The Purpose of Life

[UNTill]

So I've been going through this forum and a trend I have noticed is how many people can hold such intelligent thoughts and views, but at the same time look past the very obvious.

The problem with existentialism is that we're thinking too hard about problems that really aren't as difficult as we make them out to be. I mean think about...

Q: Why are we alive?
A: To live!

Its as simple as that. My thought is me: that is why I cannot stop thinking. I exist because I cannot keep from thinking.

And the good news? There is no right or wrong way to think; however, every war we've ever fought has been because we disagree with the way another person thinks. You're alive because you NEED to learn how to think.

But what purpose does it serve to think?

Just by living you are making the Universe around you possible. If you weren't here to perceive it, then it wouldn't exist.

Think about it like this...
Imagine that the blood cells in our body were conscious like we are, and they suffered from the same existential anxiety that we all do. Imagine what would happen to this body if our all of our blood cells said to themselves, "There is no purpose in living, there is no greater meaning, there is no afterlife, and there is no God; whats the point?" However, what the blood cell is not aware of is that we could not live without it and that infact he IS apart of a greater purpose/reality. But how does this help the blood cell? He thinks his life serves no purpose and that he is just a small part of a much larger reality that he is unable to comprehend so he should just give up.

Now apply that same metaphor to our situation here on Earth. Imagine that we are nothing more that blood cells, and the earth is the vien in which we live, the sun is the heart which gives us life, the Universe is the entire body that we are all apart of, and God is the brain. And while the blood cell maybe aware of the fact that there is a brain and he may even be aware of the fact that the brain controls the body, he is unaware of how the brain works, or the thoughts that it can think; and is also unaware that while the brain controls the body, it cannot control the blood cell on an individual level. It can only guide it on the path it needs to go in order to not only keep the body alive, but himself alive as well.

The answers to all of lifes questions are around you and they are disguised in everyday appearances. All you have to do is look at the obvious and see if it applies to your life.

Now if that metaphor didn't work for you, heres another example.
Imagine that you are a fish and God's mind is the Ocean. You cannot deny that without it, you wouldn't be alive. The Ocean came before you, gave you life, but it didn't necessarily give you a purpose. As a fish, you are free to swim in whichever direction you choose and you are free to swiw with whatever school of other fish you choose. However, if the ocean were not full with fish, it would have no reason to exist. We need the Ocean just as much as the Ocean needs us. Its a mutual relationship, however sometimes we're like the fish who just are intelligent enough to understand it.

Never take your conscious for granted. Its the reason you're alive.

[Okiefreak]

So I've been going through this forum and a trend I have noticed is how many people can hold such intelligent thoughts and views, but at the same time look past the very obvious....

You started off well, but I got lost in the metaphors. More accurately, I have the impression you're forgetting they're metaphors. You seem to be saying we should realize we have a purpose, because we might be a vital part of some larger thing and just not know it. But then again, we might not, or might not care to accept that as meaningful. So back to the existential dilemma!

Some of your other statements also raise questions:
Just by living you are making the Universe around you possible. If you weren't here to perceive it, then it wouldn't exist. Is this just warmed over Berkeley? "Would a tree fall in the forest if no one were there to see or hear it?"
Its as simple as that. My thought is me: that is why I cannot stop thinking. I exist because I cannot keep from thinking. Is this a version of Descartes' "I think, therefore I am"?

Not that those aren't interesting ideas. I think I agree with your point that we take obvious realities for granted, especially consciousness, the most immediately accessible aspect of reality for us, and one which science still hasn't satisfactorily explained.

[UNTill]

[QUOTE=Okiefreak]You started off well, but I got lost in the metaphors. More accurately, I have the impression you're forgetting they're metaphors. You seem to be saying we should realize we have a purpose, because we might be a vital part of some larger thing and just not know it. But then again, we might not, or might not care to accept that as meaningful. So back to the existential dilemma!

Ya I can see how the metaphors will look like I'm telling the way it is, rather that suggesting how it might be. So of course you're free to inturpret it as you please.

[Reefer Rogue]

To the point of life, for existentialists, especially atheist ones like myself, is to embrace existence, while we can, for as long as we are alive.

[the word silence]

I like all of your points. We are here to live and all have our own interpretations of what is happening around us. No one interpretation is an absolute.

[the outsider]

you've not even come close to solving the riddle of human existence

[Tnewman]

The key to existence will not be found in text books or scripture, but must be illuminated from within.

