The Purpose of Life
Triggered by the constricting effect of “The Truman Show”, I announced earlier that I have hesitantly adopted skepticism.
The reasoning behind this decision was that I found it to be the most easily verifiable system, as it is unique in its concession of its own restrictions and contradictions.
As for the questions that arose from this transformation, most were related to the purpose and importance of my life. Sitting in my vast backyard, I began thinking about the effect I could have on only this small area. What could the purpose of a single life possibly be if the only imprint I could make was that of my own footsteps? Why should I worry about all the things in my life if it will leave no impact after my death?
I am obviously exaggerating a little, because I know that I have left an impression on many people, and I have been active in my community since I joined it. Even if my pounding could be felt in my community, the ripples would certainly not extend beyond the city.
So is skepticism a philosophy of the ego? I don’t think so. While Socrates believed that the unexamined life is not worth living, I simply feel that an uninfluential is also not worth living. Living only for one person (themselves) is the truly egotistical life.
Skepticism has created a new, enormously difficult goal in my life. I feel that my existence would be inconsequential unless I make an impact on…the world, and perhaps even that is insignificant on a universal scale.
The purpose of life itself is an almost impossible question to answer, but, for now, I believe that I have found the somewhat extreme purpose of my life. Upcoming articles will discuss how I will approach my goal and whether I have, in some capacity, already achieved it.
Juan
Aug 12, 05:11 AM
I suspect you have an erroneous understanding of skepticism. Skepticism concerns Knowledge, the belief that we cannot attain it (which seems to be the opposite of the Platonist thought, though even Plato doesn’t seem to think that Knowlege can be attained, at least not in this life).
You are thinking of more practical prágma.
You should read On the Nature of Things by Lucretius … though he seems to reach the conclusion that there is no point to life, i.e., once you die that is it, he reaches a rather uplifting conclusion. Likewise, take into consideration that Socratic notion that the journey as honorable as the destination. In essence, a raison d’être is found.
Also I would suggest that you reassess selfishness. We take the values we have for granted, thus selfishness is seen as being a bad thing. Call values into question … it might help you out. I don’t think selfishness is bad, why is it bad? By helping oneself, will it not later on transcend to the whole?
Thame
Aug 12, 03:36 PM
“I suspect you have an erroneous understanding of skepticism.”
I was probably following the definition of the word without checking it’s philosophical meaning. Thank you for clearing that up.
“You should read On the Nature of Things by Lucretius”
Thank you, I’ve been looking for suggestions for quite a while, and just found a copy of it online.
“I don’t think selfishness is bad”
Neither do I...when I was describing morality in an earlier article, it seemed obvious that selfishness – or trying to aid personal growth – was a “good” act.
Juan
Aug 17, 01:31 AM
that’s awesome that your’e reading the ‘Metaphysics’ ... I enjoyed reading that; what translation are you reading? If I recall correctly, in this particular work he discusses Time …. something you’ve discussed before.
Thame
Aug 17, 06:17 AM
Yeah, it seems to be great from what I’ve read so far. As for the translation, I believe it is John Mc Mahon’s, but I don’t have the book in front of me.
Life Feel
Sep 25, 04:42 PM
Life is about making choices …
Jonathan Dobres
Mar 4, 10:51 PM
Sorry for the comment fest, but I couldn’t resist a post titled “The Purpose of Life” (because yes, I am THAT pretentious). You should definitely check out “Man’s Search for Meaning”, by the psychologist Victor Frankl. It’s a very quick read and very powerful, changed the way I think about a lot of things.
Thame
Mar 4, 11:11 PM
It’s OK, I love comment fests :D
I’ll try to pick up that book when I get a chance. The summary sounds interesting.
mark
Mar 28, 10:07 AM
“The mystery of life is not a problem to solve but a reality to experience.” – Frank Herbert, Dune.
Colleen
Mar 28, 09:06 PM
“I don’t think selfishness is bad”
I think it’s interesting how even some of the most seemingly selfless activities come from selfish motivations. Take giving to charity, for example. Most people cite “personal fulfillment or satisfaction” as being the main reason they give (not to mention the tax write-offs, in some cases :-) ). Even if you’re guilted into giving by one of those depressing World Vision commercials, the reason why you are giving is essentially to make yourself feel better. Not that any of this is bad at all. It’s a great thing for everyone, the rich and the poor alike.
Even the great religions that encourage “seflessness” provide some incentive so that people will indeed do the right thing. In some cases it’s the promise of eternal life or some other great reward after death; in others, it’s the assurance that one who lives according to the rules will have a fuller, more complete life while here on Earth. In both cases, religions try to tap into one’s individual self-concern so that followers will listen and behave in accordance with prescribed teachings.
Colleen
Mar 28, 09:28 PM
Have you ever considered the possibility that you have already had an impact on the world through some sort of ripple effect? Like you said, you impact the lives of others. They in turn will go on to impact the lives of countless other people, who in turn will affect others still…I think you can see where I’m going with this. The point is that since you directly affected some group of people, partially shaping how they think and behave, you have indirectly had an impact upon millions of other individuals. Although perhaps you won’t ever be celebrated in the history books for this, you have an impact on the world just by being alive and by interacting with others.
Perhaps it seems like somewhat of a far-fetched idea, but I think it’s an interesting one. Someone made the point somewhere on this site that we have a sort of immortality on the atomic level. Perhaps this “ripple” idea too is a sort of immortality. One generation inevitably has an impact upon how the next generation thinks and behaves, and, as an individual, you have a role – perhaps not a internationally recognized one, but a role nonetheless – in determining the values and practices of your own generation at large just by being alive. Therefore, you also have some influence regarding the development of future societies.
Thame
Mar 29, 11:28 AM
I agree with your thoughts on charity. To give you an example of something that I’m planning to write about once I get some time is the idea of detachment in Hinduism and the Bhagavad Gita.
Krishna (the avatar of Vishnu who is one of the major Hindu “gods”) recommends that you not think about the results of your actions and do them just for the act itself. I have quite a bit of trouble with this and I hope I can clearly describe why in a future post.
“Perhaps this “ripple” idea too is a sort of immortality. ”
What is ironic is that the same properties that would give this subatomic immortality also ensure their stability. The tiny subatomic particle will remain immortal because it remains unchanged…
Eric. I
Mar 29, 04:08 PM
“Krishna (the avatar of Vishnu who is one of the major Hindu “gods”) recommends that you not think about the results of your actions and do them just for the act itself”
I hope to hear your response. I subscribe to this idea and that’s how I look at education, it motivates me.
btw, “gods” should be Gods, they have every right to get a capital letter and respect just like any other God. I can say this because i’m an Athiest :P
Colleen
Mar 29, 07:34 PM
I’m interested too because I don’t know if it’s possible to do anything without selfish motivations. I wish I could say that I am getting an education just because, but that’s not really true. It is true that I am there because I want to broaden my mind, become open to new ideas, become more well-read, etc., but these too are selfish motivations (although perhaps not as superficial as “I’m only here so I can get a good job.”).
Thame
Mar 30, 06:52 AM
Well, I don’t know how soon I’ll be able to get the article done because I’ve been unbelievably busy this week (I can’t beleive it’s Thrusday already!). Also, I have a meeting with my professor tomorrow to discuss this point so hopefully I’ll come back with something interesting.
nobody special
Jun 28, 10:08 AM
Why question everything?
cashmaniac
Feb 21, 04:28 PM
yeah, really