Purpose – Vital Necessity or Simply Expendable for our Survival and Happiness?

Definition:
The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

Meaning vs. Purpose:
Meaning and purpose, while related, refer to distinct concepts. Meaning is about understanding the significance of something in the past, while purpose is about the future and the actions taken to achieve a desired outcome. Meaning is more about comprehending the "why" behind something, while purpose is about the "what" and "how" of moving forward.

The Philosophy of Purpose:
The concept of purpose is a central theme in philosophy, with various schools of thought offering different views. Some philosophies propose that everything has an inherent purpose or goal. Others, like existentialism, argue that individuals create their own purpose. Still others, like utilitarianism, focus on maximizing happiness for the greatest number of people as a source of purpose. Ultimately, the philosophy of purpose explores questions about meaning, value, and the nature of existence.
Subsequently, the philosophy of purpose is a complex and multifaceted topic with no single, universally accepted answer. Different individuals and philosophical traditions offer diverse perspectives on what gives life meaning and value. However, here are some of many examples.

Aristotle was the first to suggest that everything happens for a reason. He believed that everything happening to you today has a purpose as it helps you to become who you are. He argued that the ultimate purpose of human life is to achieve eudaimonia, often translated as flourishing or happiness, through virtuous living.

Existentialist philosophers like Sartre and Camus argue that life has no inherent meaning. Instead, individuals are free to create their own purpose and meaning through their choices and actions.

Postmodernism postulates that meaning is not inherent or universal, but rather a social construct influenced by various factors.

Utilitarianism suggests that the purpose of life is to maximise happiness and minimise suffering for the greatest number of people.

Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius emphasised living in accordance with nature and reason, focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is not to achieve purpose.

Nietzsche reinforces the value of purpose with his famous assertion: “He who has a “why” to live can bear almost any “how”.” It is understood that your “why” must not be grand or revolutionary but matters to you. Searching for meaning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.

Finding Purpose:
In summary, some philosophies emphasize discovering a pre-existing purpose, while others focus on creating purpose through individual choices and actions.

The Role of Values
Values play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of purpose, as they guide our choices and actions.

The Importance of Self-Reflection (is there any?):
Engaging in self-reflection and introspection can be helpful in understanding one's own values and motivations, which can lead to a greater sense of purpose.

The neuroscience of purpose explores how a sense of meaning and direction in life influences brain function and overall well-being. Research indicates that having a strong purpose is linked to increased brain resilience, better cognitive function, and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Furthermore, purpose can enhance motivation, improve mood, and even promote healthier behaviours.

Some questions for this topic:
· What gives us purpose?
· Is it in our nature to search for purpose?
· What are the consequences of finding no purpose?
· Has modern life created a culture where purpose is harder to find?
· Are we following values which give us little or no purpose?
· What can we do to create purpose?
· Is there a conflict between motivation and finding purpose?
· Can we find purpose without self-reflection?
· These and many more…