Joey Skaggs: 'It would make life much easier if I could have total faith and not question everything all the time, but I can't do it and I won't do it.'

It would make life much easier if I could have total faith and not question everything all the time, but I can't do it and I won't do it.

In Joey Skaggs' profound quote, "It would make life much easier if I could have total faith and not question everything all the time, but I can't do it and I won't do it," he encapsulates the eternal struggle of human curiosity and skepticism. Summarizing the meaning straightforwardly, the quote suggests that while it might be tempting to have unwavering faith and believe in everything without questioning, Skaggs acknowledges his inability to do so. This quote holds significance as it challenges the prevailing notion that blind faith is always desirable, encouraging individuals to embrace their innate skepticism and curiosity.However, let's delve deeper into this quote and introduce an unexpected philosophical concept that brings an additional layer of interest to the article: existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, emphasizes the individual's responsibility to find meaning and purpose in an uncertain and often absurd world. It asserts that existence precedes essence, advocating the freedom to create and shape one's own identity and beliefs. Introducing existentialism allows us to explore the contrast between Skaggs' perspective and a potential existentialist interpretation.At first glance, Skaggs' statement may appear to align with existentialist principles. By choosing not to have total faith and continuously questioning everything, Skaggs is exercising his freedom to define his own beliefs. He refuses to conform, allowing himself to remain open to different possibilities and perspectives. This resonates with the idea that individuals have the power to shape their own existence, not bound by predetermined beliefs or social constructs.On the other hand, a more nuanced analysis uncovers a potential contradiction between Skaggs' approach and existentialist thought. Existentialism emphasizes the importance of authentic existence, which requires individuals to take responsibility for their beliefs and actions. While Skaggs acknowledges his inability to have total faith, he doesn't explicitly state why. Is it due to a genuine exploration of various perspectives, or does it stem from fear, bias, or a lack of commitment? Existentialists would argue that merely questioning everything without reconciling these doubts and actively engaging with them falls short of living authentically.Moreover, existentialism encourages individuals to embrace uncertainty and the inherent absurdity of existence, which may lead to a different approach than Skaggs' reluctance to have total faith. Instead of wanting life to be easier by eliminating doubts and questions, existentialists seek to find meaning within this uncertainty. Rather than avoiding faith altogether, they propose a search for personal truths and values through a philosophical journey, navigating the complexities of existence without succumbing to blind belief.Ultimately, Skaggs' quote serves as a poignant reminder of the human struggle to reconcile the desire for certainty with the drive to question and explore. While his refusal to have total faith resonates with the core principles of existentialism, the contrast highlights the depth of the existentialist perspective. By introducing this unexpected philosophical concept, we gain a richer understanding of the quote and open doors to further contemplation on the nature of faith, skepticism, and human existence.