ONE GREAT QUESTION underlies our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not: What is the purpose of life? I have considered this question and would like to share my thoughts.
I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. I don't know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.
How to achieve happiness
For a start, it is possible to divide every kind of happiness and suffering into two main categories: mental and physical. Of the two, it is the mind that exerts the greatest influence on most of us. Unless we are either gravely ill or deprived of basic necessities, our physical condition plays a secondary role in life. If the body is content, we virtually ignore it. The mind, however, registers every event, no matter how small. Hence we should devote our most serious efforts to bringing about mental peace.
From my own limited experience I have found that the greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion.
Enjoy Xmas Day
So what are other members of the forum Thoughts on this matter?
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For Epicurus, the purpose of life was pleasure ... which he defined as "freedom from pain and fear". The Epicurean way to live, and therefore the best way to achieve pleasure, was to secure tranquillity, peace of mind, and a clear conscience.
Very well put Janet, I agree with that as well. A good philosophy.
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You mention the metal and physical state but what about Spiritual. This is above a mental state and cannot be defined in the same way. It can give us an inner peace and a striving towards goals that gives meaning and purpose to life and puts mental and physical into second and third place.
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the meaning of life is to be happy . i don t think we as human beings will ever be truly happy as we all strive for to much. the grass is always greener . im trying to think what makes us happy a big house, a nice car, lots of money, the sun, drink, 2.4 children, marriage. it seems to me that everything we do is set in stone we meet someone we marry and have kids that to me is the meaning of our lifes.if you are happy thereafter i think you are very lucky
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what makes us happy a big house, a nice car, lots of money, the sun, drink, 2.4 children, marriage. it seems to me that everything we do is set in stone we meet someone we marry and have kids that to me is the meaning of our lifes.if you are happy thereafter i think you are very lucky
I think that's quite a sad philosophy, though. I don't think that happiness is a thing, in the sense that it's something that can be acquired, but something that is a by-product of feeling fulfilled, or at peace with oneself and the world.
the meaning of life is to be happy . i don t think we as human beings will ever be truly happy as we all strive for to much. the grass is always greener . im trying to think what makes us happy a big house, a nice car, lots of money, the sun, drink, 2.4 children, marriage. it seems to me that everything we do is set in stone we meet someone we marry and have kids that to me is the meaning of our lifes.if you are happy thereafter i think you are very lucky
It does not to be set in stone. We have freedom of choice and can change the direction of our lives. Many people have lost all their possesions overnight but have come through that situation. Sometimes it is better to simplify our lives rather than keep on adding to the burdens to carry.
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Location: Up a Mountain on the West Coast of Tenerife!
Gender:
Posts: 20,068
My Mood:
I'm happy. I have two lovely children, a roof over my head and a job I love.
I'm not rich, but I have no debts. At the end of the day, It'd be nice to get a new car, or to have a bit more cash, but that doesn't define my hapiness. I think the nicest thing in the world is glancing up while putting my washing out on a sunday morning and gasping at the stunning view of Gomera...
...that's happy!
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I believe that the purpose of life is not the persuit of individual happiness but the persuit of happiness for future generations.
This is achieve by various means including, invention, education and on a family level the passing on of love, values and of course residual wealth and experiences.
Just my 2c worth.
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For Epicurus, the purpose of life was pleasure ... which he defined as "freedom from pain and fear". The Epicurean way to live, and therefore the best way to achieve pleasure, was to secure tranquillity, peace of mind, and a clear conscience.
I've always agreed with that.
Thanks for everyones replies..have been off line for the holidays...so I am now able to reply to you all if only at one at a time...(must read up how to multi Quote)
Thanks for that Janet I have not been called an Epicurean before, an anthropologist yes...but Epicurean no...so had to google it and I found much of the articles interesting and relevant in how my heart tries to move in the light of trust and honesty. I feel the more we care for the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes. Cultivating a close, warm-hearted feeling for others automatically puts the mind at ease. This helps me remove whatever fears or insecurities I may have and gives me the strength to cope with any obstacles I encounter. I feel it is the ultimate source of success in life.
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Thoughts While Heading towards the New Year! 
Hi Everyone
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