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[paganelly]

Some say that the purpose of our existence is to seek happiness. Is a life based on seeking personal happiness by nature self-centered or self-indulgent? Do you believe that in our modern time, in Western society, it is even possible to achieve personal happiness? Or are we too engrossed in technology, the demand for instant gratification and

Comments

[archmage]

I think we've lost sight of the fact that happiness is more than a momentary fleeting bit of shiny contentment.

As for a "purpose to life", I don't see life is something that has a purpose, it simply is a state of being. Now, if one wants to speak of the quality of said life, then it seems that the idea of trying to have the best one can have is better than the alternative. The trick comes in whether you do so at the expense of those around you, or do so in harmony with those around you.

Can one achieve personal happiness in life? Sure. Like all things, it takes work and definition.

[captain_snarky]

If you want to get technical about it, the purpose of our existence, like all living things, is to reproduce and continue the species.
Since the planet doesn't technically need us on it though, that purpose is only specific to whatever species. Speaking in universal sort of terms, we're without purpose.

You want to get into individual definitions then your life is whatever you want it to be. Happy or not. I've known people in the worst circumstances who are really content, and people who want for nothing that are miserable.
It's all relative.