What is our purpose

 Purpose. A simple word with profound implications.

 What is it that compels us to rise each morning, strive for something – anything - more than the mere act of existence? This question about purpose has occupied the minds of philosophers, and ordinary individuals since the dawn of human consciousness. Some have found clear answers, while others continue to grapple with the idea, unsure whether the quest for purpose is even necessary! We are living, aren’t we? 

At the heart of this inquiry, lies the diversity of answers that individuals may offer, when asked about their “purpose”. For some, the response is immediate and crystal clear: wealth, success, fame, recognition. For others, purpose is more elusive, a concept that shifts with time and circumstance. What follows is a reflection on the possible dimensions of purpose, not as a definitive answer, but as an exploration of the ways in which people approach this perennial question.

For many, the notion of purpose is closely tied to material gain and success. Wealth, after all, provides access to a multitude of opportunities: comfort, security, stability and the ability to indulge in some or all of  life's luxuries. The pursuit of wealth is often seen as the route to freedom—to do what you want, when you want, and without being constrained by the limits of financial resources. Success, too, often carries the connotation of respect, recognition, and a certain social status that signifies you’ve “finally made it.” But does the accumulation of wealth and success truly equate to purpose, or is it merely a means to an end?

The question arises: is there something more? Is the pursuit of success hollow, if it’s not accompanied by deeper meaning?

Recognition, like wealth, is another common motivator for those searching for purpose. To be acknowledged for one's talents and efforts, to be seen and valued—this validation can offer a profound sense of worth. For many, it is not enough to succeed privately; they crave the public acknowledgment that comes with accolades, awards, and praise. This needs to be seen, can often intersect with the desire for love.

There are those for whom purpose is deeply spiritual. To live a life aligned with the teachings of a higher power—whether it be God, the universe, or a metaphysical principle—provides a moral compass and a sense of divine purpose. For them, purpose is not rooted in material success or social recognition but in humility, empathy, love, kindness, and faith. Their life is not a race to the top but a steady walk toward enlightenment or salvation. 

For a large majority, it is a mixture of all the above-  and then some more 

For others, the notion of purpose is far less grandiose. Why must there be a singular purpose? Why can’t life simply be lived and enjoyed?

 Perhaps our purpose is not something to be achieved, but something to be experienced moment by moment, breath by breath. 

This approach to life removes the pressure to constantly be more, achieve more, or do more. It suggests that we are enough as we are, and that perhaps the only true purpose is to experience the world in its fullness without the burden of expectations. We can finally get off the Ferris wheel.

But must one have a purpose at all? The idea that every individual needs a clear, well- defined purpose, can sometimes feel overwhelming, even unnecessary, to make sense of an otherwise chaotic existence. To exist without purpose is not to exist in vain; it’s merely to exist, and for some, that is enough.

The search for purpose is a deep human endeavor. It may be a question without a definitive answer, but perhaps the value lies in the search itself—the ongoing reflection, the continuous striving, and the understanding that life’s purpose may not be singular or fixed, but as fluid as life itself.

In the words of the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

 Purpose, like life, may not always be clear in the present moment, but it reveals itself over time, through our experiences, choices, and reflections.