Volconvo is a debate forum for the discussion of political, religious, and news-based topics.

Kuldeep · Sep 13, 2006, 01:34 am

People have come and gone! Probably, eternally it would go on and on. Some have been very successful in life while some mediocre and still others complete failures. But then, it is usually seen nobody has died after full satisfaction, no matter how much successful person might have been in life. In other words, nobody till his last breath becomes fully satisfied. Some or the other desire remains to be fulfilled!!

Under this peculiar and certain circumstance, is it not worth thinking as to what should be ultimate purpose of life!! Once we can decide about that. Next would be everybody's efforts to get it fulfilled before death. That is the only way majority of people would die fully satisfied!!!:)

Compugasm · Sep 14, 2006, 07:48 am

But, you just got finished explaining, in the history of death, satisfaction has never been acheived. Sit there and think about it all you want, you're odds of finding the solution are (All dead people ever):1

Kuldeep · Sep 14, 2006, 08:10 am

I think, opening post is not communicating my mind clearly. Let me put it in a bit in different language.
All have various types of desires. Some are fulfilled while some are not till death takes away our body, so some desires are left unfulfilled.

Now, if we are able to find some how, the ultimate purpose of life or the best desire which we should expect in the life period to get fulfilled then we might not bother for less important desires or purposes of life and thus would die satisfied!!

Osborn F Enready · Sep 14, 2006, 10:13 am

I think the ultimate purpose in life is respect. Learning how to give it, and get it, with humility. Learning that we should EXPECT it, not on what we say, but what we do. Actions deserve respect, while words fill the wind of ideas not followed.

If we all looked at each other without the subjective lenses of "nationalism, religion, culture" we might see that we are all the same, limited the same, and the same thing oppresses us all..... the idea of governments that make war on our behalf, without consulting us first, and allowing it as a people. We stand by and watch as governments around the world sort out "problems" they "say" are "too complex for the average person", yet all of their knowledge and predictions only bring more war, more killing, more genocide.

Perhaps, if we all used force only to DEFEND against force that was INITIATED AGAINST US, this wouldn't become an issue? Then, perhaps, we could talk about what the future holds for us all, individually.

lsbskins1 · Sep 14, 2006, 11:09 am

The ultimate meaning of life is the meaning you bring to life. It is not about success or failure in the limited terms most people measure those ideals. It is about doing your part, as an individual, to bring comfort where you can, increase understanding where you can and refuse to give in to the temptations of greed and lust and anger.

**Jack** · Sep 14, 2006, 01:39 pm

42 is as good an answer as any. There isn't any ultimate purpose to life. As has been said, you create your own if you need one to get you through the day.

lsbskins1 · Sep 14, 2006, 01:43 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Isherwood

42 is as good an answer as any. There isn't any ultimate purpose to life. As has been said, you create your own if you need one to get you through the day.

When I die, do my parting words need to be "So long, and thanks for all the fish." ?

I just couldn't be bothered to go down to my local zoning office and look at the plans.

Kuldeep · Sep 15, 2006, 06:14 am

Quote:

Quote by: Osborn F Enready

I think the ultimate purpose in life is respect. Learning how to give it, and get it, with humility. Learning that we should EXPECT it, not on what we say, but what we do. Actions deserve respect, while words fill the wind of ideas not followed.

Well said, respect is godd source of satisfaction and therefore should be very important purpose of life. But is it certainly the ultimate one? I am not very sure and that is why I raised the question!

Supposing my noble actions towards all are such that most of the time I draw respect from family, friends and society. But in case I am diagnosed cureless disease such as Cancer or Aids which, would remove all my satisfaction achieved from the previous earned respect. In that case my purpose of life would shift to remain healthy till last breath!

Under such circumstances, would it not be ideal purpose to train one's mind to remain satisfied in whatever situation, bodily or otherwise he is in. Meaning the ultimate purpose of life should be achieve very strong and firm balanced mind (satisfied) in all state of environment.

Quote:

If we all looked at each other without the subjective lenses of "nationalism, religion, culture" we might see that we are all the same, limited the same, and the same thing oppresses us all..... the idea of governments that make war on our behalf, without consulting us first, and allowing it as a people. We stand by and watch as governments around the world sort out "problems" they "say" are "too complex for the average person", yet all of their knowledge and predictions only bring more war, more killing, more genocide.

Perhaps, if we all used force only to DEFEND against force that was INITIATED AGAINST US, this wouldn't become an issue? Then, perhaps, we could talk about what the future holds for us all, individually.

