Puzzle for the Day, Month, Lifetime:When you strip off all the barnacles that grow around the many discussions about the “meaning of life”, you finally get down to one basic, unblemished pearl.
That pearl says that the real meaning of your life---or the purpose of individual living, is to help the world move in its haltingly slow walk toward “Perfect”.
If such were not true, why then do all people, animals, insects and even plants have at least two inborn, compulsive urges or defensive reflexes: (1) to survive (self-preservation) and (2) procreation so as to perpetrate their species on this earth for as long as their species fills a role, or a need or is not replaced by a better survivor.
Well, then, you can ask why does the earth have to improve? Who says so?
The answer is beyond all of us, except for two very apparent observations. The first observation is that somehow the creator of the earth had a specific purpose or otherwise we wouldn’t have seen all the progress that has taken place since prehistoric man, for example. The second observation is there is no example ever cited of something created on earth that was completely useless.
So what happens ‘WHEN THE WORLD REACHES PERFECTION?” Answer: It can’t reach perfection!!! Why??? Because as things get better, the standard for “Perfect” rises. The definition changes. It’s possible that the definition of “world” can expand. Even to “universe”.
Try on that idea for size! We are here to help the world move forward, if it’s nothing more than to provide a “need” for someone to fill or a face to feed.
And as the world moves toward “perfect”, it should, by definition, provide a better life for all the world’s inhabitants. Therefore, you are on this earth to help make all people have a better life now and in the future.
So, now, how does that make you feel? More important!?! More worthwhile?!!?
You are!! Hurray!!!
But it would seem that not all humans are "wired" to make things better for all. Why are some people bent on destruction of themselves, others, the world? Some people use their smarts to cause problems for the rest of us - is this the classic good vs. evil struggle?
ReplyDeleteI know I'm here to help make all people have a better life now and in the future, and I actually take comfort in doing so. Here's an interesting thought - if it weren't challenging to make things better, to continually improve - would we do it? Maybe the slugs, the bums, the evil-doers are here to ensure the necessary challenge the rest of us need.
As a Presbyterian, I believe that we are all here for a reason and that we have a purpose to fulfill. I don't necessarily believe that everything is pre-ordained, but just knowing that we have a purpose is good enough.
Enjoyed your post.