What are adults supposed to be concerned about?

What are the things that are supposed to bring joy once an adult?

What gives life meaning?

To make things better. To enjoy it.
I don't think there is any meaning to life. Just enjoy it while you've got it. The things that give my life meaning are the people I know.

I do not see may differences between adults and children, even toddlers. The only difference is the ability to communicate and sexual maturity\activity. Which should ideally begin at 18.

As a matter of fact perhaps we can view old age as a regression to a childlike state. The older you get the closer they become to toddlership.

There is no "supposed". My goal is to make money so I can live an easy life without stress and be creative in my free time.

I guess the main goal is to survive, a close second is to be happy.

I guess the main goal is to survive, a close second is to be happy.

to survive? That's the main goal? It may be what I do day to day, but it never even crosses my mind that I HAVE to survive. That's depressing.

Ok, guys. Everyone wants to enjoy life and be "happy". Is it a goal or a choice?

to survive? That's the main goal? It may be what I do day to day, but it never even crosses my mind that I HAVE to survive. That's depressing.

Who ever said your goal in life must be a conscious one ?

Of course procreation is the reason we need to survive.

to survive? That's the main goal? It may be what I do day to day, but it never even crosses my mind that I HAVE to survive. That's depressing.

How can it not cross your mind?

to survive? That's the main goal? It may be what I do day to day, but it never even crosses my mind that I HAVE to survive. That's depressing.

You pretty much have to survive to fulfill any other goal though :p

I thought he asked what brings joy to an adults life, what gives a life meaning, what adults are supposed ot be concerned about.

Survival never never crosses my mind. I suppose it would if I lived in a war zone. Survival brings you joy? I honestly find that sad.

How can it not cross your mind?

Survival? Because my life isn't rotten enough that I ever think of surviving anything.

Survival? Because my life isn't rotten enough that I ever think of surviving anything.

Your life doesn't have to be rotten to consider survival. I lost my dad to an accident when I was 11 years old. Now, as a parent myself, I think about survival all the time.
It's why my Harley sits in the garage, why I've quit tobacco and a host of other dangerous things I used to enjoy.

Survival brings you joy? I honestly find that sad.

Huh ?

Your life doesn't have to be rotten to consider survival. I lost my dad to an accident when I was 11 years old. Now, as a parent myself, I think about survival all the time.
It's why my Harley sits in the garage, why I've quit tobacco and a host of other dangerous things I used to enjoy.

well, I don't do dangerous things. :shrug: I never ever ever think of survival.
I think of cookies and donuts because they taste good, not because I don't want to starve.
I think of sex because its fun, not because I want to continue the species.
I think of peaches and strawberries because they are sweet and juicy, not because I worry about staving off cancer
I dance because its fun, not because exercise will hold off obesity.

I live my life, I don't worry about surviving it.

I live my life, I don't worry about surviving it.

Sure, you go to the doctor when you feel sick ? You put on your seatbelt ?

Etc, etc.

It's really subjective. For me, family and friends are what give my life joy and meaning. As far as what I should be concerned about...well, it would have to be the well-being of myself and my family. In reality, I'm concerned about my performance at work, about global warming, about who will be our next president, about how many more seasons my favorite TV show will be on the air, etc., etc..

There is no one blanket answer. Ask yourself that question, and you'll have your answer.

Life is like the waves it has its ups and downs
Life is like a roller coaster it has its twists and turns
Life is like a sport it just depends on what we play
Life is like a game of poker it just depends on what we are dealt

Life can be given life can be taken
Life can be a curse life can be a blessing
Life can be a pain life can be in sain

Life has its ways life has its days
Life has its love life has its hate
Life has its gentler touch but it has its harder punch

Life brings you your knees when you feel in need
Life brings you a lot of things
but in the end it depends on what we do


tom Le Guilcher

To live a productive life and to contribute something of value to society.

To listen to death metal, go mountain biking, drink lots of red bull and have sex. :D

Survival? Because my life isn't rotten enough that I ever think of surviving anything.

you are ignorant. As you are alive today, obviously survival has been your foremost goal.

Ok, guys. Everyone wants to enjoy life and be "happy". Is it a goal or a choice?

People in general make very poor choices as to what will make them happy.

A strong purpose in my opinion, is one of contemplation on happiness and then the mindful pursuit.

To exist. What purpose does the Mona Lisa have? Brings joy to those who have seen it, is a testament to human ability. How many of us will ever create that classic work? Probably none. How many of us will cure a disease? Probably none. How many of us will cure poverty? NONE.

