Do we really need a reason to live? Why not just live

[Willamena]

I don't understand how you can be so positive of something you can't possibly know. You know who or what you are an expert on? You. Nothing more.

He spoke about nothing more.

 

[beenherebeforeagain]

Animals respond to their nature as they can do no more.
We CAN do more.

We humans ARE animals; we respond to our nature as we do, because WE can do no more. Other kinds of animals have been demonstrated to perform certain cognitive feats similar to humans--we differ perhaps in amount, not kind. That some humans can and do create complex, complicated and detailed cognitive conceptual models does not mean that other species cannot and do not also do so. Even if theirs are not as complex, complicated or detailed, does it make any such models as they might create less valid? Are the simpler models that some humans create less valid than the less-simple models that other humans create? Where is this line between humans and other animals?

 

[Ouroboros]

What do you think?

That's a very good question. I haven't thought about it before. Having dogs, I can say dogs' attitude towards risk, health, death, and such as rather complex. Not an easy thing to pinpoint. And different dogs and breeds have different attitudes too.

 

[Sultan Of Swing]

Do animals think they need a reason to live? They do just fine without a reason.

Why would we need a reason? If someone gives us a reason outside of just living, isn't that just creating an unnecessary void in us?

What do you think?

Why do you need a reason to steal... just steal!

Finding reasons for things is an innately human thing, a product of our very ability to reason in the first place.

If reasons for living don't matter, then why do reasons for anything matter?

 

[Koldo]

Why do you need a reason to steal... just steal!

Finding reasons for things is an innately human thing, a product of our very ability to reason in the first place.

If reasons for living don't matter, then why do reasons for anything matter?

To be fair, it is not the same thing. Not even similar.
There is no action we do that makes us continue living... directly.
It is not like you have to press a button to stay alive. It is not a conscious choice you are doing every now and then, unlike stealing.

There are some actions required for us to stay alive like eating. But it is not like we eat daily because we want to stay alive, it is more like we eat because we are hungry.

 

[jonathan180iq]

and we would not have this capacity without a purpose for it.

Why not?

If we have body parts without purposes, why couldn't we also have invented a "need" for being alive without a purpose behind it?

 

[George-ananda]

Do animals think they need a reason to live? They do just fine without a reason.

Why would we need a reason? If someone gives us a reason outside of just living, isn't that just creating an unnecessary void in us?

What do you think?

Well, we have a brain capable of more abstract thought than other species. This leads us to wonder about the How/What/Why of our existence and without satisfactory answers we are also prone to despair and feeling pointlessness in our short and sometimes very difficult existence. However this is also a gift as it eventually drives us to consider and eventually find spiritual reasons and to find transcendental peace beyond the rapidly changing physical world.

 

[Jumi]

Inner built-in Compass keep this feeling alive we need purpose:
""I often see men and women who've become successful in their work or relationships -- their outer lives -- and yet they feel hollow, empty, unfulfilled. They describe feeling "off-track" in some way, or incomplete, despite a conventionally successful life. Sometimes they wonder if they've been on the "wrong" path all along -- chosen the wrong career, or the wrong life partner. Or that perhaps they haven't realized that their chosen path could be more meaningful or purposeful to them, if they let it.""

Interesting point on the inner compass.

For me it feels like my inner compass is working, maybe that's why I don't look for another purpose. Getting fame or fortune was never that interesting. I think it's a false purpose.

 

[Jumi]

We need a reason because.....we CAN reason.

But as far as wanting to exist, is trying to find reason not the wrong way to go about.

Animals respond to their nature as they can do no more.

Unless they learn or are taught.

Is it not a shame when someone of great ability, loses that ability?

Yes, but I'm not sure if I agree with you that finding a reason artificial or not, to exist, is an ability. When we are depressed then I see finding reason as positive, but when we are already content, why eat more than our share?

Which animals? There are many non-human animals that demonstrate reasoning ability on par with humans for various tasks. Though as for seeing inside their heads to determine if they think they need a reason to live, I'm doubting that will be possible in our lifetime. There's too much of a communications barrier, so they can't "tell" us their reasons, if they have them. Nor can we read an animal's mind (human or otherwise) to see if there is a "reason" in there somewhere.

I fully agree with all that you posted here. I think you basically said what I wanted to say, but couldn't express clearly.

People in the Western intellectual tradition assume that animals don't think, don't use reason, don't contemplate philosophical questions, and therefore "do just fine without a reason." Other traditions assume otherwise. Reality: we don't know if they do or don't have a reason. Maybe some do, and others don't. Maybe none do. Or maybe all do, to the limits of their own species and individual abilities.