[scratcho]

And it will still be a human construct.http://www.hipforums.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif

[SuperQ]

the purpose of life is to find a purpose :P

[Okiefreak]

the purpose of life is to find a purpose :PSpoken like a true existentialist!

[like.whatever]

You say we are alive to live, i think it's more that we are too weak to die right away, so we are left existing, whether you try to make meaning out of it or not is up to the individual

[The Instinct]

This was the first thing I read in this section of hipforums and I have to say it caught my attention. Big time! It's like something hit home for me. However what you said made me feel real real small, more so than my other feelings of feeling small. Even though it's a great theory. I'm not sure anyone will grasp in our time what life really is...but I think it is the purpose of us all, like others have said, finding the purpose.

[jamaican_youth]

I've never understood why people have to say there's a purpose to life. There's not, it's all just random.

[Jimmy P]

the purpose of life.. like so many difficult questions, its answer couldn't be communicated effectively with words. that said, I think it's very important to have purpose in life.

[famewalk]

The problem is that the purpose in life was not a happy thing when I found sex. Then I couldn't believe it might be for getting married. So the purpose of life is to buy a flute for side tracking this activity now. No way...no way?

[Meretrix]

We create the purpose of our lives. In another way of putting it, our purpose is whatever we choose. Some people choose religion, some choose hedonism, etc. We are here and we are the only ones who can enlighten ourselves to anything that has no absolute answer.

[dreamingofTheo]

Well, I am a Christian,,,a follower Of Jesus. Yea, I do the whole God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit thing...as some would say.

I also know I am not to put my views on somethings here...

But for some people "Hippy" or not,,, there is a "God". "God" in the real sense of the word,,,I am not gonna insist on anything on here,,,other than,,,"God" does exist.

There ARE,,,two different worlds,,, been there and done that,,, if you want to say so,,in so many words.

These two different worlds are really as one,,,The world---earth,,,and then the Spirit Relm. I have dealt with both. Through God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

You are here,,,because of God,,,he has made you in his likeness,,,a person that can feel, touch and love...ONE ANOTHER...in many different ways...

The Spirit Relm is a VERY POWERFUL relm,,,I have experienced it sooooo many times...
each time getting more intense as I spend time with God.

But the best thing out of all of this is,,,one day, we will,,,find out what is what,,,and we will be very lucky to see what there is to see,,,remember, WE ARE ALL HERE FOR ONE ANOTHER NO MATTER WHAT,,,to lean on, to trust and to love...LOVE,,,a big word,,,sometimes alot of risk taking...but it is all worth it,,,so many people Just need Love,,,and that is what God intended for us to be,,,loved by him and by each other,,,

[famewalk]

But the question stays and lingers for the freedom of Existence: is God existence itself, or can we deny the law in His favour? God independently made existence the better part of our discression to choose. Thank you.:cheers2:

[Any Color You Like]

Sometimes the question is more important than the answer.

Behind all these question of the purpose of life, isn't there, hidden, the longing for happiness?

When you're truely happy do you ask yourself what's the purpose of life? Not sure, don't think so.

Do you think we could be happy without a purpose? I think yes.

So seize the day.

[zombiewolf]

Sometimes the question is more important than the answer.

Behind all these question of the purpose of life, isn't there, hidden, the longing for happiness?

When you're truely happy do you ask yourself what's the purpose of life? Not sure, don't think so.

Do you think we could be happy without a purpose? I think yes.

So seize the day.

Hmmm, I would say pretty good post for a 17 yr old, but dude, you haven't been in the work force long. I wonder if you'll have the same attitude after 20 or 30 years in the rat race! You may have to alter your definition of happiness! HaHaHa;)

:cheers2: Purpose-shmurpose!

[Any Color You Like]

haha... I hope happiness always stays the same, even when it's hard to come by. But you're totally right saying I have not been been in the rat race... actually I never had a real job!

[emsterino]

Just by living you are making the Universe around you possible. If you weren't here to perceive it, then it wouldn't exist.


That is amazing. Thats one of the wisest things I've heard in a long time. I love it...

[emsterino]

I love you guys...you are all so wise and brilliant and open minded. I loved reading this thread

[AdreSac]

Life is, what you make of it.
For the matter on existence.
There are 2 things in this universe, there is energy then theres matter, read this quote from bill hicks.
"Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is mearly energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, that there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imaginations of ourselves."
You realize that the universe is pure and simple energy. The point im trying to make is that our spirit our soul is just energy when we die we will be consumed by the bigger energy which religions call god.