At this moment, my purpose of life is to collect 100,000 Euro, so my parent
will allow me to start family life (get married). At this moment, I have just
been able to collect about 5% of it. So, any donation is very welcome. :)





I was just kidding with the whole thing :-P

At this moment, my purpose of life is to collect 100,000 Euro, so my parent
will allow me to start family life (get married). At this moment, I have just
been able to collect about 5% of it. So, any donation is very welcome. :)





I was just kidding with the whole thing :-P

This thread is for adults, Inzomnia. :D J/K

to get strange, interesting pussy.
was almost tempted tonight by an absolute marvel of science but decided that it was to risky to be even deemed research.

At this moment, my purpose of life is to collect 100,000 Euro, so my parent
will allow me to start family life (get married). At this moment, I have just
been able to collect about 5% of it. So, any donation is very welcome. :)





I was just kidding with the whole thing :-P

sure you are. LOL................

To do grand things.

you are ignorant. As you are alive today, obviously survival has been your foremost goal.

and you are a big giant poopy head.

Survival has never been my goal. It may be a result of what I do, but it has never been a goal. It's just happily worked out that way.

to get strange, interesting pussy.
was almost tempted tonight by an absolute marvel of science but decided that it was to risky to be even deemed research.

Strange as in someone you have never met before? Or strange as in grandma?

new girls with strange perversions.not actually the purpose of my life,i was extremely messed up last night though.

Life doesnt have a purpose...but neither does music.

Or a tropical sunset. :)

there is no purpose, no meaning, and we are here to remember why we are here. we are here for the experience of being here as we are. we came to be right here, right now and in this eternal moment. HERE; time does not exist. we come from the realm of the absolute which i believe GOD LIVES. we came from this "realm" to experience who we really are. and from there we became a part of "something" Being Something is what we are. "We Are Something". "I Am What I Am"

and you are a big giant poopy head.

Survival has never been my goal. It may be a result of what I do, but it has never been a goal. It's just happily worked out that way.

I see where you are coming from.

To me, absolutely everything I do can be arranged on a sort of goal-heirarchy. From wanting a happy life, to reaching for the TV remote, to moving my arm, to breathing.

To collect stamps...

to steal Syzygys's stamps

What is the purpose of life?

If one says the only purpose it to procreate then why not kill yourself after you have sex and created another life, that is if your purpose is to only procreate as you would have accomplished your purpose?

If your purpose is to survive, why fight for survival for so many years when you know death is unavoidable and will ultimately happen, what is the purpose of this?

Being happy is your purpose in life? Is this a “purpose” of life or rather a choice to make the time go by easier and more enjoyable?

My brother was murdered when we were teens and that has haunted me only in the sense that he really hasn’t missed anything in life except the normal stuff of getting married and having a family but that too is overrated in these days and times with the high rate of divorce and all the problems with children these days.

I often wonder if my brother was still alive, if he wouldn’t be struggling with all the stuff other people struggle with, including the question of what is his purpose in life was.

I question the purpose of life every day and still have not figured out the answer, but I do know that life is short enough as it is, so I try to live a simple life and try to enjoy it as much as possible, but enjoying life is not as purpose, but rather an option for me.

The older I get the more my own mortality haunts me as I realize just how insignificant life really is becuse even with all the medical wonders and advances I will still die and that will be the end of it.

Happiness is not a goal, happiness is a side effect. Survival is not a goal, but a side effect. Each human lives for their own purpose. There is no one singular overarching purpose. I have recently decided on two for myself. 1) Protect my children while giving them the best possible situation from which to start their adult lives, 2) I want to get as close to 2050 as I can.

and you are a big giant poopy head.

Survival has never been my goal. It may be a result of what I do, but it has never been a goal. It's just happily worked out that way.



If you're so lucky that you don't even have to try to stay alive and you somehow manage to, go play the fucking lottery.

...because even with all the medical wonders and advances I will still die and that will be the end of it.
Perhaps not...?

http://www.near-death.com/evidence.html

If you're so lucky that you don't even have to try to stay alive and you somehow manage to, go play the fucking lottery.

OK, so explain your day to me.
Do you wake up thinking of all the things you have to do in order to survive? The food you have to eat so you don't starve. Hope that your water is pure so you don't get sick? The guns are loaded in case you are attacked?

Survival never crosses my mind. If I was homeless, it probably would. If I lived in Iraq, it would.
Instead I think of all the ways to enjoy my life, not merely survive it.

I don't think there is any meaning to life.

The things that give my life meaning are...

;)
-------------------------
Define 'meaning' in this context; something that makes it worthwhile? Or something that makes a difference to the world/universe/society as a whole?

The purpose of life seems to be mostly about survival and the passing on of genentic code. For the most part we don't really know what for. Is it to survive better, be more attractive to potential mates, be stronger or is there more?

