Thoughts on "purpose"?

Benj96 June 02, 2020 at 17:01 2025 views 5 comments

Do we have a purpose? Does the universe have a purpose? Is "purpose" synonymous with "function" and not limited to the realm of conscious entities or can only aware things have a purpose? If I truly believe I have a purpose do I definitely have one then? Could you ever prove I dont? Would it be right to tell people they dont have a purpose if that's what you believe to be more realistic?

Comments (5)

Pfhorrest June 02, 2020 at 17:07 #419633 0 likes

A purpose is whatever something is good for, regardless of whether it was created intentionally to serve that good.

Heiko June 02, 2020 at 17:11 #419636 0 likes

Quoting Benj96

Could you ever prove I dont? Would it be right to tell people they dont have a purpose if that's what you believe to be more realistic?

A little joke: Of course you have a purpose... Who else should pay your elders pension?

Benj96 June 02, 2020 at 17:35 #419642 0 likes

Reply to Heiko I'm mean fair haha :)

jgill June 02, 2020 at 18:00 #419654 0 likes

I'm an existentialist, having read Sartre over a half century ago. I spend very little time reminiscing over past experiences. Even at an advanced age I look to the future. My purpose evolves. :cool:

Josh Lee June 03, 2020 at 12:29 #419935 0 likes

Reply to Benj96

As lame as it sounds, only you know the answer and a general answer is “it depends”. That is what religions and philosophy are for, to answer the simple question,” What is the meaning/purpose of life?” Hence your life philosophy will decide your own answer.

With regards to this, there are various ways it can go. Existentialism, Stoicism, Hedonism, Nihilism. These are a few philosophy which answers your question. Your purpose may be very complex or so simple.

Just for fun of it, let’s end of with a quote from Albert Camus who discussed absurdism,” The literal meaning of life is whatever you're doing that prevents you from killing yourself.“