At some point or the other in life we all reach a situation that makes us question our very existence. Why are we on this earth? Is there a purpose in life? What are we meant to do or be? While nobody has been come up with any clear answers to such question, various theories do exist. And for peaceful living, following one of these becomes a wise thing to do.
If one embarks on a specific path, which is religious, scientific, political, or any other, a goal seems preset by what or who one follows. A purpose could be defined by means of the way of life, the actions to be done on a daily basis, or even the ultimate objective of that belief or path.
Some people live their lives according to the teachings of spiritual or religious leaders, who they call gurus. Their outlook to life and the way of living it is all governed by the belief system set by that religion or spiritual path. Their sense of meaning in this world is achieved by fulfilling what this cause demands of them.
Similarly, for those who choose to live by the scientific methods preached and advised by a theory or organization, all logic and reasoning is defined by that very theory. Meanings are searched within the knowledge of that methodical functioning.
This does not imply, however, that each person is born with a certain calling associated with them. There are many, in fact, who spend large parts of their lives wondering what their purpose in this world actually could be. They try and search answers in science, religion, astrology, politics or any other way, but remain lost. Their queries and doubts remain unsolved and life continues to be a mystery to them.
Many such people go on without either caring much about having no purpose, or simply not giving it much weight and value. However, many others get lost in these very musings and in turn, get caught in a web of distress and misery. They may go to such extremes with such thoughts that their very existence may become questionable to them.
Spending life mulling over such thoughts is actually the antithesis of this dilemma. Not having a goal should not mean dire fruitlessness of existence. In fact, it is up to a human being to find a goal or an objective and make it the purpose of their life.
Here is an example. A person with no stringent religious or social beliefs could find his joy and peace in imparting education to children on the street. He may devote his entire being to this purpose and actually create a purposeful life out of no conventional belief system. As a professional, he may be a musician or architect, but as a human being, he could be this hero for underprivileged kids.
Another case such as the above may be that of a botany lover, who may not be a professional, but a visionary in her own way. She may devote her time and mind to research on certain types of plants that the others may deem worthy of little thought. This could be the purpose of her existence.
A meaningfulness does not come upon one at any decided time in life. Neither are people born with it, nor do they necessarily find it as a result of education. The true significance of our lives is almost always found within ourselves.
If one embarks on a specific path, which is religious, scientific, political, or any other, a goal seems preset by what or who one follows. A purpose could be defined by means of the way of life, the actions to be done on a daily basis, or even the ultimate objective of that belief or path.
Some people live their lives according to the teachings of spiritual or religious leaders, who they call gurus. Their outlook to life and the way of living it is all governed by the belief system set by that religion or spiritual path. Their sense of meaning in this world is achieved by fulfilling what this cause demands of them.
Similarly, for those who choose to live by the scientific methods preached and advised by a theory or organization, all logic and reasoning is defined by that very theory. Meanings are searched within the knowledge of that methodical functioning.
This does not imply, however, that each person is born with a certain calling associated with them. There are many, in fact, who spend large parts of their lives wondering what their purpose in this world actually could be. They try and search answers in science, religion, astrology, politics or any other way, but remain lost. Their queries and doubts remain unsolved and life continues to be a mystery to them.
Many such people go on without either caring much about having no purpose, or simply not giving it much weight and value. However, many others get lost in these very musings and in turn, get caught in a web of distress and misery. They may go to such extremes with such thoughts that their very existence may become questionable to them.
Spending life mulling over such thoughts is actually the antithesis of this dilemma. Not having a goal should not mean dire fruitlessness of existence. In fact, it is up to a human being to find a goal or an objective and make it the purpose of their life.
Here is an example. A person with no stringent religious or social beliefs could find his joy and peace in imparting education to children on the street. He may devote his entire being to this purpose and actually create a purposeful life out of no conventional belief system. As a professional, he may be a musician or architect, but as a human being, he could be this hero for underprivileged kids.
Another case such as the above may be that of a botany lover, who may not be a professional, but a visionary in her own way. She may devote her time and mind to research on certain types of plants that the others may deem worthy of little thought. This could be the purpose of her existence.
A meaningfulness does not come upon one at any decided time in life. Neither are people born with it, nor do they necessarily find it as a result of education. The true significance of our lives is almost always found within ourselves.
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