I believe there is more. Unfortunatly no-one teaches you what the right direction is when setting out to live or plan ones lifetime. But to think of it as simply surviving is imo leaving out a crucial ingredient. After all why do we fight for honour, freedom, integrity, religion and protect our young. Love and compasion comes to mind but again there is more to it than that.

To some extent I believe the key in understanding or setting out ones path in life is to search for the moment. The moment cannot be defined as such only recognised as one when it come along. Few of them happen to us in a lifetime but if astute you can increase the frequency of their occurance. So what are the indications of a moment occuring? Well some are more obvious than others for example the 9/11 incident or the assasination of President Kenedy maybe even a natural occurance like being in the eye of a storm or witnissing a total eclipse can all contribute to a moment sometimes called the holy moment. Sometimes when there are people working together to achieve a united goal they can give rise to a moment, a good recent example would be the Large Hydrogen Collider project in Switzerland. I guarantee you that each individual will feel something they will never forget or experience again if they discover the illusive Higgs Particle.

Live for the moment.

Well some are more obvious than others for example the 9/11 incident or the assasination of President Kenedy maybe even a natural occurance like being in the eye of a storm or witnissing a total eclipse can all contribute to a moment sometimes called the holy moment. Sometimes when there are people working together to achieve a united goal they can give rise to a moment, a good recent example would be the Large Hydrogen Collider project in Switzerland.

:wtf:A holy moment you just made that up right :)
Also i take it you mean the LHC or Hadron collider in suisse?
And again :wtf:holy moment.....?

(P/Moan)
I believe the key in understanding or setting out ones path in life is to search for the moment. The moment cannot be defined as such only recognised as one when it come along.....

I.E.(the example's you gave)
1. twin towers 9/11
2. assasination of kenedy
3. being in the eye of a storm
4. witnessing a total eclipse

I do not see this relating to the purpose of life as an adult .....? at all..

I could break it down but its old ground which will end up with the same results cleverly worded pshyco-babble with no meaning,no explanation = no point..

To me I think the purpose of life as an adult is nurturing the social and ecconomic potential for the next generation ensuring that problems you had growing up are not repeated but avoided...Its about taking responsibility

The purpose of life seems to be mostly about survival and the passing on of genentic code.So are you saying that those of our race who decide not to have children are somehow failing their supposed purpose? :eek:
And I say it with all seriousness...: ":eek:"

And I think the rest of your post is drivel.... but that's just my opinion.


The "purpose" of our lives is whatever we want it to be... whether it be what we set ourselves that day, or our long-term goals.

But there is zero "purpose" for the human race as a whole, any more than a virus has a "purpose". You might say it is to replicate and spread... but is this its "purpose" or merely what it does?

Furthermore, "purpose" is given to something by someone else - generally by the user of that thing (e.g. the purpose of a spoon is to hold food, but could also be a tool to tunnel out of prison). Thus, as a single human we can apply a purpose to ourselves (because we are our own users) but we can not apply it to humanity as a whole.

People who don't pass on their genetic code are failing their ancestors. All things being equal they're probably doing the rest of us a favour. Recent studies have shown that less intelligent people have more sex which would allow me to infer they probably have more children. Given that our species best adaptation is intelligence this study indicates, to me, that intelligent people who fail to procreate, for whatever reason, are actually failing humanity and therein perhaps their purpose.

My purpose is exactly the same as my dog's:

Eat,shit,sleep, fuck...

What are adults supposed to be concerned about?

What are the things that are supposed to bring joy once an adult?

What gives life meaning?

I have no idea, but my purpose in life is to experience life, and have a little fun from it - happy life.
We ourselves give life meaning, it's what we wish it to be.

People who don't pass on their genetic code are failing their ancestors. All things being equal they're probably doing the rest of us a favour. Recent studies have shown that less intelligent people have more sex which would allow me to infer they probably have more children. Given that our species best adaptation is intelligence this study indicates, to me, that intelligent people who fail to procreate, for whatever reason, are actually failing humanity and therein perhaps their purpose."Failing their ancestors." Just what exactly does that mean? Are they going to come back to us, rap us on our knuckles and say "Bad boy... you should have procreated!"? I have no contract that I signed up to saying I must have children. All you are doing is projecting your own personal "purpose" in this regard onto humanity as a whole. You may feel obligated to procreate, but this in no way makes it a "purpose" for everyone else.

Anyone who genuinely feels duty-bound to procreate should perhaps take a long hard think about it before inflicting the result upon them and the rest of the world.

And unfortunately your argument is based upon groundless implied assumptions... that humanity's purpose is to adapt through intelligence and further that it can only do so through procreation of the intelligent.
The first of these is not a "purpose" but merely part of the evolutionary process (at least the adaptation is, whether through intelligence or otherwise), and the second is flawed in that we have managed to adapt to our current position through procreation, whether it be by intelligent people or otherwise.