Suggestion is fantastic, but how to make it practical!

Marilyn Monroe · Sep 15, 2006, 06:48 am

Quote:

Quote by: Isherwood

42 is as good an answer as any. There isn't any ultimate purpose to life. As has been said, you create your own if you need one to get you through the day.

I totally agree.

I live to do the least I have to so I can get on the couch and watch TV. I have no goals, no big desires. Did when I was younger, but as you age they fade, and you couldn't care less.

I put on the fake smile everyday and go.:confused:

Kuldeep · Sep 15, 2006, 07:37 am

Quote:

Quote by: Isherwood

42 is as good an answer as any. There isn't any ultimate purpose to life. As has been said, you create your own if you need one to get you through the day.

To my mind, ultimate purpose of life is to remain always happy and satisfied even in unconducive circumstances. That can be achieved by continual training your mind and developing it to have firm strength of satisfaction.

Quote:

Quote by: lsbskins1

The ultimate meaning of life is the meaning you bring to life. It is not about success or failure in the limited terms most people measure those ideals. It is about doing your part, as an individual, to bring comfort where you can, increase understanding where you can and refuse to give in to the temptations of greed and lust and anger.

Yes, temptations of greed and lust and anger would be source of disatisfaction once target is not achieved. So to bring comfort under all circumstances would become the ultimate purpose of life through a powerful and logical mind.

Marilyn Monroe · Sep 15, 2006, 05:44 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Kuldeep

To my mind, ultimate purpose of life is to remain always happy and satisfied even in unconducive circumstances. That can be achieved by continual training your mind and developing it to have firm strength of satisfaction.

Yes, temptations of greed and lust and anger would be source of disatisfaction once target is not achieved. So to bring comfort under all circumstances would become the ultimate purpose of life through a powerful and logical mind.

This is true. I believe trying to train the mind is not part of the westerners idealogy though, and would be tough for them to achieve. They are too material.

We also take too many anti-depressants that are messing with the chemical balances of the brain. Not conducive to strength.

iahag · Sep 16, 2006, 07:22 am

If you are going to create an 'ultimate purpose' for your little mind to follow, be it that you die, that way you can never fail and satisfaction ... guaranteed :).

CoffeeSaint · Sep 16, 2006, 10:29 am

Quote:

Quote by: Isherwood

42 is as good an answer as any. There isn't any ultimate purpose to life. As has been said, you create your own if you need one to get you through the day.

Ish, you're my hero.

Why does there need to be a purpose in life at all? Why should there be a meaning? I tend to think that looking for deeper motivations and significances is what draws one's attentiojn away from where one is now, from what one is doing now, and since all we really have is now, that is counterproductive. Not everything needs a deeper meaning.

Milton Bradley · Sep 16, 2006, 05:17 pm

Quote:

Quote by: CoffeeSaint

Ish, you're my hero.

Why does there need to be a purpose in life at all? Why should there be a meaning? I tend to think that looking for deeper motivations and significances is what draws one's attentiojn away from where one is now, from what one is doing now, and since all we really have is now, that is counterproductive. Not everything needs a deeper meaning.

I think it can also work in the exact opposite manor as well. I think it greatly depends on the disposition of the person hearing the message.

Stop, and smell the roses.

Osborn F Enready · Sep 17, 2006, 02:39 pm

I answered as if I was being asked for my opinion, so I gave it.

I don't think ALL people should have the same goals, if any, other than living or dying.

5010 · Sep 19, 2006, 11:08 am

Ultimate purpose comes from relationships. What am I? A collection of organs. Each of the organs serves no useful purpose by themselves. So what if one pumps blood? So what if one flexes and relaxes? But then see it as part of the body and through that relationship the purpose becomes clear. Each organ is a collection of cells. All the cells do is get chemicals, make reactions, build protiens, etc. What good is that? But when you look at their relationship to the organ their purpose becomes clear.

So the little things we do: go to work, buy a house, eat a hamburger, are all meaningless in the context of mortality. It's all for nothing. But try looking at what each of us is part of and a greater purpose becomes clear.

Find identity in what you are made of and what experiences you came through. Find purpose in that you are part of and what effects your actions will make.

kubedawg · Sep 19, 2006, 11:31 am

Purpose in life is to do just that. Live. Find what interests you and do it. Of course here are certain limitations and boundarys that are set, but still. Live the way you want that will make you happy.

McAiden · Sep 19, 2006, 02:20 pm

Well, the ultimate purpose of life would be to stop desiring, return to the place from which we came but perfected.