[questing400]

Couldn't agree more.

Energy = Light times Sound times Distance

[MokshaMedicine]

We create the purpose of our lives. In another way of putting it, our purpose is whatever we choose. Some people choose religion, some choose hedonism, etc. We are here and we are the only ones who can enlighten ourselves to anything that has no absolute answer.Exactly, but behind that all it's absolutely void, blank. Which is why I think we should all be able to be more unique in our purpose. Right now, I am left void because it seems as though everyone around me is choosing the same purpose. Although that may not be the case mentally, it certainly seems the opposite is true physically. When I truly can't find a purpose living my mundane life.

I haven't tripped in a while, and this could be why my existential anxiety has grown in the couple months. However existential anxiety arose from LSD, immediately to be likened to some void feelings of childhood.

[MokshaMedicine]

Sometimes the question is more important than the answer.

Behind all these question of the purpose of life, isn't there, hidden, the longing for happiness?

When you're truely happy do you ask yourself what's the purpose of life? Not sure, don't think so.

Do you think we could be happy without a purpose? I think yes.

So seize the day.

You are seventeen, canadian, and may hold the key to my depression. Although I've recognized this much so having good times with friends I was never able to materialize it mentally.

I used to say at the very beginning of my depression, that in the grand scheme of things there is no point, but there is always fun to be had and that's all that matters.

[MokshaMedicine]

This just in...

I suppose in a world tormented by the "rat race" maybe freedom is a more than significant purpose of life.

[ktc]

To those of you who believe there are no absolutes:

The statement of your belief is an absolute. If there's no absolute truth then it can't be absolutely true that there is no absolute truth.

The statement of your belief is also total hypocrisy, because you're using an absolute truth to proclaim the non-existence of absolute truth.

[neodude1212]

We are consciousness. Pure awareness that is experiencing itself. There is nothing to you can perceive that is the "it".

You are it. You are that which comes before "I". The it-less "it" :D

[ktc]

We are consciousness. Pure awareness that is experiencing itself. There is nothing to you can perceive that is the "it".

You are it. You are that which comes before "I". The it-less "it" :D

The very fact that we are aware/concious is proof that we are not "it", but were born/conceived/created by some other "it".

[neodude1212]

The very fact that we are aware/concious is proof that we are not "it", but were born/conceived/created by some other "it".


and how do you know that you are not that it?

Become introspective, and look within.

[ktc]

I have looked within and what I see inside testifies to the fact that I came from somewhere besides myself.

Not only does what I see inside testify of that fact, so does all of my outward perspective.

[Eternal Soul]

I am certain about one thing; I know nothing, and am not supposed to know, at least at this stage.

[neodude1212]

I have looked within and what I see inside testifies to the fact that I came from somewhere besides myself.

Not only does what I see inside testify of that fact, so does all of my outward perspective.


I think you need to differentiate between your mind and yourself. :)

It's a slippery beast.

[ktc]

Your mind is part of yourself. I can differentiate between my mind and my whole self, but my "self" has to include my mind. My mind and self both testify to me not being "it".

[neodude1212]

Your mind is part of yourself. I can differentiate between my mind and my whole self, but my "self" has to include my mind. My mind and self both testify to me not being "it".

No, it isn't. It's part of the vessel I'm occupying.

I can not be segmented, there are no "parts" to me, I am one. I am complete as I am.

If you think you are that which is composed of smaller pieces of you, you have not realized yourself.

[ktc]

Well now, that's interesting, your mind is "part" of the vessel you're occupying, but yet you have no parts.

If you think the "whole" isn't made up of "parts" you haven't taken an honest look at yourself and the existence you're part of IMO (not trying to be combative, just honest).

[neodude1212]

Well now, that's interesting, your mind is "part" of the vessel you're occupying, but yet you have no parts.

If you think the "whole" isn't made up of "parts" you haven't taken an honest look at yourself and the existence you're part of IMO (not trying to be combative, just honest).

The "I" is not the vessel.

[RELAYER]

Life is all about the benjamins :cheers2:

[ktc]

The "I" may not be the vessel, but the vessel is controlled by the "I" in it. Which makes the vessel an integral "part" of the total "it" of this existence.

And the evidence still shows the "I" is not "it", but the "I" comes from, or was created by, some other "it".

