek the understanding of these lessons, we will hinder our wisdom and miss all that life can offer us. Pessimism and optimism are unavoidable perspectives that everyone will assume at some point in life. Pessimism about the plights of life’s journey can jade us and halt our true purpose. Optimism can be naïve, but ultimately will lead us back to meaning. The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of both perspectives. If we focus on the negative aspects in the Epic of Gilgamesh, the story can be perceived as one of pessimism. However, if we find the lessons of hope and understanding, as Gilgamesh ultimately does, than it becomes one of optimism. We must all grapple with life’s existential woes, but how we evolve with it is wholly