What do I exist for?

What do I exist for?

A Journey of Young

Minds Seeking Meaning

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Francesco Di Santi

2024

Copyright © 2024 Francesco Di Santi

All Rights Reserved.

ISBN: 978-65-01-27910-7

About the Author

Francesco Di Santi is a contemporary thinker who transcends cultural and intellectual boundaries. With a background rooted in Ethical and Moral philosophy, he stands out for his remarkable ability to capture the complexity of the human condition through his literary works. Having grown up in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Latin America, Di Santi infuses his writings with a rich and diverse perspective, reflecting the dynamism of the cosmopolitan cities he calls home, such as São Paulo.

His career is marked by an unrelenting quest for knowledge and understanding, driven by an insatiable curiosity that leads him to explore new horizons of thought. This curiosity is balanced by a deep empathy, allowing him to connect with the core of human emotions, creating characters and narratives that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth. Di Santi is an expert in the art of weaving mystery and suspense, crafting intricate plots that keep his readers captivated, challenging them to question their own perceptions.

Through his writing, he not only entertains but also provokes deep reflections, encouraging dialogue about the dilemmas and existential questions that pervade modern life. With a style that combines emotional narrative, mystery, and immersive fantasy, Francesco Di Santi continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of literature, creating rich and detailed worlds that invite his readers on a journey of discovery and introspection.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the young people who, amidst life's uncertainties and challenges, seek to find their inner compass. May each page be a source of inspiration and courage, guiding them in the discovery of their purposes and passions. You are the navigators of your own destinies, and this book is an invitation to explore, question, and embrace the vast ocean of possibilities the world offers.

May you never lose the curiosity and determination to follow your dreams, even when the path seems unclear. Remember that true wisdom lies in learning from every experience and listening to the voice of the heart. This book is for you, who have the courage to search, the courage to make mistakes, and the courage to start anew.

The Author

Summary

About the Author

Dedication

Introduction

The Challenge

The Awakening of Curiosity

Seeking Simple Answers

Conflicts and Confusions

Exploring Paths

Friendships and Discoveries

Seeking External Wisdom

The Digital World and Existence

Facing Adversities

Moments of Crisis and Doubted

Revelation of the Other

The Inner Mirror

Breaking Paradigms

Synthesizing Ideas

The Value of the Journey

New Horizons

Reflections, Readings, and  Information

Author's Final Note

Introduction

This book does not aim to offer definitive answers, but rather to explore the fascinating process of reflection that each of us faces throughout life. Instead of delivering absolute truths, we seek to understand how the questions we ask can guide us in our personal journeys of discovery and growth.

I chose to focus on the question "What do I exist for? instead of Why do I exist?" for a significant reason. While the latter directs us towards biological and scientific explanations about the origin of life, such as evolution and the mechanisms that brought us here, the former invites us to a deeper reflection on purpose and meaning.

In addressing "What do I exist for?", I explore two fundamental dimensions. The first is the utilitarian aspect, reflecting on how our actions and choices can contribute to society and those around us. This is an invitation to consider how we can be useful, how our skills and talents can be practically applied to improve the world.

The second dimension is more ethical, where I seek to broaden the moral scope of our existence. Here, the challenge is to think about the common good with a universal bias, reflecting on how our lives can positively impact as many people as possible. It's about finding ways to live that not only satisfy our personal needs but also contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

This book is an invitation for you, young reader, to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. May each page inspire curiosity and courage to explore the vast possibilities that life offers. May you find your own path, guided by your questions,

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and may these reflections not only illuminate your path but also inspire those around you.

Remember, the true magic of life lies in the search, in the willingness to learn and grow with each experience. May this book be a faithful companion on your journey, encouraging you to question, to dream, and to share your discoveries with the world.

With affection,

Francesco Di Santi

The Challenge

The bell resonated through the extensive corridors of the Integrated New Paths School, announcing the start of another academic year. The atmosphere was laden with expectation, a mix of anxiety and hope that hovered like a gentle mist over the students. In the central courtyard, the old tree, a silent witness to generations, seemed to whisper ancient secrets to the newcomers, its leaves rustling in the morning breeze.

