This is a question that requires deep insight and analysis.
But I think it has a simple answer.
I am neither a great philosopher nor a thinker. My answer is not my own. I walk in the shoes of the giants here. The answer towards which I have the most affinity is this,
The purpose of life is to live it.
I know, not a fancy answer. But like most things in life simplicity often trumps complex mumbo jumbo that we try to make everything into.
I agree with this piece of the answer because it resonates the most with me. There is no divine purpose that we are given on this planet earth. Our job is just to experience every emotion and experience that life can offer to us. To see its varied colors and marvel at them. Not to only be touched by its joys but by its sorrows as well.
What else could be the purpose of our presence here on this beautiful piece of rock?
Joan Didion
Write Joan Didion, shares some advice on life:
“I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it. To look at it. To try to get the picture. To live recklessly. To take chances. To make your own work and take pride in it. To seize the moment. And if you ask me why you should bother to do that, I could tell you that the grave’s a fine and private place, but none I think do there embrace. Nor do they sing there, or write, or argue, or see the tidal bore on the Amazon, or touch their children. And that’s what there is to do and get it while you can and good luck at it.”
Source: 1975 Commencement Address at the University of California, Riverside
I read it: James Clear newsletter
Here Joan Didion’s advice is similar, i.e. purpose of life is to live it. To live on the edge. To take chances, and go beyond the horizon.
I found a useful infographic on a website summarising the views of different philosophies on the meaning of life.
Analyze all the different answers above and take your pick that aligns most with your values and life.
The meaning or purpose of life can be different for different people, and there is no one correct answer.
However, go deep into whatever meaning you pick from above. Study it thoroughly and change your choice if necessary. Don’t choose and stop.
Keep thinking and learning about this one question that I think we all want an answer to.
I write daily here on my blog. There is no limit to the word count. I am not focusing on any topic here. I want to build a daily writing habit. This is Day 40 of the Daily Writing Challenge in 2022.