My search for a deeper meaning came about during my last semester of college. As I became engaged in intellectual endeavors by familiarizing myself with more highbrow films, I discovered Bill Murray’s 1984 adaptation of W. Summerset Maugham’s "Razor’s Edge." I was excited to watch the film because I found out that Bill Murray agreed to be in "Ghostbusters" only so he could adapt "The Razor’s Edge." However mediocre the movie actually was, one scene in particular gave me a new perspective on life’s meaning.
“If work has no intention, it's not work at all. It's an empty motion.”
These profound words came from a spiritual man named Raaz, as he was conversing with Larry, played by Bill Murray. Raaz, as he was washing dishes, asked Larry about his intention for coming to India. Larry said to make money. Raaz told Larry that making money is the reason, and not the intention. This distinction became very important in my life.
Around the same time I saw "The Razor’s Edge," I came upon "Be Here Now" by Ram Dass, who also talks about finding intention in everything, even the most mundane of tasks. I felt as if the universe was communicating with me at this moment, telling me I had to pursue my own journey to find intention in my work and as a college student.
I began to take time with every single seemingly mundane task. I no longer viewed school as a means to attain monetary gains, but to build up my intellect so that I can get the most out of my adult life. When I imagined myself as Raaz as I was washing dishes or taking out the trash, I began to contemplate my existence. I felt myself complain less and less over time. When I complained more about the things that I had to do, I felt my self-confidence dwindle alongside my purpose in life. When I found intention in lieu of complaining, the pieces of my life began coming together.
Finding intention in my life proved to be somewhat difficult to me. Intention is a difficult thing to achieve if you are consumed with the pragmatic life. It seems as though many of us are set on zombie autopilot throughout the day, never having the chance to ask important questions because we are too concerned with what we need to get accomplished. However, more often than not, many of the tasks of the modern worker won't ever even scratch the surface in attempting to find true intention.
I found out what I benefited from most in my college career was going to concerts, museums, musicals, plays and other performances. I used to always make excuses not to go to performances because I told myself I was too busy. I think many of us say that we are too busy to take time to see a production because we either think that shows are pointless, since there are no monetary gain for the individual in the audience, or we don’t want to have to face the reality of the human condition.
Seeing beautiful works of art is a breath of fresh air when our daily lives are filled with scrolling through data about politics, societal turmoil or whatever havoc is being caused. Art allows us to see beyond the pragmatic facades of our daily lives, and the seemingly meaningless existence of human life when the news is plastered with the senseless deaths occurring all over the world. An appreciation of the arts allows us to see the beauty that is ever so hidden in plain sight, yet always here and always present. I am reminded of a quote by Albert Camus from "The Myth of Sisyphus" that I tend to use as a mantra throughout my day: “Explanation is useless, but the sensation remains and, with it, the constant attractions of a universe inexhaustible in quantity.”
If I were to give one piece of advice to college students, it would be to take time for yourself. Don't allow yourself to make excuses to not see live performances. There is nothing quite like a social gathering where people come together to appreciate the beauty of life. Basking yourself in the arts is ever so pertinent in finding intention.
