Robert Byrne, an eminent teacher and commentator, once stated, "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." When my philosophy teacher presented our class with the question, "What is the meaning of life"" I was taken aback by the depth of so direct a question. But as the teacher intended, it encouraged me to reflect upon my life experience and to analyze my thoughts. What is the meaning of life? It is both a personal issue for me and an international concern for mankind who seem to be as perplexed as I am.

I do not have all of the most accurate answers but as I experience and process the last 18 year of my life, I have begun to formulate my perceptions. From what I have deciphered thus far, life is much like scientific principles-- for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. I learned...