When looking at life in general, many things can be attributed to giving an individual purpose in life."I think purpose in life really boils down to make the people who are important to you happy. It starts of course with mom, but expands to family and the larger society of which you are a part. In general, happy friends means good things happen to you which is the selfish interest in having a purpose in life.
Stoic-sage
If you are part of a religious society buying into the religion will make your friends happy. If you are not, it may be a bit harder and take a lot more empathy and consideration for your friends, but for me it is worth it. I can pick and choose which friends are important to me and act accordingly."
The legacy space is of course part and parcel of the process of making my life a place where friends will be happy. It certainly begins with myself, but selfish indulgence does not do anything for friends, so making myself and my space a better place to be in both for myself and for those sharing it seems to be all the purpose I need.
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Most every religion, creed, political and/or social model identifies a purpose for an individual that is “other-focused and other-directed.” Our socialization emphasizes our duties and responsibilities to serve the needs of our countries, communities and families, before servicing the needs of self. Modern spiritual philosophy sees the purpose in life as improving the environment and world condition for all beings.
“Purpose Driven” is a term coined by American pastor Rick Warren to name the philosophy that focuses one structuring life, family, career, and church around five purposes which Warren identifies in scripture as having been given by Jesus Christ to know and love God (worship), to love others (fellowship), to grow spiritually (discipleship), to serve others with your talents (ministry) and to share the Good News (evangelism). [Wikipedia]
JC’s input – “The legacy space is of course part and parcel of the process of making my life a place where friends will be happy. It certainly begins with myself, but selfish indulgence does not do anything for friends, so making myself and my space a better place to be in both for myself and for those sharing it seems to be all the purpose I need.” At least the self has role in this purpose which is not solely concerned with others.
A friend I met when I was 19 introduced me to Rand and Objectivism but had a personal philosophy that was almost opposite of anything else I had encountered; “There is no greater purpose for my existence than my own personal happiness.” [Did your head just do a “double-take”? My initial reaction was akin to experiencing an electric shock.] How could a person employ such a purpose for any reason other than pure Narcissism? Although, he turned out to be a poor example of a person striving toward their stated purpose, I eventually adopted his statement of purpose and expanded it to incorporate my love of humanity, my sense of charity and benevolence, and my respect for knowledge, education, and Maslow’s idea of Self-Actualization.
Rand and Warren are at opposite ends of the purpose spectrum. I think neither takes into account the interaction of self with the close society of those important to us. While Warren's fellowship might come close it is too diluted with other crap for the fellowship to have the meaning that is necessary for personal growth and purpose.
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