- Question
What is the purpose of life?
An age old question, that drives so much human energy to explore and understand. From religion, to work, to family, to friends, to pleasure, to exploration, to discovery, to ambition... much of our lives are spent in search of a meaning for life itself. Is there a reason behind our being?
The purpose of life is survival
"Survival of the fittest" is a common phrase in the biology field. If humans are not intent on their survival, they will go extinct. Similar to other species, humans eat, drink, and avoid danger their entire lives to stay alive. People spend their days making sure they survive to live another day; that is the sole purpose of life.
The purpose of life is procreation
Procreation has been the driving force between human interactions for centuries. If people did not procreate, they would not exist. Therefore, the purpose of life is to procreate and continue giving life to future generations.
There is no purpose to life
Life exists in indifference to any human interpretation of its purpose. For centuries, there have been attempts to explain the objectives of existence, but none have been successful or have been reduced to infinite regressions. Any proposed meanings to life are superficial, arbitrary, or temporary.
The purpose of life is happiness
Humans are capable of profound understandings of life and purpose. Philosophers and laymen alike believe the sole purpose of life is to live well and in happiness. A eudaemonic life, to reference Aristotle, is lived by simply flourishing in one's own means of virtue, goodness, and justice.
The purpose of life is to do good
Making others happy and reducing suffering should be the main priorities of human life.
The purpose of life is the pursuit of pleasure
Our actions are not directly linked to their biological purpose. Usually, we eat, drink, and have sex for pleasure rather than for survival and procreation. Therefore, life's ultimate purpose is to fulfil these desires.