I agree, with the reservation that pleasure/contentment/joy can also be
something that is gained 'on a higher level' whilst doing something you
don't specifically like (in helping out someone else for instance).
 >My question to the group is this - has anyone else come up with something 
 >different? I've searched a bit, analyzing all kinds of ethical philosophies 
 >and religions, and nothing else strkes me as a compelling answer to the
"why" 
 >question. Yes, it's all wonderfully pointless, amoral and devoid of higher 
 >purpose, this conscious life we have been given, but at least we can
enjoy the 
 >ride.
And a good thing too, I dread the day that someone figures out 'the meaning
of life'. 'Cause next thing you know it'll turn out that some things I
enjoy doing most are not in accordance with some 'greater purpose'. One
cannot go against the will of God so I'm happy he is either non-existent or
not showing himself.
(and _of course_ I will give disobedience my best shot if he ever does show
up without some very good answers for certain things ;-)
Happily agnostic (sort of),
Arjen
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
     Arjen Kamphuis  | "Here Be Dragons", read the ancient maps
mountain@knoware.nl  |  in all the white spots that seemed large
			enough to hold the fabled creatures.
			let's go dragon hunting.
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