But, I like the Greek philosopher, Sophia, who told her Roman student to go out in the world and find his purpose, his job (he was an educated rich philosopher, nonworking), and work as hard as he could, the best he could. He did just that but failed because (as a Bishop (Bishops were politicians then) he stepped on soo many heads, murdered so many people.

The problem is the same today. Look at Ken Lay, Tom DeLay, most everybody. Now, was that their best?

Most of us are not ready to give up our desires. People are so weak.

Zinkovich · Sep 19, 2006, 04:25 pm

Whatever our purpose may be as a collective, we can be sure that part of that puspose requires some struggle on our part to fulfill it.

Impersonal universe? It must be overcome by progress.
God exists? We must resist the temptation of false gods, and sinful pleasures.
We create our own reality? We must struggle against our own desire to impose it on others.

Interestingly enough, most of these things from different perceptions that we must struggle against are usually parallell to each other, even if they do not directly intersect.

Thus, all I can say with even a smidgeon of certainty is that struggling is one of the things that are central to life's broader purpose.

Kuldeep · Sep 25, 2006, 05:16 am

Yes, rightly said, Zinkovich that "Struggle" is central to life's broader purpose. Struggle both voluntary as well un-vlountary exist to remove randomness (similar to antropy in heat), uneasiness, restlessness of mind, discomforts of various types. But, as said ealier as well, even this stuggle is meant for peace of mind which to my mind is still inner and more centeral than the struggle itself. Thus peace of mind is and should be the ultimate purpose of life.

Sep 13, 2006, 01:34 am	#1 (permalink) (top)
Kuldeep Kuldeep Location: Bhopa, M.P, India Posts: 1,659	Ultimate Purpose of Life is.....????? People have come and gone! Probably, eternally it would go on and on. Some have been very successful in life while some mediocre and still others complete failures. But then, it is usually seen nobody has died after full satisfaction, no matter how much successful person might have been in life. In other words, nobody till his last breath becomes fully satisfied. Some or the other desire remains to be fulfilled!! Under this peculiar and certain circumstance, is it not worth thinking as to what should be ultimate purpose of life!! Once we can decide about that. Next would be everybody's efforts to get it fulfilled before death. That is the only way majority of people would die fully satisfied!!!:)

Sep 14, 2006, 07:48 am	#2 (permalink) (top)
Compugasm Son of X51 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,780	But, you just got finished explaining, in the history of death, satisfaction has never been acheived. Sit there and think about it all you want, you're odds of finding the solution are (All dead people ever):1 Death to Videodrome! Long live The New flesh!

Sep 14, 2006, 10:13 am	#4 (permalink) (top)
Osborn F Enready Principled Observer Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 13,873	I think the ultimate purpose in life is respect. Learning how to give it, and get it, with humility. Learning that we should EXPECT it, not on what we say, but what we do. Actions deserve respect, while words fill the wind of ideas not followed. If we all looked at each other without the subjective lenses of "nationalism, religion, culture" we might see that we are all the same, limited the same, and the same thing oppresses us all..... the idea of governments that make war on our behalf, without consulting us first, and allowing it as a people. We stand by and watch as governments around the world sort out "problems" they "say" are "too complex for the average person", yet all of their knowledge and predictions only bring more war, more killing, more genocide. Perhaps, if we all used force only to DEFEND against force that was INITIATED AGAINST US, this wouldn't become an issue? Then, perhaps, we could talk about what the future holds for us all, individually. Petition of Redress of Grievances: http://www.givemeliberty.org/default.htm Canadian Lawsuit Against Their National Banks: http://www.freewebs.com/classaction/ Osborn F. Enready

Sep 14, 2006, 11:09 am	#5 (permalink) (top)
lsbskins1 Redskins Rule Location: South-Western Virginia Posts: 2,463	The ultimate meaning of life is the meaning you bring to life. It is not about success or failure in the limited terms most people measure those ideals. It is about doing your part, as an individual, to bring comfort where you can, increase understanding where you can and refuse to give in to the temptations of greed and lust and anger. All I see when I look down, something jumpin' on the ground, Scratchin' dirt, cluckin' in the barnyard - Tell me, could that be you? John Kay

Sep 14, 2006, 01:39 pm	#6 (permalink) (top)
Jack formerly Isherwood Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 13,746	42 is as good an answer as any. There isn't any ultimate purpose to life. As has been said, you create your own if you need one to get you through the day. The Forum Rules Radical Atheist Heathen Queer Let's agree to respect each others views, no matter how wrong yours may be. (Ashleigh Brilliant)

Sep 14, 2006, 08:10 am	#3 (permalink) (top)
Kuldeep Kuldeep Location: Bhopa, M.P, India Posts: 1,659	I think, opening post is not communicating my mind clearly. Let me put it in a bit in different language. All have various types of desires. Some are fulfilled while some are not till death takes away our body, so some desires are left unfulfilled. Now, if we are able to find some how, the ultimate purpose of life or the best desire which we should expect in the life period to get fulfilled then we might not bother for less important desires or purposes of life and thus would die satisfied!!

