Why Watching Rick And Morty Actually Helps You Finding Meaning in Life
Adult Swim's animated Rick and Morty show, created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon, it can also help you finding meaning in life in this vast uncaring universe we all exist in. At least, that's what Will Schoder proposes in his video 'Rick and Morty - Finding Meaning in Life'—and, after watching it, you realize that Rick and Morty is not just brilliantly funny science fiction, but there is more to it, and it's hard to disagree with him.
Schoder uses the ideas of existential philosopher Albert Camus to compare clips and quotes from Rick and Morty with. Highlighting things that are said like “Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s gonna die.” Will Schoder explains and relates how Camus' concept of embracing the absurdity of the human condition is typified in the character of super scientist and genius Rick Sanchez.
Of course Rick and Morty and absurdism and philosophy is a popular topic—and it's not hard to see why. The show constantly pulls the comedic and thematic rug from under the audience's feet. It plays up to popular TV and movie tropes, only to completely upend them in the most unlikely and unforeseen ways.
How Rick And Morty Switches From Funny To Dark
Plus it can be dark and emotional, but in a philosophical and funny way. Just take this dialogue between brother and sister Morty and Summer, which also takes into play the show's musings on a universe with multiple dimensions and versions of the same people:
"On one of our adventures, Rick and I basically destroyed the whole world, so we bailed on that reality and we came to this one, because in this one, the world wasn't destroyed and in this one, we were dead. So we came here, a- a- and we buried ourselves and we took their place. And every morning, Summer, I eat breakfast twenty yards away from my own rotting corpse." notes Morty in Rixty Minutes.
To which Summer asks if that means if he's still her brother. "I'm better than your brother." replies Morty. "I'm a version of your brother you can trust when he says 'Don't run.' Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody's gonna die. Come watch TV."
Rick And Morty And Finding Meaning in Life
Still, as the video points out, while the humor in Rick and Morty is often outrageous, and the relationships between the family members dysfunctional, the values that the characters hold dear are values that give life meaning. Because while Rick is a high functioning alcoholic who travels throughout the multiverse having all kinds of messed up weird adventures, it's his grandkids that he really, truly treasures.
As Schoder notes, the core of the show is about not only having new experiences, but sharing those experiences with people you care about.
So, while it won't bring Rick and Morty season 3 any sooner, that's how the show can help you find meaning in life. And help you totally Get Schwifty, of course.
