Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan People often say "we're here for a reason" or something similar. What purpose do you believe humans are here to achieve? For example, are we simply biological creatures that are here to replicate? Or is there some perhaps higher purpose than that? This isn't necessarily a religious discussion (though it obviously could be) but more of a matter of discussing your own philosophy in this case. What do you think? And I'm especially interested in what role each of you personally feels is your purpose for being here, if you'd care to share that.
Originally Posted By Ursula I think we are here to evolve to become better, stronger, faster. I don't know that we have an actual purpose, such as trying to push tab B into slot C, but maybe we are here to have a laugh, share fellowship, find a love maybe, and enjoy the ride.
Originally Posted By utahjosh I believe I lived before I came to earth - the "spirit" part of me. I believe that this life on earth is sort of a proving ground, a place to learn, be tested, learn faith, love, sacrifice, charity, relationships, etc. And that after this life I can take those things I've learned and continue to learn and grow and become better and better for eternity, with my family, friends, loved ones, and God.
Originally Posted By u k fan I've thought for a very longtime that my purpose here on Earth was to keep my family together. That's why I'm always flattered to be compared to Kermit The Frog, because that's what he does. Speaking of Muppets, I would have been able to tell you the meaning and purpose of life, but I was eating Swill Stroganoff so I missed it!!!
Originally Posted By Mrs ElderP My purpose is to better myself, to become a better person than I am, to work towards a change of nature to remove selfishness from my personality. (I do not, however, believe that this pupose will be fully accomplished in this life.) I also believe my purpose is to be part of a family, both the family I was born into and the family I am blessed to be creating with my husband.
Originally Posted By mele I don't think I believe we are here for a reason, necessarily, just that we ARE here and our souls cry out for purpose. I think we should try to make ourselves learn love, patience, understanding, respect and tolerance for other people (and ourselves). Learning to be at peace and to put others before ourselves is the hardest part of life. I do believe we have a duty to make the world a better place instead of making it worse. That is how we gain peace, which I believe we all, deep down, desperately need.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I'm here to have fun. I try to find fun in almost everything I do. I figure God would want me to enjoy the life he gave me.
Originally Posted By a goofy guy I look at the beauty around and figure there is no way mankind made it. That leaves only one possibility, there is a God! Just the fact that life would not be possible except for the earth being at a 23 degree tilt. Did mankind know this and make it happen? I think not! As for having fun, oh yeah! We should have fun, God gave us so much and each other with which to have fun! (sorry if I got preachy)
Originally Posted By u k fan <<< I think we should try to make ourselves learn love, patience, understanding, respect and tolerance for other people (and ourselves). Learning to be at peace and to put others before ourselves is the hardest part of life. I do believe we have a duty to make the world a better place instead of making it worse. That is how we gain peace, which I believe we all, deep down, desperately need.>>> I agree 100%!!!
Originally Posted By jonvn Life has no purpose. Just have a nice time while you're here and be nice to others. If you like, learn about things to occupy your time until your death. There is no reason for it.
Originally Posted By JohnS1 "What purpose do you believe humans are here to achieve?" Are you just trying to be some kind of troublemaker, or what?
Originally Posted By MissCandice I don't think there is any purpose or meaning to our lives here. Humans are animals and we are just another species trying to survive. I myself try to cause no harm but I don't think that is the purpose of my being here.
Originally Posted By imadisneygal "I think that mele and I must have grown up in the same family, lol" Beamerdog, I was thinking the same thing. My family is a lot like that, too. Actually, I was thinking "is Mele sure she's not Jewish? That philosophy is very consistent with Judaism..." And then I read your comment. And I know you grew up Jewish, too. Interesting...
Originally Posted By mele I was raised as a Christian but have always been drawn to Judiasm. In fact, I've been doing a lot of reading about it lately.
Originally Posted By imadisneygal ^^Well I am certainly no expert, but if you ever have any questions or want to talk about Judaism feel free to e-mail me! I've been doing lots of reading to learn more lately, too. My husband was raised Christian (Southern Baptist) but he says that Judaism fits what he always thought the idea of God should be. He's considering conversion and he's taken the Intro to Judaism class but he's still considering the process. It's his journey...we'll see where it leads him.
Originally Posted By FerretAfros I'm not sure if humans as a species have a purpose, but I do think that each individual does have their own purpose. I don't really know what mine is yet (hopefully I'll figure it out!), but if I had to guess, I would say something to do with teaching or working with kids, whether directly or indirectly. Each person definately has a calling, but I'm not sure if (or what) it's all working toward a greater purpose.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan I think there must be a reason why humans can feel and think and wonder in ways other creatures on this planet cannot. I think our purpose is responsibility. We exist, or ought to exist, to strive to improve life for future generations as well as our own. By taking care of the environment, not squandering resources, trying to do all we can to lift people up out of poverty and misery, this makes life meaningful and worth living. It also sets the stage for leaving the place better than we found it, and sets a standard of responsible behavior that future generations can learn from, adopt, and hopefully improve upon. We have a long way to go. There is plenty of room for improvement!
Originally Posted By jonvn "I think there must be a reason why humans can feel and think and wonder in ways other creatures on this planet cannot." How do you know they can't?
