The holidays are a perfect time to realize you are surrounded by friends, family and people who love and appreciate your existence. That is why I will reciprocate their appreciation by telling them the true meaning of life: we are nothing and will all die soon.

I know what you’re thinking: “What the hell is wrong with this guy?” But listen! This is the truth! None of your Jesus and God sentimentality can save you from facing an eternity of pain, suffering, torture and death. Instead of living a lie which will only deceive you throughout your existence, you might as well accept the truth.

You might also be wondering how I found this unalterable fact: I am a college student. These are necessary truths learned throughout my studies and truths which I carry with me every day I live. Every morning I wake up and say, “What will I do today that will bring me closer to death? Perhaps be rejected by the girl I like, or maybe fail that test I didn’t study for.” More likely, however, I will confront the pain of my finite flesh and bone by reading some Bukowski and Nietzsche.

I recommend a good dose of these authors to help deal with the fact that the world sucks and will never get any better. While I was scrolling through the Internet one day, I found this amazing quote from Nietzsche that changed my perspective forever: “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”

Whoa! This genius obviously knew how stupid this world is. I never felt so emotionally connected to any other words in my life! This is knowledge and

literature at its finest! Similarly, I found this Bukowski quote: “You have to die a few times before you can actually live.” Again, I never found anything more inspiring.

Most people live mundane and stupid lives, but these men have set me free! Life is bearable again after realizing death will come soon. There is no meaning—never has been, never will be. Accept it. I know I might be only 21, but all of this is true! Join me in my freeing understanding of life.