Life Purpose

[Into Darkness]

As humans we find that the preliminary purpose of life is to find food, water, warmth and shelter. These are the basics of our survival.
Striving for these things can encompass much of our time depending on our circumstances and where we live.
So to a lot of people that's what life is mainly about, finding these things and simply existing day to day.

But in the western world mostly, such things as food, water, warmth and shelter are abundant and such things are of no worry to many people. So what then is the purpose for living?

What is there to strive for that give any meaning?

I find myself in a life position where everything is fine. I have work, money, a car, necessities (food etc), net access, smartphone etc etc. I'm finding that life has very little meaning.
My time away from work is spent, well, doing nothing and being bored and having nothing to do that gives me much joy.

What is there to this life when survival isn't a necessary focus?

 

[Amaris]

For me, my purpose in life is to love and to be loved. Everything else will fall into place.

 

[lurok]

J, you're just a nature boy .

Ennui is my default mode, despite all the travel, interesting people, yadda yadda. My sole purpose in life now is to live one day at a time and then die a hopefully quick and painless death. Or a very quick violent one.

 

[thestrangequark]

You make your own meaning. My major drive is insatiable curiosity.

 

[CorporalClegg]

For me, my purpose in life is to love and to be loved. Everything else will fall into place.

I was totally going to say this.

Also, something about awesome.

 

[Into Darkness]

You make your own meaning. My major drive is insatiable curiosity.

I have the same curiosity about all things but it doesn't seem enough. Always feels like there is something missing. That spark of life is forever hidden from me.

 

[thestrangequark]

^Maybe you're depressed?

 

[Into Darkness]

^Maybe you're depressed?

Perhaps, but I have everything I could possibly need to live comfortably, so what's missing?

 

[lurok]

You don't mention love in your OP.

 

[RoJoHen]

^Maybe you're depressed?

Perhaps, but I have everything I could possibly need to live comfortably, so what's missing?

Well, if it's clinical depression, what's missing might be medication.

 

[CorporalClegg]

^Maybe you're depressed?

Perhaps, but I have everything I could possibly need to live comfortably, so what's missing?

Family?

 

[Avon]

why does there have to be a meaning?

 

[RoJoHen]

Because there's no real evidence that we were put here for a reason, we have to find our reasons for being here. If you have the survival part taken care of but aren't really happy, you should probably do some experimentation to see what you can change.

 

[thestrangequark]

^Exactly.

^Maybe you're depressed?

Perhaps, but I have everything I could possibly need to live comfortably, so what's missing?

Depression isn't about having your needs met. If that is what it is then it's about the physiology and biochemistry of your brain. If every single day you are just going through the motions of life and waiting for it to hurry up end...that's concerning.

Or maybe you just need a hobby? If you're in a stable position maybe you need some spice in your life -- if you have the means you could change your job to something more inspiring or philanthropic? Or it could be as simple as adding a morning run to get the endorphins going. Or manufacture a better purpose.

 

[Into Darkness]

I guess it's possible that love is the answer. Hmmm.

 

[lurok]

Love is always the answer. Depends what the question is.

 

[thestrangequark]

I guess it's possible that love is the answer. Hmmm.

Popular music says so, and that's good enough for me.

 

[RoJoHen]

Do you have a social life? Do you have friends? Even if you're not happily married with perfect little children, friendship can bring tremendous purpose to your life.

 

[iguana_tonante]

You make your own meaning. My major drive is insatiable curiosity.

Mine is ineffable awesomeness. But for the rest, I agree.

 

[RoJoHen]

You make your own meaning. My major drive is insatiable curiosity.

Mine is ineffable awesomeness. But for the rest, I agree.

Awesomeness isn't a purpose. It is destiny.