Good Example Of Foundation Ethics- Discussion Board Essay

In the present paper, we are to discuss the significance and essence of Gildamesh epic and the way it addresses questions of the meaning of life. Before we directly proceed to the questions, however, we think it to be necessary to provide some background information. Gildamish is the oldest surviving epic – and as this it is an important historic document. Furthermore, the epic is deeply philosophical. According to the book, life is more than death for Gildamesh, life is of the utmost value. This simple answer contains all the experiences the person came to evidence and lived through. He encountered utmost joy and sorrow in life and all of that eventfully formed the basics of his unique experience. The worshipped by his subjects king has to go through many a life trial, face many a danger, pray many a god. This experience is essential for the king as he appreciates the given choices. He starts understanding what an ambition is and starts connecting life with it. Life, thus, is not for its own sake, but is for the sake of achieving something and that something is the struggle for life and friendship.
Wisdom is the central and we can say the pivotal concept of the ancient epic of Gildamesh. It is through the prism of wisdom, meaning of life is approached. Partnered with Enkundi as a friend, Gildamesh searches for the answers on the most crucial questions of his existence. Who he can apply to, apart from his friend? The epic praises venerable attitude to elders for it is to them that Gildamesh looks up to. Thus, the second meaning of life can be stated as respect for life which is incarnated in respect to people who have lived up to old age and who can share their wisdom with the younger generation. Life’s meaning, thus, can be perceived as constant, never-ending accumulation of wisdom, and wisdom in the long run flowers into life. Wisdom, and struggle for life become inseparable within the context of the poem: it is through wisdom that Gildamesh survives and goes on appreciating life. Moreover, after losing his best friend to death, Gildamesh realizes that he may have weaknesses and can be conquered like other humans because he is helpless when his death approaches. Unable to revive his youthfulness, the king surrenders to the future.