What Exactly Is The Purpose of Existence?

From the day we’re born, religion informs us that our lives are already planned out – what we will become, how we will become it, when we will become it and when what we become will all end. Even the smallest things like what we eat, say, and do seem like a part of a big plan. Religion tells us that our successes and struggles aren’t just random; they’re all written in a special script. It’s like we’re characters in a story, playing out our parts from beginning to end. So, every little thing we do, every word we say, religion supposes that it’s all been decided long ago, whispered into the wind of forever. It’s like choreographed movements in the dance of fate. From the cradle to the grave, we live out our lives – each word, each action, and each heartbeat has been written and meant to happen.

This brings about the question of the worth of our existence. If everything has been written and destined, why should we struggle to gain importance or relevance in life? Some people say they do not desire to become popular or famous, but it is undeniable they also wish to make their mark in this life. Whether they want fame or popularity or not, they desire to live a life that is, at least, enjoyable. They want to be able to afford freedom from poverty and oppression, and be free from worry. Whether life is worth living or not, no one wants to pass through the earth like a snake strolling through the rock’s surface, impactless. No matter how little, they want to not only make life comfortable for themselves but also impact lives.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, honourable, compassionate, and have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Everyone seems to be fixated on living a purposeful life, but as there are…