[Claire]

The conversations I have and how meaningful they are, such as topics on the meaning of life, rather than useless discussions, usually depend on my collection of information or knowledge of that day. If I stumble upon a piece of media or article I have to think deeply about, I will most likely bring it up in a conversation. Whoever I’m initiating a thoughtful discussion with usually will ponder on that topic and ask me questions as well. Although some days I am not in the right mind to bring up serious topics, if someone asks me an intellectual question I have to really think about, I will put in effort to develop an answer to the topic. I find that meaningful discussions help me evolve my thoughts and knowledge, so I will never be opposed to starting one.

[Samuel]

Me personally, you would almost never see me initiate a conversation, let alone one about truth, beauty, and the meaning of life. Although, if somebody comes up to me and says something, then I’ll start talking back. I would for sure participate in the conversation and not hold back anything, as long as I don’t get approached on some weird stuff. I’m not opposed to participating in a deep conversation about truth, beauty, and the meaning of life because it is very important. I would say I’m prepared to have that conversation at any point, but I wouldn’t be the one to initiate.

[Olivia]

When talking about truth,beauty, and the meaning of life I am not usually the person to initiate conversation nor do I find myself talking about these topics often. I am not opposed to talking about these topics and if they are brought up I would probably engage in the conversation. I am a lighthearted person so that is probably why I don’t talk about those topics much, but I would give my opinion and take it seriously if it were to be brought up. A big part of why I feel like these topics don’t get talked about much is because it is a deep topic and most people going about their day to day lives don’t have deep conversations such as those with people, especially people they are not close to. I think this roots from a fear of being judged or awkwardness. I would say to have these conversations the best thing you can do is be open minded and serious.

[Alexander]

In all honesty I find no purpose in breaking any “ice” nor initiating any conversations regarding the truth, beauty, and meaning of life. All of that can be answered by itself simply by observing the people you surround yourself with. Even so, I find myself to be at the receiving end of that question countless of time around my peers. Although I never ask the question in the first place, I’ll make a point to add onto the existing conversation or simply reaffirm any thoughts the people around me have brought up.

[Dane]

I agree with this and I feel the same way.

[sherly]

when it comes to talking about truth, beauty, and the meaning of life, I’m not the one to start the conversation. Still the conversation started by one of my friends and that’s when I start to think and I respond or share my opinion about the topic that is being talked about depending on weather i’m interested in the topic or not. But most of the time when my friends bring up interesting topics, I give my opinion, but i’m the person that is always looking at the spiritual side of things. And so when I share my opinion spiritually, that’s when things get more interesting because that’s when we start to have different opinions.

[Anderson]

I involve myself with conversations about “truth, beauty, and the meaning of life” with a variety of people such as friends, family, or even mentors. Although I am not usually the one to initiate these deep philosophical talks, these conversations can typically last for many minutes as we discuss the aspects of life that can go unnoticed in our modern world. Despite not being the one to initiate the conversation; I contribute deeply by introducing new philosophical ideas, using historical examples, and providing context throughout the conversation. Since the creation of civilization thousands of years ago, humans have had these intellect conversations from Plato’s Academy to European salons during the age of enlightenment. Humans strive to answer these complex questions for a variety of different reasons. Personally, I believe the reason that philosophy has played such an important role in humanity is due to the everlasting need to find purpose in our lifetime.

[JOEL]

I frequently find myself letting the group sit for a moment–letting the proverbial ice melt a little–to allow anyone who wants their voice to be heard, be heard first. it is not important to me to be first, always asserting yourself as the introduction to the conversation can often turn it in a direction that could skew response given by participants. In that same vein, if the group is uncomfortable starting the conversation, I have no quarrels with initiating dialogue, and often find it easier for the group to open up and be more truthful and honest if they see me being open regardless of what my point of view is. Specifically within the topic of “truth beauty, and the meaning of life” I encounter a multitude of situations that call upon a collective analyzation, and due to the environments that these topics appear in I am not always the most passionate or well-versed person to be speaking on it so I allow others to bring it up and begin the conversation in whatever way they choose. I am an adaptable thinker especially in serious conversations, and sometimes choose to play the role of devils advocate even if that might differ from my personal opinion, just as an effort to keep the people I’m engaging with stimulated, and on their toes. Individuals reactions to how I play a part in the conversation are usually spread out, some admitting to finding my points biased, or redundant, while others say that they found my perspective refreshing or a welcome assessment of the situation in their eyes.

[CONNOR]

I would say I am the type of person to sometimes initiate a conversation like this, but if it is brought up to me I will always participate in the conversation. I really enjoy conversations on deeper matters and find it very interesting to hear different peoples views on something serious. I find myself “breaking the ice” a lot with random people just to engage in a short exchange or have a conversation and I really love living life that way. I’ve always been told to be comfortable being uncomfortable and I try and use that in basically everything I do in life including having deeper conversations.

As a Christian I find it very important to talk about beauty, truth, and the meaning of life and sometimes you have to be the one to initiate that. Most people aren’t comfortable starting a conversation like that but I believe that it is very beneficial when you do. A lot of people I surround myself with will also have these more difficult conversations and I believe that it is a very important quality to have in life. If you are not someone who likes to bring up a topic like that, it is perfectly fine but in my opinion it is important that you are willing to participate when someone else does.

[Alana]

In life “truth, beauty, and the meaning of life” will come up in conversations and personally I do start these kinds of conversations. It starts with something in my life that happens or might happen, so I go to people that I trust to talk about solutions or help. I think it’s important that people have meaningful conversations because life has curve balls and ups and downs. Starting off the conversations isn’t necessarily weird or awkward as I used to think it would be. Sometimes we never know someone’s life and you bringing up something happening to you helps them talk about maybe struggles or successes they’ve been holding in. You never really know what other people go through but it all starts with a few words that leads to different ways to think about life.

I’ve noticed when I ask more meaningful questions or people’s truths I’ve grown to learn more and more about myself, the way I think, and the way I view things after. A lot of times no one wants to bring up conversations because it could start arguments or confusion that leads to awkwardness, but as someone who does start the conversations its really eye opening to have the awkward moments because your learning. It takes a few words and a little bit of time to learn something new. Meaningful conversations are influential and I will always bring up the unspoken if no one else will because it’s more important to get to know someone and their beliefs then speaking to someone for a couple minutes and never know why they think, speak, or act a certain way.

[CASON]

I would say with something so specific or vague, I am more of a person who listens and joins in rather than someone that who starts the conversations. I usually don’t bring up topics like truth, beauty, and the meaning of life on my own, but if someone else does, I will share what I think. But when the time right I might bring it up and the people I’m closet with may take it into a deep strong consideration. As well as, I know several people who like to bring up these topics as they allow them to relax. I like hearing what other people have to say, even if I don’t always agree with them. I think these conversations can be interesting because they make you think of your own beliefs and why you believe those certain things. Usually I just listen at first and then i’ll add something if I have something to say or a question to ask but I’m usually to uncomfortable to say anything as I feel like I will be judged heavily.