In ancient Rome Epicureans and Hedonists abounded. Both channeled their energy into the same purpose, though they used different methods to attain it; pleasure as the purpose of life. In this sense, they both seemed to be the source from which all things beatnik have flowed. If Jack Kerouac is to be believed all we need to do is to burn as brightly and as fiercely as we can for a single prolonged moment before being snuffed out eternally and irredeemably. In Kerouac’s case that meant a painful end as a result of an obscene amount of alcohol. It is in essence a fairly hopeless and horrific existence.
Those of us who live in the 21st century find that we are not very far removed from the Romans. In many ways, the mob still rules, truth as an absolute does not exist, and pursuing pleasure as the sole purpose in life is impossibly waking. And yet there has not been a generation that has been quicker to commit suicide, more plagued with depression and anxiety, or more trigger happy on a whim.
For all our postmodern trappings we are a generation that is unhappy, conflicted, dissatisfied, and violent. But in a world that is inundated with so many opposing worldviews, there is one that offers hope and redemption. There is one that offers purpose beyond pleasure and the opportunity to burn brightly with meaning and hope.