Furthermore, should everyone in humanity decide not to procreate, then the simple result is that we die out as a species. This would be evolution at work, and evolution is not a "purpose" but a process.
And there is no "purpose" to ensure we survive as a species - we either will or we won't. If we don't... we don't.

At best we can only ever say that our purpose, as a species, is to be what we are and to do what we do.

What are adults supposed to be concerned about?

What are the things that are supposed to bring joy once an adult?

What gives life meaning?
Boobies?

I think the thing that sets us humans apart from the sheer actuated perfection of nature as it matures is our ability to appreciate and better ourselves. Doing this, we cannot help but better that which surrounds us.

Mankind can stalk with the best of them (predacious animals), but those predators cannot and do not improve upon non survival based strengths and characteristics within themselves.

I believe that happiness as an adult comes from achievements rooted in personal strengths. For me personally, this is what makes me feel good about being me and truly glad I am no one else. It's both the contentment of being full, and at the same time being ravenously hungry. The forward momentum of learning, growth and experience is powerful fuel for tomorrow. Whether you are 12 or 92, this never changes. Being an adult merely affords you more potential to reach upward and onward.

Being an adult merely means you are no longer dependent on your parents anymore for survival. The rest is the same as the child-state.

"Failing their ancestors." Just what exactly does that mean?

The purpose of any species is to perpetuate itself. If you fail to do that then you have failed your ancestors.


Are they going to come back to us, rap us on our knuckles and say "Bad boy... you should have procreated!"?

They probably would if they could.


I have no contract that I signed up to saying I must have children. All you are doing is projecting your own personal "purpose" in this regard onto humanity as a whole.

Humanity is a species and as such its obligations in the natural order of things is no different than that of a cockroaches or a monkeys.


You may feel obligated to procreate, but this in no way makes it a "purpose" for everyone else.

Then perhaps it's time your line failed. It is no doubt for the best.


Anyone who genuinely feels duty-bound to procreate should perhaps take a long hard think about it before inflicting the result upon them and the rest of the world.

It's obvious though that you benefited from your ancestors. It's interesting that you wouldn't perceive some obligation in that.

When a civilization is in collapse everyone asks what they can take from it.

When a civilization is growing everyone asks what they can contribute.

I think your right. Your purpose might be in not procreating.


And unfortunately your argument is based upon groundless implied assumptions...

Not actually, it is you who is making assumptions in that you suppose some imagined purpose is more important than your fundamental purpose i.e, the one imposed by natural selection. Your mistaken. Your flights of fancy are just that: self indulgences that you might impart importance to but that nature will make sure in time become obscure.


that humanity's purpose is to adapt through intelligence and further that it can only do so through procreation of the intelligent.
The first of these is not a "purpose" but merely part of the evolutionary process (at least the adaptation is, whether through intelligence or otherwise), and the second is flawed in that we have managed to adapt to our current position through procreation, whether it be by intelligent people or otherwise.

I would argue the only purpose that can be derived from life requires we examine the limits and mechanisms around us, and take our "purpose" from that.

You can imagine a purpose if you like but that isn't anything like reality.


Furthermore, should everyone in humanity decide not to procreate, then the simple result is that we die out as a species. This would be evolution at work, and evolution is not a "purpose" but a process.

There is no "purpose" except what we can derive out of the processes around us.

Perhaps you would imagine a sky god or make an idol? That isn't purpose but delusion.


And there is no "purpose" to ensure we survive as a species - we either will or we won't. If we don't... we don't.

This is very well true if everyone had your attitude and lack of moral character.


At best we can only ever say that our purpose, as a species, is to be what we are and to do what we do.

You mean like an ant hive? Or a pride of lions? Just scatter in whatever direction our whims of fancy take us?

Yeah, that'll work :rolleyes:

What are adults supposed to be concerned about?

What are the things that are supposed to bring joy once an adult?

What gives life meaning?

1) Living and Dying
2) Happiness in self and others.
3) Living and Dying.

What are adults supposed to be concerned about?

Collecting energy and persisting.


What are the things that are supposed to bring joy once an adult?

It varies from person to person. Whatever stimulates a person's pleasure center.


What gives life meaning?

Its relationship to anything it can have a relationship with.

The purpose of any species is to perpetuate itself. If you fail to do that then you have failed your ancestors.You are confusing "purpose" with what it does.
The purpose of a species is not to procreate - that is merely what it does.
Nothing has an inherent purpose - only what users assign to that thing.
Purpose requires an object and a user - and the user decides the purpose of the object.
You clearly can not seem to get past that.

