Life and Its Purpose

"What's the purpose of life?". This is a question as old as life itself. Philosophers and Psychologists have provided various insights on this. Some of them are below:

Aristotle believed in eudaimonia, or flourishing, as the ultimate goal of life, achieved through virtue and reason. A Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl believed that finding meaning is essential for psychological health. He identified three primary sources of meaning: work, love, and suffering. Immanuel Kant argued that the purpose of life is to act in accordance with moral laws that one autonomously recognises. For Kant, life has meaning when people live ethically and make decisions based on the categorical imperative, which requires acting according to principles that could be universal laws. Friedrich Nietzsche often considered a precursor to existentialism. He believed that the purpose of life was the will to power—the drive to assert oneself, to overcome obstacles, and to achieve greatness or self-overcoming. For Nietzsche, individuals must create their own values and purpose rather than relying on external sources.

Many religions also provide a framework for understanding life’s purpose. For instance, in Christianity, it often revolves around serving God and others, while In Buddhist philosophy, the purpose of life is to end suffering and achieve enlightenment. This is done by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which involves right understanding, right intention, and ethical conduct, among other practices.

Ultimately, the question of life’s purpose might not have a universal answer, but it invites exploration and reflection on what is meaningful to each of us. On an individual level, many find purpose through relationships, passions, and contributions to society. Personally, I chose Existentialism. This challenges individuals to confront their freedom, make meaningful choices, and take responsibility for their lives. Following are some of the interesting philosophers in this area:

Jean-Paul Sartre an existentialist, argued that life has no inherent purpose or meaning. Instead, individuals are free to create their own meaning through their actions and choices. He emphasized that existence precedes essence, meaning humans are not born with a predetermined purpose but must define themselves. Albert Camus, an absurdist, believed that the search for meaning in a universe that appears indifferent or meaningless is absurd. However, he argued that people should embrace this absurdity and continue to live passionately and authentically, finding personal meaning in the struggle itself.

Going by Existentialism, there is no big purpose in life. Being kind to oneself and others, extending a helping hand when possible, and trying to be the best version of oneself everyday is purpose by itself.

Understanding this and also your own life purpose often involves self-discovery and alignment with personal values. What resonates most with you about this topic?