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What's the purpose of life?


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I'm not exactly sure why I apparently can't say that some beliefs do not deserve respect. Is that really so controversial?

 

Cheers,

D.

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I'm Catholic and tend to believe that we are supposed to live good, moral and decent lives (which, of course, indicates the existence of objective values) in order to fulfill our end viz. to become one with God/achieve eternal happiness.

The ultimate purpose is procreation as others have said. Any species that did not have this as its ultimate purpose would have died out by now.

 

I think you are asking about secondary purposes. Yes, living "good, moral and decent" lives is a valid secondary purpose. That is shared by religious people, agnostics, and atheists alike. The secondary purpose can be seen as supporting the primary purpose -- the best strategy for propagation of genes involves a balance between selfishness and altruism.

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I'm still trying to figure out why it's necessary to create a purpose in life. Must we exist for a reason? Can we not just enjoy the time we have on this Earth, living our lives within our preferences and boundaries of acceptable behaviour?

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I'm still trying to figure out why it's necessary to create a purpose in life.

 

Well if Evolution could speak back to us, then we might understand the purpose. Otherwise we are on a very long journey trying to understand ourselves and the universe. To me, that is an exciting proposition.

 

Cheers!

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I'm Catholic and tend to believe that we are supposed to live good, moral and decent lives (which, of course, indicates the existence of objective values) in order to fulfill our end viz. to become one with God/achieve eternal happiness. In order to do this, tradition seems to indicate a deprivation of body and a sole interest regarding our spirituality.

 

That being said, there are times I wonder why--since we are not merely spiritual, but composite beings--there is so much focus on the spiritual aspect, while our bodily needs i.e. enjoying food, sex, etc. are totally ignored, or at least severely hindered.

 

So, I would love to hear what you guys think! Should life be totally focused on the spirit, body, or some combination of the two? Do you think we should do whatever we want regardless how it is received by others/God? Should we only do what is socially, religiously, and/or culturally acceptable? Should we do whatever we want as long as it doesn't hurt others?

 

I would love for you to share your views on the purpose of life and why you hold them.

 

Hey AS,

 

You know soon I will be turning 50....my year of Jubilee and God has been very good to me both in appearance and many other things...purpose is a continual process....now embarking on a new journey I do not know what the future holds....I recently retired and am an extremely good catch and will feel just as lucky for a lucky man. I am fortunate at my age to have many to choose from and do not take this lightly.

 

I have had a good career that raised 2 sucessful children and 3 extremely talented grandchildren....purpose....lol....I have more purpose than I know what to do with....it has been different not working, but I'm getting used to it quick...I am a great homemaker doing projects that some men are unable to do around the house....

 

My purpose is to love the Lord my God with all of my heart and soul, and He will set forth the future! GBU

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torranceshipman

God gave us a body and a mind, a sense of morals twinned with various urges (the former allowing us to enjoy the urges in a decent way!) - and a sense of spirituality - so I feel that it would be disrespectful to God to waste any of those things. He made us this way for a reason! Enjoy it, that's what I think. As long as you are honest, good to yourself and others, and do the right thing in whatever you do, life is there to enjoy and appreciate.

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skydiveaddict
I'm Catholic and tend to believe that we are supposed to live good, moral and decent lives (which, of course, indicates the existence of objective values) in order to fulfill our end viz. to become one with God/achieve eternal happiness. In order to do this, tradition seems to indicate a deprivation of body and a sole interest regarding our spirituality.

 

 

 

I'm Catholic as well. But I'm not very good at it. Deprivation and a sole intrest in spirituality is the goal, but few of us achieve it. Those that do usually have the word "Saint" in front of their names.

So essentially the purpose of life comes down to using the gifts God gave you the best you can. IMO, anyhow

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The purpose of life from a biological POV is to simply reproduce.

 

If a personal god exists then the purpose of life there seems to be to see how much crap people can put up with as they try and care for others and live a sound life and still keep their faith that they are loved by the "big guy" and one day they'll be rewarded.

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zebracolors
Not sure if I've already posted in this topic, but for me it's enjoying life and having peace of mind.

;):o I like how you're thinking there Ross. With him on this one.

 

This is such a broad topic that everyone is going to have different opinions on. It's age old debate really.Could go into spin off sub categories such as does something have to have sentience(self awareness) for it be alive? Like a tree is alive but does it feel? And even then would it be aware of its own purpose in that life?

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The purpose of life is to find a purpose in life. Or not, but it's bound to be at least a bit nihilistic if you don't.

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