Sep 16, 2006, 07:22 am	#12 (permalink) (top)
iahag Skeptic of Skeptics Location: Bristol/Plymouth Posts: 219	If you are going to create an 'ultimate purpose' for your little mind to follow, be it that you die, that way you can never fail and satisfaction ... guaranteed :). The more painless an exercise, the more likely you are of doing it. The more painful an exercise, the more likely you are of learning from it.

Sep 17, 2006, 02:39 pm	#15 (permalink) (top)
Osborn F Enready Principled Observer Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 13,873	I answered as if I was being asked for my opinion, so I gave it. I don't think ALL people should have the same goals, if any, other than living or dying. Petition of Redress of Grievances: http://www.givemeliberty.org/default.htm Canadian Lawsuit Against Their National Banks: http://www.freewebs.com/classaction/ Osborn F. Enready

Sep 19, 2006, 11:08 am	#16 (permalink) (top)
5010 mostly harmless Location: USA Posts: 1,284	Ultimate purpose comes from relationships. What am I? A collection of organs. Each of the organs serves no useful purpose by themselves. So what if one pumps blood? So what if one flexes and relaxes? But then see it as part of the body and through that relationship the purpose becomes clear. Each organ is a collection of cells. All the cells do is get chemicals, make reactions, build protiens, etc. What good is that? But when you look at their relationship to the organ their purpose becomes clear. So the little things we do: go to work, buy a house, eat a hamburger, are all meaningless in the context of mortality. It's all for nothing. But try looking at what each of us is part of and a greater purpose becomes clear. Find identity in what you are made of and what experiences you came through. Find purpose in that you are part of and what effects your actions will make. - solo (my site)

Sep 19, 2006, 11:31 am	#17 (permalink) (top)
kubedawg Magma Posts: 1,035	Purpose in life is to do just that. Live. Find what interests you and do it. Of course here are certain limitations and boundarys that are set, but still. Live the way you want that will make you happy. "You can only see as far as you think." Economic Left/Right: -1.75 Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -7.90 Addiction is only the failure of one's will power.

Sep 19, 2006, 02:20 pm	#18 (permalink) (top)
McAiden Igneous Magma Location: In the hot state Posts: 191	Well, the ultimate purpose of life would be to stop desiring, return to the place from which we came but perfected. But, I like the Greek philosopher, Sophia, who told her Roman student to go out in the world and find his purpose, his job (he was an educated rich philosopher, nonworking), and work as hard as he could, the best he could. He did just that but failed because (as a Bishop (Bishops were politicians then) he stepped on soo many heads, murdered so many people. The problem is the same today. Look at Ken Lay, Tom DeLay, most everybody. Now, was that their best? Most of us are not ready to give up our desires. People are so weak.

Sep 19, 2006, 04:25 pm	#19 (permalink) (top)
Zinkovich Absolutely Superb Posts: 774	Whatever our purpose may be as a collective, we can be sure that part of that puspose requires some struggle on our part to fulfill it. Impersonal universe? It must be overcome by progress. God exists? We must resist the temptation of false gods, and sinful pleasures. We create our own reality? We must struggle against our own desire to impose it on others. Interestingly enough, most of these things from different perceptions that we must struggle against are usually parallell to each other, even if they do not directly intersect. Thus, all I can say with even a smidgeon of certainty is that struggling is one of the things that are central to life's broader purpose.

Sep 25, 2006, 05:16 am	#20 (permalink) (top)
Kuldeep Kuldeep Location: Bhopa, M.P, India Posts: 1,659	Yes, rightly said, Zinkovich that "Struggle" is central to life's broader purpose. Struggle both voluntary as well un-vlountary exist to remove randomness (similar to antropy in heat), uneasiness, restlessness of mind, discomforts of various types. But, as said ealier as well, even this stuggle is meant for peace of mind which to my mind is still inner and more centeral than the struggle itself. Thus peace of mind is and should be the ultimate purpose of life.