Humanity is a species and as such its obligations in the natural order of things is no different than that of a cockroaches or a monkeys.Again you are throwing around words like "obligation" as if it means something to humanity as a whole.
If YOU, as an individual, feel obligated, then okay - that is YOUR purpose (or part thereof). But it just does not apply to humanity as a whole.

Then perhaps it's time your line failed. It is no doubt for the best.And if people like you are procreating then no wonder many of the intelligent people (per the study you detailed) are choosing not to.

It's obvious though that you benefited from your ancestors. It's interesting that you wouldn't perceive some obligation in that.It's interesting that you do.

I think your right. Your purpose might be in not procreating.My "purpose" isn't. Whether one does or does not is, as I have stated, a personal choice and personal "purpose" that one will assign to themself. There is no overriding "purpose" of humanity to procreate. There is no objective obligation from our ancestors - there is merely a personal "purpose".

Not actually, it is you who is making assumptions in that you suppose some imagined purpose is more important than your fundamental purpose i.e, the one imposed by natural selection. Your mistaken. Your flights of fancy are just that: self indulgences that you might impart importance to but that nature will make sure in time become obscure.If you think I am making assumptions, please provide evidence that the purpose of humanity, as a species, is to procreate, rather than it merely being something we do through the evolutionary process.
If you can not then it is YOU who is making the assumption that we, as a species, have this overriding purpose.
And I make no "flights of fancy" - as I am not the one assigning a purpose to a species.

Purpose requires an object and a user - the purpose of the object being assigned by the user.
A person, as user of their own body and mind, can assign themselves a purpose.
Who, pray tell, uses humanity such that they can assign humanity a purpose?

I would argue the only purpose that can be derived from life requires we examine the limits and mechanisms around us, and take our "purpose" from that.I'm not really sure this addresses the flaws in your argument that I pointed out. Hey ho.

You can imagine a purpose if you like but that isn't anything like reality.I imagine no purpose for a species other than to be what it is. It is you assigning purpose, and doing so with nothing other than your conviction.

There is no "purpose" except what we can derive out of the processes around us. So now you are saying that the only purpose we have is that which we assign ourselves??? So where has your "our purpose as a species is to procreate" disappeared to?

Perhaps you would imagine a sky god or make an idol? That isn't purpose but delusion.:roflmao: I think you have me confused with someone else... like a theist.

This is very well true if everyone had your attitude and lack of moral character.Your arguing technique is not only lacking but insulting. Either support your statement that I have a "lack of moral character" or shut the **** up.

You mean like an ant hive? Or a pride of lions? Just scatter in whatever direction our whims of fancy take us?Yes.
Ants do what ants do.
Lions do what they do.
What are their "purposes"?

The only difference is that we assign ourselves individual "purpose" whereas other animals work on instinct.

Yeah, that'll work :rolleyes:So please tell me why it doesn't "work" for you.

To become more than my parents were, to reach out and boldly go where no other has gone before! Hmmm , does that sound familiar?? ;)

You are confusing "purpose" with what it does.
The purpose of a species is not to procreate - that is merely what it does.
Nothing has an inherent purpose - only what users assign to that thing.
Purpose requires an object and a user - and the user decides the purpose of the object.
You clearly can not seem to get past that.

If the word "purpose" has any meaning then it must be derived out of a context of its surroundings; since apparently we both agree that there is no determinism.

I would argue the process of evolution is the user and we are it's objects. Since we do not control evolution but it controls us then it can be said that our purpose is derived from evolution. This is to say our destiny depends on the changes that the process of evolution necessarily cause.

I do not see why sentience should catapult us into the role of user when we have little if any control over the process which created us (I don't mean created in any theist sense but as a derivative of a process). We may gain some control but in the fullness of time what control we manage is minuscule over what has transpired.


Again you are throwing around words like "obligation" as if it means something to humanity as a whole.
If YOU, as an individual, feel obligated, then okay - that is YOUR purpose (or part thereof). But it just does not apply to humanity as a whole.

Evolution ensures the best adaptations survive. It can be said then that surviving natural selection is the goal. Since we are the object of that goal we can easily understand that we have an obligation to prevent being selected for extinction. In a sense this is an obligation. I don't mean in any theist sense only in a practical sense as the product of evolution.


And if people like you are procreating then no wonder many of the intelligent people (per the study you detailed) are choosing not to.

It's interesting that you do.

Not really.

Humanity has evolved a social community that has allowed it to survive so far. We are poorly equipped to survive in the world without such a group and few of us alive today could do it.

Your proposing that you can only because of your surroundings which, just like you yourself, is a product of past generations. If the infrastructure that is around you didn't exist you would be singing an entirely different tune.

