Life...fame...obscurity...stardom...commonalty...law-abiding...rule-breaking...all-inspiring...nonentity...Death.

I think aloud: At the end of the day none of it matters. Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.

A friend: I guess its all about the legacy you leave behind...

:How does it really matter? You are dead and gone, irrespective of what people say about you.

:People can make an impact with their lives for the betterment of humanity, several names are still recalled today for their great works.

:Again how does it really matter? This people don't know that they are being remembered, they would never again walk this earth. Sure, we still recall their names for generations, but what does that mean? They are just as dead as the sorry souls whose lives no one has ever acknowledged.

:What is the purpose to life then? Arrive, do your time and depart?

:The point isn't that you shouldn't try and make the world a better place. The point is, at the end of it all, none of it really matters. You come with nothing, you leave with nothing. Why then, does life have to have a purpose?

:It is rather selfish to just live life for yourself.

Arguments are a pointless, waste of time (redundant, I know, but it flows). An endless back and forth where nothing is learned. I wrap up the conversation as discussion turns to argument. However, I'm left thinking: What is wrong with being selfish, is there really a selfless deed, anyway? Isn't it rather self-indulgent to think that your life must be important to someone else.

Contrary to what my friend may have thought, I am not proposing a way of life where everyone cares only for themselves. Your "meaning of life" is between you and your God. I was simply making an observation. Like millions of others, I grew up on Michael Jackson. Love his music, admire his talent, respect the inspiration that he is. I'm quite sure there are several others who feel the same. However, right now, at this very moment, what difference does all this make to MJ? It really doesn't matter how you live your life, does it? The race to be the best, the frenzied amassing of wealth, the unending pressure to please one and all, or fulfilling your inner desires. You will wind up dead one day. Surely, life goes on but it is a life to which you are forever immune. Regret or satisfaction is for the living. People are comforted by retelling your good deeds or silently rejoice that your evil is no more. Or maybe no one cares one way or the other. Six feet under, how does it matter?