'Purpose' in life

I don't know if any of you watched the Happiness Formula which was on the BBC recently but it basically mentioned that in order to be happy we need a 'purpose' in life.

This 'purpose' is different things for different people. For religious people it tends to be their faith, for high-powered career people it is their job, etc, there are lots of cases where humans dedicate themselves to something which is greater than they are.

The thing is though, I seem to be unable to find a purpose. Things seem futile. I am totally against religion and the concept of faith, a career seems pointless as I'm not interested in anything particular academically at the moment. Not really driven by money. I cannot find a purpose, which makes me wonder if that makes me a less happy person. Where can I find a purpose? What is your purpose?

Reply 1

Profesh

20

I find solace in companionship.

Reply 2

naivesincerity

2

That's rather touching profesh

Reply 3

generalebriety

16

Anonymous

I don't know if any of you watched the Happiness Formula which was on the BBC recently but it basically mentioned that in order to be happy we need a 'purpose' in life.

This 'purpose' is different things for different people. For religious people it tends to be their faith, for high-powered career people it is their job, etc, there are lots of cases where humans dedicate themselves to something which is greater than they are.

The thing is though, I seem to be unable to find a purpose. Things seem futile. I am totally against religion and the concept of faith, a career seems pointless as I'm not interested in anything particular academically at the moment. Not really driven by money. I cannot find a purpose, which makes me wonder if that makes me a less happy person. Where can I find a purpose? What is your purpose?

Ideas for you: friends, family, companions, happiness, charity, health, helping others, making music, being a nice person, making the most out of your life, living each day as if it was the last?

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

generalebriety

Ideas for you: friends, family, companions, happiness, charity, health, helping others, making music, being a nice person, making the most out of your life, living each day as if it was the last?

Thanks for the ideas. Health seems interesting, I could dedicate myself to that, I suppose. Charity is good also. Hmm food for thought.

Reply 5

HearTheThunder

17

Make your purpose to find a purpose.

Reply 6

generalebriety

16

HearTheThunder

Make your purpose to find a purpose.

That's quite cruel, because as soon as you do find a purpose in life, your life as you know it is over. :rolleyes:

Anonymous

Thanks for the ideas. Health seems interesting, I could dedicate myself to that, I suppose. Charity is good also. Hmm food for thought.

No problem. My purpose in life (not that I feel the need to state it much really, as it just comes out in how I act) is trying to change the world for (my understanding of) the better, making other people (especially my friends) happy, generally being honest (sometimes too honest :smile:

and if people dislike me for that then... meh), trustworthy, and so on.

Reply 7

SilverWings

14

HearTheThunder

Make your purpose to find a purpose.

You stole that idea from me :frown:

Reply 8

generalebriety

16

Also, another "purpose" I have in life is to dedicate myself to learning. Because I love it. Can't get enough of that wonderful... information. I guess. :confused:

Reply 9

HearTheThunder

17

SilverWings

You stole that idea from me :frown:

I merely agreed with it :p:

Reply 10

nettle7

Faith doesn't need to have 'religion' attached.

Reply 11

username68316

3

I'm not really sure if i have a valid view on this subject. But what i would do, is to find something or an aspect of life, and use it to enjoy life more and improve it by making it better for others. By this i mean something you are inspired by, or hold very close to your heart.

For example, a couple of years ago i got into long distance walking. The teamwork, friendship, peace and feeling of well being that came from it made me love the environment and everything natural. As a result i'm now interested in global warming, conservation and green issues (i could never have imagined myself being like this a few years ago!), and consequently I want to pursue a career that involves the environment , either safeguarding it, or aiding understanding of it's importance

Thats just how i'd see it, Dunno if ive gone off on a tangent. But the most important thing, is to make a positive effect through whatever your purpose is.

Reply 12

NJA

20

Anonymous

I am totally against religion and the concept of faith,

You are, your faith is in yourself to satisfy yourself from your own abilities - you live by this faith !

You (understandably) have no faith in religion because you have seen no benefit coming from it.

True faith in God is expecting him to do what only he can do. Since Adam and Eve, people have chosen independance from this, they thought they would know good and evil for themselves, call in unbelief, humanism or man-made religion, it all amounts to the same thing, you are a prisoner of your own human limitations.

Reply 13

A Frumious Bandersnatch!

my focus is my walk with God.

that's the single most important thing in my life, and i find that when i concentrate on that, everything else falls into place - companionship, charity, happiness etc

its well good :biggrin:

Reply 14

Happyness

14

mylastserenade

my focus is my walk with God.

that's the single most important thing in my life, and i find that when i concentrate on that, everything else falls into place - companionship, charity, happiness etc

its well good :biggrin:

Remind him i said "hi" from the good fella. He has been walking with strangers like you very lately. Seems odd.