By not perceiving any duty in maintaining that structure you are acting as a rogue cell, a cancer in the body of the species. Since our collective goal is to avoid extinction and your actions are expediting that outcome, you are going counter to our best interest and following your own. That is a cancer. Just like a cancer you could not survive on your own. You feed off of the collective community.


My "purpose" isn't. Whether one does or does not is, as I have stated, a personal choice and personal "purpose" that one will assign to themself. There is no overriding "purpose" of humanity to procreate. There is no objective obligation from our ancestors - there is merely a personal "purpose".

I disagree. If there is any reason to have the word "purpose" at all then it must be found in our environment and as I just demonstrated, it can be.


If you think I am making assumptions, please provide evidence that the purpose of humanity, as a species, is to procreate, rather than it merely being something we do through the evolutionary process.

The process of evolution ensures the strong survive. So far because of our intelligence and instincts for community etc we have. If your such a nihilist that you see nothing wrong with the extinction of the species then there is little point in arguing with you. If you see some point in humanity continuing then you have both a purpose and a duty.


And I make no "flights of fancy" - as I am not the one assigning a purpose to a species.

I should think there is purpose in not killing your own species which being a cancer surely is doing.


Purpose requires an object and a user - the purpose of the object being assigned by the user.
A person, as user of their own body and mind, can assign themselves a purpose.

I know in school we are taught that we are consumers but in reality you are a product of process. Turn off your TV.


Who, pray tell, uses humanity such that they can assign humanity a purpose?

You do.


I'm not really sure this addresses the flaws in your argument that I pointed out. Hey ho.

That is indicative of a greater problem.


I imagine no purpose for a species other than to be what it is. It is you assigning purpose, and doing so with nothing other than your conviction.

You would deny the obvious purpose because you don't want to live up to your obligations. If enough people in your society feel as you do then you will fail and go extinct.


So now you are saying that the only purpose we have is that which we assign ourselves??? So where has your "our purpose as a species is to procreate" disappeared to?

No, try reading my argument.


:roflmao: I think you have me confused with someone else... like a theist.

I was making a point:

There is no difference between determining your own purpose or maintaining that you create purpose for yourself and believing in a sky god - they are one and the same except the architect is different, however both are equally foolish.


Your arguing technique is not only lacking but insulting. Either support your statement that I have a "lack of moral character" or shut the **** up.

I just did.

I think your comprehension skills are lacking.


Ants do what ants do.
Lions do what they do.
What are their "purposes"?

As a species nothing, as individuals it is in their best interest to serve the community not rape it.


The only difference is that we assign ourselves individual "purpose" whereas other animals work on instinct.

So do we.

Your trying to assign purpose to yourself is nothing more than your own god instinct kicking in. You want a god so you will make one. You are a theist only the god you suppose is yourself.


So please tell me why it doesn't "work" for you.

A group of animals that fail to serve their own best self interest are destined to failure. The group would disband and the individuals would die out very quickly.

Reproduce. Increase your fitness, and the fitness of your offspring.

If the word "purpose" has any meaning then it must be derived out of a context of its surroundings; since apparently we both agree that there is no determinism. Do we both agree that? Are you sure?

I would argue the process of evolution is the user and we are it's objects. Since we do not control evolution but it controls us then it can be said that our purpose is derived from evolution. This is to say our destiny depends on the changes that the process of evolution necessarily cause.Evolution has zero "control" over us. It does not create a chart and say: "right, you're currently here and we want to be there." Evolution is what we call the process of change - and that process does not control us, nor us control it. We do change according to our surroundings - it's part of what life generally does. But to claim "control"? And to claim "purpose" in any of it? You funny guy.

I do not see why sentience should catapult us into the role of user when we have little if any control over the process which created us (I don't mean created in any theist sense but as a derivative of a process). We may gain some control but in the fullness of time what control we manage is minuscule over what has transpired.I have never said that we have control over evolution, or that we are its user. That's why I don't claim evolution is our purpose. It may happen to us. It may not (if we are already fit enough for survival etc). So I see not where you have dragged this line of discussion from.

Now when we create a hammer - that has "purpose" due to its use, not its creation. Evolution does not "use" us. The hammer's purpose could be manyfold, depending on what the user uses it for (hammering in nails, hitting people, paper-weight etc).

Evolution ensures the best adaptations survive. It can be said then that surviving natural selection is the goal. Since we are the object of that goal we can easily understand that we have an obligation to prevent being selected for extinction. In a sense this is an obligation. I don't mean in any theist sense only in a practical sense as the product of evolution.One could argue that what you describe is the purpose of evolution - but not of humanity.
Remember, we weren't always "human" - if you go far enough back in time.
But our predecessors were still evolving. So evolution might well destroy humanity entirely if we are unfit for survival.
Therefore can the purpose of evolution really be the purpose of humanity? No.
If you think that the purpose of humanity is to prevent our extinction... then ultimately we will fail when the Universe becomes unsuitable for life.
My view has always been that our only purpose as a species is "to be what we are, and do what we do" - and everything else is up for grabs.