This school was not a mere educational institution. Built with glass and steel walls, the building spiraled towards the sky, symbolizing the endless ascent of knowledge and commitment to the future. The contrast between the modern architecture and the lush gardens surrounding it created an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city of New Horizon.

As the senior high school students made their way to room 3B, amidst familiar smiles and curious glances, Sophie, with her iconic thick-framed glasses, was the first to arrive. She carried her usual stack of books against her chest, her eyes reflecting an insatiable curiosity for the year ahead. Right behind her, Luke entered with a confident stride, his athletic presence projecting a contrast to the look of boredom he tried to conceal. He greeted a few classmates with enthusiastic high-fives before settling at the back of the room.

Jasmine, with her vibrantly colored hair and artistic attire, approached a window, losing herself in the view of the horizon stretching beyond the school's limits. Gabe entered distractedly, his eyes fixed on the tablet screen, almost tripping over his own haste. He sat in a corner, absorbed in his digital world.

Julia, always the center of attention, entered with a smile, gracefully waving to everyone as if she were walking down a runway. After a few strategic pauses for quick conversations, she chose a central spot in the room that allowed her to observe and be observed. Matthew was the last to enter, discreetly opting for a seat near the door. His eyes, marked by a sleepless night, nonetheless held a silent determination.

The buzz of youthful voices filled the room, blending speculations about the new and final year, holiday stories, and future plans. It was then that the door opened again, and Professor Charles Nash entered the room. His tall and slender figure, marked by gray hair and lively eyes behind thin-rimmed glasses, exuded an aura of wisdom and mystery.

Good morning, class, he began, his serene voice cutting through the air and silencing the conversations. Before we discuss the year's schedule, I want to present a challenge.

The professor paused deliberately, allowing the tension to build, until he finally revealed: This year, your mission is to answer the following question: What do I exist for?

The room plunged into deep silence, each student processing the magnitude of the proposed task. Sophie, always eager for knowledge, flipped through her notes frantically, while Luke let out a nervous laugh, quickly stifled by disapproving looks.

You will have the entire year to seek your answers, continued Professor Nash, an enigmatic smile on his lips. There are no right or wrong answers, only the journey.

The students exchanged glances, some intrigued, others apprehensive. Jasmine, always the dreamer, hesitantly raised her hand: But, professor, where do we start?

The starting point is yourself, Jasmine, he replied, his eyes shining with an almost palpable mystery. Live, ask, seek. At the end of the year, share your discovery.

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The bell rang again, signaling the end of the class. However, one student remained seated, absorbed in thought. As he left the room, he found refuge at the foot of the old tree in the courtyard, where the wind whispered through the leaves, encouraging an intimate dialogue with his own doubts and dreams. There, away from the gaze of his peers, he realized the true magnitude of the challenge: a journey in search of meaning that would transcend the school year.

As the students departed, silenced by the introspection incited by the challenge, Professor Nash watched them leave with quiet satisfaction. He knew he had planted a seed of restlessness and curiosity, a flame that could shine in unexpected ways within each of them.

In the ensuing silence, as the last student left the room, Nash murmured to himself: "And so, once again, the journey begins.

The Awakening of Curiosity

The sun had not yet reached its peak when Sophie left home, her heart beating with a rapid rhythm of expectation. For her, the first day of school always brought the promise of new beginnings, and the challenge set by Professor Nash only heightened that feeling. As she walked to school, she found herself reflecting on the question: What do I exist for? Her mind was already buzzing with possibilities, ideas, and literary references.

Upon arriving at school, she found Luke leaning against the entrance, a basketball spinning skillfully on his fingertip. Eager to discover the meaning of life, Sophie? he teased, smiling with that air of someone who doesn't take anything too seriously.

More than you imagine, Luke, Sophie replied, adjusting her glasses. And you? Ready to philosophize?

Let's see if this philosophy stuff can compete with the court, he retorted, winking.

Inside the classroom, Jasmine was already in her seat, sketching in her notebook. Colors and shapes flowed from her pen as if they had a life of their own. For her, art had always been a form of expression, and now, it also seemed to be a path to explore the question that had been on her mind since philosophy class.

Gabe entered shortly after, adjusting his headphones. He sat in his usual spot by the window and began typing furiously on his laptop. What do I exist for? he pondered, as he searched for articles and videos that might offer some clues. For Gabe, the answer had to