Interesting thoughts. I don't know if my pets or animals I have met outside think about their existence, but I'm convinced on observation that they think and solve various problems of interest to them. Especially smarter cats and dogs, the smarter birds like crows and parrots.

Well, we have a brain capable of more abstract thought than other species. This leads us to wonder about the How/What/Why of our existence and without satisfactory answers we are also prone to despair and feeling pointlessness in our short and sometimes very difficult existence. However this is also a gift as it eventually drives us to consider and eventually find spiritual reasons and to find transcendental peace beyond the rapidly changing physical world.

I'm not sure if I can find those, or find meaning in them. I was interested in solving the problem of how/what/why? But came to the conclusion that no one knew why. The how is part speculation, part science. And what is for each of us to find out... maybe it's the experience of being alive for us.

 

[Jumi]

Why do you need a reason to steal... just steal!

I can answer this with... why do you need a reason not to steal? Just don't. Well morality is a different topic from finding reason for being alive in my opinion so maybe I don't understand how you are approaching this.

 

[Ouroboros]

Why do you need a reason to steal... just steal!

And why do you need a reason to not steal?

Every decision is made from reasons, desires, needs, will, wants, goals, and such. There's even reasons to dying as well as living. It's a matter of weighing things, benefits vs costs (not necessary monies).

Finding reasons for things is an innately human thing, a product of our very ability to reason in the first place.

True. It's our "cause and effect" thinking. The engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and philosophers in us that need to figure these things out. In the end, what is a reason anyway?

If reasons for living don't matter, then why do reasons for anything matter?

Yeah. We need reasons to live, and to do anything that we do. We also need reasons to pass on.

 

[Koldo]

Well, we have a brain capable of more abstract thought than other species. This leads us to wonder about the How/What/Why of our existence and without satisfactory answers we are also prone to despair and feeling pointlessness in our short and sometimes very difficult existence. However this is also a gift as it eventually drives us to consider and eventually find spiritual reasons and to find transcendental peace beyond the rapidly changing physical world.

It has been said by someone somewhere something along the lines of: "It is not the answers that move the world, but rather the questions."

 

[Guy Threepwood]

Why do you need a reason to steal... just steal!

Finding reasons for things is an innately human thing, a product of our very ability to reason in the first place.

If reasons for living don't matter, then why do reasons for anything matter?

Very true, without reason we would just be animals, but we're not, we have reason.. for a reason!

 

[George-ananda]

I'm not sure if I can find those, or find meaning in them.

I have studied so-called beyond the normal things and the spirituality of modern sages/teachers/masters and have found a clear convincing view of it all. So, apparently some find it and some don't.

I was interested in solving the problem of how/what/why? But came to the conclusion that no one knew why. The how is part speculation, part science.

I came to a different conclusion; that some do know (more advanced souls) and the cumulative evidence strongly points a certain way.

And what is for each of us to find out... maybe it's the experience of being alive for us.

At some point I find it relieving to find answers that satisfy both the mind and soul. I believe we exist to find that peace.

 

[George-ananda]

It has been said by someone somewhere something along the lines of: "It is not the answers that move the world, but rather the questions."

But at some point perpetual movement is just not satisfying on some level to an abstract thinking species. He will wonder WHY am I doing this and what is the point.

 

[Koldo]

But at some point perpetual movement is just not satisfying on some level to an abstract thinking species. He will wonder WHY am I doing this and what is the point.

But who said you are supposed to be satisfied ?

 

[George-ananda]

But who said you are supposed to be satisfied ?

I believe it is the creator of this play/drama of the universe; God/Brahman. And dissatisfaction fuels us to search for this Realization of peace beyond the transitory.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Do animals think they need a reason to live? They do just fine without a reason.

Why would we need a reason? If someone gives us a reason outside of just living, isn't that just creating an unnecessary void in us?

What do you think?

Basically. I learned trial after trial not to look to far in advance. I dont plan things no more than a half a week prior notice. If Im going on vacation next month, I forget on purpose cause it Always turns out dead if I keep thinking about it.

Having a ultimate goal to reach or purpose helps many. I side with the animals. We do things in present moment. We only take what we need. Eat what we need. Everything simple. No need to look for heaven. Heaven is your mindset. Thats the Buddhas purpose. Get pass that mindset of birth and death. No heaven. No hell. Perfect balance.

The natural word is a great example for us to follow. Why make it so complicated.

 

[Koldo]

I believe it is the creator of this play/drama of the universe; God/Brahman. And dissatisfaction fuels us to search for this Realization of peace beyond the transitory.

Dissatisfaction fuels us to search for answers.

 

[George-ananda]

Dissatisfaction fuels us to search for answers.

Yes. I agree.