by John Graham

Created on: October 21, 2008

What is our purpose in life?

It's an interesting idea: that we should have a purpose.

Looking at the totality of life on this planet we find that most species feed on others and are themselves fodder for higher species. Each layer supports the next against all odds and in that way each layer has a purpose in an interlocking global population.

Cows, if asked, what is your purpose in life?' might reply, "I feed humans through my milk and my flesh and sometimes I feed wild animals as well, but my life is relatively long and I am well cared for by other species, for my uses. My calves have the same destiny."

Cats might answer, "I bring pleasure to the human species with a coat that can be stroked and by being responsive to their approaches. For that I am well treated, housed and fed and my kittens are cared for in the same way."

Human beings have a more difficult time in answering the question since they are at the top of the food chain. They have agriculturally and technically improved the planet but only for themselves. Better barns for the livestock and the protection of some endangered species are hardly a prime purpose in life. Neither are energy systems devoted to support humans.

We are born, educated in the wisdom of the day over some 25 years to lead a fairly productive life, supporting other human beings at least, for another 40, until we slowly fade away into dust and distant memory. One could hardly use those facts as an argument to show the worth of our having existed.

I believe that is why many people take to mythology and support their sanity by believing they are here "to do God's work." Unfortunately, that is a cop out since God' is only a product of their minds.

So what is our purpose in life?

I don't believe we have one other than to be part of a continuing species.

Those who help others along the way, generally do it for themselves. Give a dime to a beggar and you feel good. Contribute to prolonging life through donating to cancer research and you feel good. But one cannot believe that the purpose of one's life is to perform small acts of charity.

Strictly speaking then, one's purpose in life is to propagate the species, no more and no less. Fortunately a sufficient number of our species succeed in this purpose. For myself, when I look into the faces of my children and know that they will have successful lives, my purpose is accomplished.

Learn more about this author, John Graham.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.