What are "benjamins"???

[neodude1212]

^ lol what evidence?

all this backwards reasoning will leave you with nothing but a circle.

this can't be thought. it can only be felt.

[sathead]

:cool:The "I" is not the vessel.

The "I" is the Abyss of the "Vessel". Existentialism will question the meaning of temporalizing the Time the fullness against the edge. That's why there is no real abyss without the hindrance of the Others' present.

Therefore, there is also the regard of the ego for it Being anything at all: it is more than a soul; it is less than lacked being-in-itself, so that there is an unconscious being of the inner self or some sense for worldhood: the concern of being in the World.

We just must explain the abyss to know if "Being in the World" is dead or alive.:cool:

[ktc]

The "evidence" is what we can honestly "feel" with what senses we are possessed of.

Also, feeling requires/inspires thought.

Could you explain how my reasoning is backward?

[sathead]

I am not trying to be intolerant of you. But do you want to write, do you want to impress people in the public domain of the communication, or do you want to impress a 'gal?

Thus I am not in the position to know if you aren't forwardly atuned to the values of the rest of the people.

:cool:

[neodude1212]

The "evidence" is what we can honestly "feel" with what senses we are possessed of.

Also, feeling requires/inspires thought.

Could you explain how my reasoning is backward?


Adventitious sensory input is really nothing to base philosophical thought upon.

Assuming you want to be rational.

[ktc]

So, if we're being rational, what should we base philosophical thought upon?

To sathead:
Yes, I want to write.

No, I'm not interested in impressing people in the public domain.

No, I'm not interested in impressing a gal (I've got my own gal, we've been married for 31 years).

If we get too concerned with "the values of the rest of the people", we tend to lose our own values.

[famewalk]

For existentialism (from which there may no better appreciation of the Philosophy of Man; all Philosophy is doomed to failure) it must be realized constantly that our feelings succeed the Ego to the incompleteness of the feeling itself (Feeling-in-itself), which is the feeling of general inspiration: One with all the Others.

The people are on Earth; the people are in Heaven; last but not least, the people can make me believe What I Want in relation to the Purpose of Life.

Yes, that is the question about the success and failure, rise and fall, and the morality and inevitable distrust. But don't you believe in Them to fit in or to being trustworthy ( a matter of appropriate behavour or interpretation????).

[ktc]

Famewalk:
Do you mean existentialism believes feelings succeed truth? or possibly feelings are truth?

Fitting in can be a dangerous thing to try to do (just look at the German populace of the 1930's & 40's).

Being trustworthy requires a basic truth to trust in.

Appropriate behavior also requires a standard, so as to judge the difference between "appropriate & inappropriate".

What would you interpret if all that mattered were your feelings? or if your feelings were the interpretation, no final interpretation would really matter.

[RELAYER]

What are "benjamins"???

Hundred dollar bills :cheers2:

[ktc]

Relayer;
Thanks for the heads up.

So, I guess that means life is all about the money/value?

You don't sound like much of an existentialist :D

[famewalk]

The basic truth for trustworthiness was authenticity, which takes a historical reference; it may also be the momentary serious concern (look into the Consicousness for scientific possibilities).

But why are all of our tasks for the present existing possibilities so empty (not the possibilities but the tasks in the politcal basis of economic discussions)? We have to be educated to be invited, but the Money always continues to be an evolution of oncoming intolerance from the Others.

Relayer, you seem to mean that communication is hidden by the wealth of money so well that any knowledge of how it works is an empty evaluation in realistic terms. That is what it means to approach tasks from the givenness of consuming wealth: money is the task dropped from heaven for the earthly responsibility of the sharable Task. Relayer wants to be a spiritualist, I gather; and the existentialist is without task for the money projected for anyone of recognized worth in tasks.

Who was trustworthy that way? Existentialism is about the waste of money though.:cool:

[RELAYER]

Relayer;
Thanks for the heads up.

So, I guess that means life is all about the money/value?

You don't sound like much of an existentialist :D

Nah I was just kidding. Life is all about winning the World Series! :cheers2:

[ktc]

Money is just a manmade representation of value and the task of producing value (which is represented by money in our society) is as worthy as any other task.

It's when you love the money itsself that you begin to generate a root from which all evil grows.

P.S. It was a lopsided Series this year :eek:

[famewalk]

Naaa...ah. The losers: the Tampa Bay team didn't ev'n know they were playing for money.