EPILOGUE   So, there you have it. My magnum-opus. All the answers to life's greatest questions in one convenient, hard-to-swallow package. The 3 Big Questions is a culmination of a lifetime of wondering what it's all about. When I finally decided that it was time to share this philosophic odyssey with the world, I had the hardest time convincing a publisher to even look at a manuscript that deals so irreverently with such sacred topics as God, life and death. The manuscript was met with as much anger and outrage as I know this book will receive in the years to come. But I can't blame anyone for condemning this book. People believe things because they need to. Everyone needs something to believe in, or to look forward to, or to strive for -- to help them make it through their lives. That's why we can have "faith" and believe in something, even when everything we see around us screams that it can't be so. When things are going well, we haven't a care in the world. But, without our Beliefs, how could we make it through life's trials and tribulations? That's why I always swore that I wouldn't let anyone see this, if I ever finished it. I know my explorations, for many, are not encouraging at all. As a matter of fact, they threaten the deepest feelings of hope -- no matter how vague and tenuous -- that most people harbor in their hearts. And I don't want to hurt anyone. I honestly hope that I haven't hurt any of your heartfelt beliefs. Admittedly, I have selfishly written this book mostly for myself. So that I can let go of the longing inside. So that I can stop searching once and for all. So that when I am gone, I will have left behind the deepest feelings harbored in my soul. But I honestly believe that this book has something to offer for many others besides myself. I offer this book to those who can't stop wondering what it's all about, no matter how many times they think they've found the Truth. I offer this book to those who are not content with believing what they've been told to believe, or what they need to believe, just because it is comforting to do so. I offer this book, not as one who has seen the Light, but as one who is haunted by its elusiveness. Most creative efforts offer something to Humanity -- insight, entertainment, awareness. But the greatest works offer Hope. I always wanted to bring Hope to Mankind -- the Ultimate Answer that would wipe away the tears and right all the wrongs. Unfortunately, there is no Magical Answer. Yet what I offer you here is this. There may be a God, but there might not. Our souls may live on forever, or this life may be all that we have. The Truth is you'll never find proof of any Answers in this lifetime. But, what does it matter. Life is meant to Live. So, if you take nothing else from this book, please take this: "Life is not easy to understand, nor is it always good. But as long as we're alive, let's make the best of it." Helping others to make the best of their lives is one thing that really feels good inside, so try to be as happy as you can, and help others to find happiness. And wouldn't it be great if we all just tried to live in peace. It really could be a wonderful world. Some may wonder why I seem to have taken these 3 big questions so lightly. Sure they are important -- they're literally a matter of life and death. But you have to learn to laugh at the absurdity of it all. When it's over, it's over -- you'll find out the Answers then. Or maybe you won't. Who really knows? Who cares. Just live your life! And forget the stupid BIG QUESTIONS. Now close this book. It's over! Put it on your bookshelf, or better yet, burn it, and go back to your life...and LIVE! Anyway, have a nice life. AND STOP READING BOOKS THAT SAY THEY HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS! Table of Contents | Previous Chapter