Humanity has evolved a social community ...
Your proposing that you can only because of your surroundings which, just like you yourself, is a product of past generations. If the infrastructure that is around you didn't exist you would be singing an entirely different tune.
By not perceiving any duty in maintaining that structure you are acting as a rogue cell, a cancer in the body of the species. Since our collective goal is to avoid extinction and your actions are expediting that outcome, you are going counter to our best interest and following your own. That is a cancer. Just like a cancer you could not survive on your own. You feed off of the collective community.And you are confusing obligation to ancestors with obligation to society.
Of course I am obligated to the society in which I live - this is a personal choice I have made, and not a "purpose" of humanity. It also does not mean I am obligated to the people who created it to the extent that I must procreate - as you have claimed.

Going down the "can't live without society" is a red-herring.

I disagree. If there is any reason to have the word "purpose" at all then it must be found in our environment and as I just demonstrated, it can be.Where have you demonstrated? You have just given one example of creating a personal "purpose" - albeit based on environment.

The process of evolution ensures the strong survive. NO! Your understanding of evolution is poor.
That the strong survive is merely one mechanism of how evolution works. Evolution ensures nothing. Evolution is merely a description of the gradual change that life goes through. What could be "strong" (presumably you mean as in "fit for survival") one day dies out the next due to an environmental change.

If your such a nihilist that you see nothing wrong with the extinction of the species then there is little point in arguing with you. If you see some point in humanity continuing then you have both a purpose and a duty.Let me ask you this... when you are dead, will you care that humanity might become extinct? I'm not asking if you care at the moment that humanity might be extinct after you're dead, but whether you, when you are dead, will care.
I'm going to assume that the answer is that you will not - because you are dead and incapable of anything. In fact "you" won't exist.

Animals go extinct all the time. Usually it has been to mere environmental changes or other natural selection methods, but since humanity has been on the scene we've had a hand in one or two. But you must get over yourself that humanity is any different to any other animal in this regard. Humanity WILL become extinct. It is just a matter of when and how.

I should think there is purpose in not killing your own species which being a cancer surely is doing.That comes down to personal "purpose" / choices, namely to live happily within a society.
By the way, do you consider soldiers a "cancer"?
Do you consider monkeys that kill their own species a "cancer"?

I know in school we are taught that we are consumers but in reality you are a product of process. Turn off your TV.Process is different to "purpose". So I can't see where your comment fits in.

You do.No - I don't. Nor does anyone that is part of humanity. At best you have control over certain functions of certain people and can define "purpose" for part of their life in certain respects. But that's it.

That is indicative of a greater problem.You mean your poor discussion technique? I'd have to agree.

You would deny the obvious purpose because you don't want to live up to your obligations. If enough people in your society feel as you do then you will fail and go extinct.And you are merely projecting your own "purpose" onto humanity as a whole, without seeing that it is merely your personal "purpose". Yes, others may share it, but that does not make it the purpose of humanity as a whole.

But, according to you, we should all procreate and have children. :shrug:
Lest we fail our ancestors.
That thinking belongs in the past... a long time in the past.

No, try reading my argument.I did. You said "There is no "purpose" except what we can derive out of the processes around us." To me this smacks of everyone deriving their own purpose, whether you think it is out of the processes around us or some other means.

I was making a point:
There is no difference between determining your own purpose or maintaining that you create purpose for yourself and believing in a sky god - they are one and the same except the architect is different, however both are equally foolish.Yet you singularly fail to explain why they are the same.
I hear plenty of rhetoric from you but little substance.

As a species nothing, as individuals it is in their best interest to serve the community not rape it."As a species nothing" - but you assign "humanity" a purpose as a species? To procreate, so as not to dishonour our ancestors?
Please tell me why you put humanity on a pedestal that it should have a purpose as a species?

And yes, it is also in the best interest of individual humans to serve their community, or at least to fit in to the society they live in.

Your trying to assign purpose to yourself is nothing more than your own god instinct kicking in. You want a god so you will make one. You are a theist only the god you suppose is yourself.I do find this funny.
So we're all theists if by "god" we mean the person who gives us our purpose.
So who gave humanity their supposed purpose to procreate? This is your god, then, is it not, by your own argument?

Okay - so I'm assuming also that you have never - and I do mean never - given yourself a purpose, as in "today I am going to make myself a cup of coffee and log on to the internet to do x, y or z" etc?
I'm assuming not - as you seem to think this a ridiculous concept, by the tone of your own argument?

