(no subject)
A friend and I have been arguing about whether or not there is indeed A primary purpose that forms the core of our existence. She think there is, and I strongly disagree.
Let us first define the word purpose. I googled on this, and found 6 different definitions for this word. When I summarize all these, it boils down to "satisfying a need".
Lets all think about this on a personal level. What is our purpose in life? Ok. Most of us have an answer to it. Now ask yourself, what was my purpose in life a year ago? 5 years ago? 10 years ago? If you are anything like me, you will have 4 distinct answers to "What is our purpose in life?" based on time and situation.
My friend feels that self-realization is lifes ultimate purpose. Hmm. There is a thought. Most of our religions tell us that self-realization is our goal in life. Buddhism is entirely based on this (at least from what I understand of it). So is Hinduism. I have to respectfully disagree with this too. I present Maslow's Hierarchy*. This studies the needs of humans. Since we defined purpose of an action as satisfying a need, I think I am logical in using Maslow's theories. First and foremost, all of our actions are targeted at the purpose of providing the basic physiological needs such as food and shelter. Then our purpose in life is to provide security. Then it is to find love or belonging. Then it is to garner esteem. Then it is to have self-awareness. At minimum, we have 5 core puposes. Each one equally important.
Many think there are atleast 3 more(Esteem needs,cognitive needs and aesthetic needs).
Self-actualization would logically lead to self-realization, which my friend points out as the core of our existence. However, once we achieve self-realization, wouldn't we want others to achieve it too? So wouldn't our purpose be then to help others achieve it or, Transcendence?
Who knows what lies after that? As far as I know no one has ever achieved purpose 8.
So in summary, there are multiple purposes to our existence. Not just one.
Defense rests.
Maslows Hierarchy
1) Biological and physiological needs- air,food,drink,shelter
2) Safety Needs-protection,order,law,limits
3) Belongingness and Love Needs-family,affection,relationships
4) Esteem needs-achievment,status,responsibility
5) Cognitive Needs-knowledge,meaning,self awareness
6) Aesthetic Needs-beauty,balance,form
7) Self Actualisation-personal growth, self-fulfilment
8) Transcendence-a state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience.Being above and independent of the material universe.
Let us first define the word purpose. I googled on this, and found 6 different definitions for this word. When I summarize all these, it boils down to "satisfying a need".
Lets all think about this on a personal level. What is our purpose in life? Ok. Most of us have an answer to it. Now ask yourself, what was my purpose in life a year ago? 5 years ago? 10 years ago? If you are anything like me, you will have 4 distinct answers to "What is our purpose in life?" based on time and situation.
My friend feels that self-realization is lifes ultimate purpose. Hmm. There is a thought. Most of our religions tell us that self-realization is our goal in life. Buddhism is entirely based on this (at least from what I understand of it). So is Hinduism. I have to respectfully disagree with this too. I present Maslow's Hierarchy*. This studies the needs of humans. Since we defined purpose of an action as satisfying a need, I think I am logical in using Maslow's theories. First and foremost, all of our actions are targeted at the purpose of providing the basic physiological needs such as food and shelter. Then our purpose in life is to provide security. Then it is to find love or belonging. Then it is to garner esteem. Then it is to have self-awareness. At minimum, we have 5 core puposes. Each one equally important.
Many think there are atleast 3 more(Esteem needs,cognitive needs and aesthetic needs).
Self-actualization would logically lead to self-realization, which my friend points out as the core of our existence. However, once we achieve self-realization, wouldn't we want others to achieve it too? So wouldn't our purpose be then to help others achieve it or, Transcendence?
Who knows what lies after that? As far as I know no one has ever achieved purpose 8.
So in summary, there are multiple purposes to our existence. Not just one.
Defense rests.
Maslows Hierarchy
1) Biological and physiological needs- air,food,drink,shelter
2) Safety Needs-protection,order,law,limits
3) Belongingness and Love Needs-family,affection,relationships
4) Esteem needs-achievment,status,responsibility
5) Cognitive Needs-knowledge,meaning,self awareness
6) Aesthetic Needs-beauty,balance,form
7) Self Actualisation-personal growth, self-fulfilment
8) Transcendence-a state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience.Being above and independent of the material universe.