A group of animals that fail to serve their own best self interest are destined to failure. The group would disband and the individuals would die out very quickly.It's called evolution. Your point being...?
And where have I ever said "serve own best self interest"?
This is you putting words in my mouth, or reading something into the argument that just has not been stated.

OK, your just being irrational and silly now.

Evidently, the purpose of my life is to be perpetually frustrated by humans.

Or maybe it is to go boldly where no man has gone before.

To live long and prosper!;)

What is purpose & why is it important? If it comes from a mate, occupation, god, etc, how is that of any value?

What is purpose & why is it important? If it comes from a mate, occupation, god, etc, how is that of any value?

The only values are what you make of them.

You know that & I know that.
But why do people value purpose? Especially if given by a god or employer or mate or leader?

Because we know we will someday die.

I don't see the connection.

I don't see the connection.

Purpose in life gives meaning to death.

I'm still not getting it.
But people who believe they live on after death seem to value purpose.
If science finds proof there is life after death, how will that affect the value of purpose? Or if somehow we could prove the reverse?
If we find a way to live 3000 years, will people value purpose?

But why do people value purpose

Because ,to them, that's what makes sense out of their lives and what they do.

I don't think in necessary has anything to do with afterlife, just not wasting what you have. It's a one time chance to do something, and that something is determined by the purpose you've chosen.

If it's related to death, how can it not be related to the possibily or negation of an afterlife?
If reincarnation is proven, will people abandon purpose thinking there will always be another chance?

If it's related to death, how can it not be related to the possibily or negation of an afterlife?

I said death, not afterdeath.

Because we know we will someday die.
Purpose in life gives meaning to death.
I said death, not afterdeath.

If there's an afterlife, there's no death. It's a transition. No death then no death giving meaning to life.

If there's an afterlife, there's no death. It's a transition. No death then no death giving meaning to life.

If there is an afterlife there still is death, otherwise it wouldn't be called afterlife ;)
Afterlife = existence when you are no longer alive = existence after death.

If I exist & am conscious, I am alive.

If I exist & am conscious, I am alive.

So ? You can only exist if your body is alive. You vanish when the brain dies.
The dead body or the components it degrades into are not conscious.

After your brain decomposes, there can not be much of your individual consciousness left.

edit: damnit Enmos! :p

Sorry man :p

So ? You can only exist if your body is alive. You vanish when the brain dies. The dead body or the components it degrades into are not conscious.
After your brain decomposes, there can not be much of your individual consciousness left.
edit: damnit Enmos! :p

For the purpose of this discussion, you know reincarnation, etc are impossible. Why didn't you just say so? Makes things simpler for you to deal with.

Sorry man :p

Are you invisible?

For the purpose of this discussion, you know reincarnation, etc are impossible. Why didn't you just say so? Makes things simpler for you to deal with.

Well, this is the philosophy, not religion subforum.

I'm not discussing religion.

Personally, experiencing , thinking, learning, not thinking so much, creating.

For the purpose of this discussion, you know reincarnation, etc are impossible. Why didn't you just say so? Makes things simpler for you to deal with.



Are you invisible?

:confused: Wot ?

I'm not discussing religion.

It sure seems like it.

:confused: Wot ?

I don't see you in the list of logged in users.

I don't see you in the list of logged in users.

It's because I don't exist :D

Adults: What's the purpose of your life?

Life precedes purpose. First you live. Then you can develop purposes if that sort of thing pleases you.

clusteringflux What are adults supposed to be concerned about?

Whatever the one who thinks you ought to be concerned about something thinks you ought to be concerned about, at least while they are watching.

Beyond that there are a few things hardwired in for most people, food, air, water, sex, avoiding danger, social status, protecting associates, driving off out groups, collecting shiny stuff, getting altered, grooming and napping. Your actual programming may vary.

clusteringflux What are the things that are supposed to bring joy once an adult?

Fulfilling the hardwired concerns have satisfaction built in.

Unfortunately things don't inherently bring joy. For long term fulfillment finding a mate, raising children, being a good friend and leading a good life will lead you to the maximum joy you understand at the moment, if you pay attention.

clusteringflux What gives life meaning?

You.

I do not see may differences between adults and children, even toddlers. The only difference is the ability to communicate and sexual maturity\activity. Which should ideally begin at 18.


so what persists?

What is the purpose of purpose?

Originally Posted by StrangerInAStrangeLa
I'm not discussing religion.
It sure seems like it.

No. It doesn't. It naturally came up in the discussion. I'm not pushing or preaching anything except that you claim to know things you can't possibly know. I never said or implied whether I believe there's life after death. The possibility is important to why people value life. Which is a part of the thread topic.
If you don't want to discuss it then don't. Discussion of whether it's possible is off topic.