That is the most blunt answer I've heard to this question, sorry to say. The question further extends to what are we surviving for? Why survive?
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Intrinsic Purpose of Life
- Thread starter The Sum of Awe
- Start date
That is the most blunt answer I've heard to this question, sorry to say. The question further extends to what are we surviving for? Why survive?
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
Some actions, choices, and lifestyles carry much more risk than others. Of course we can't control every facet of our lives, but we can minimize risk, make choices that have measurably better outcomes, etc.
For instance, I can't control whether or not the car coming toward me hydroplanes, but I can control whether or not I'm wearing a seatbelt, or driving the speed limit, or driving a larger, heavier vehicle vs a small, lightweight one or a motorcycle (without a helmet). I could choose to drive reactively or proactively, either paying very little attention to other drivers and my surroundings, or being aware of possible problems ahead and how to avoid or reduce those problems. My choices would greatly impact (no pun intended) the outcome of a possible collision.
I can choose to pay my taxes, or not pay my taxes. If I chose not to pay my taxes, eventually the IRS will make my life a living hell. If I pay my taxes, they'll leave me alone.
I can choose whether or not to cheat on my husband. Also, I can choose to marry a man who trusts me or one who doesn't, or one who isn't the jealous, paranoid type or one who is. If I'm faithful and I'm married to a man who trusts me, then I don't have to deal with unnecessary drama. If I marry the jealous type, or if I cheat on my husband, I greatly increase the odds of having to deal with unnecessary drama.
If I eat more calories than I burn, I'll gain weight.
If I don't cut my grass, the HOA will get on my case. If I keep my place neat and in compliance, they'll leave me alone.
If I don't pay my phone bill, ATT will discontinue my service.
If I have a great credit score, I'll get lower interest rates on loans.
roger1440
I do stuff
The will to survive is the only perpetual motion in the universe. Its written on our blue print to survive. To continue is part of what we are. The continuation of the individual and the species are prime ingredients to the recipe of life.
BSM1
What? Me worry?
Your post makes my argument. I said that you have very little if any control on the outside forces of you life. You list perfect examples of this. For instance, if you could control the force of traffic you wouldn't need a seat belt. If you could control the powers that be then you wouldn't have to cut your grass, pay your taxes, watch what you eat. I didn't say you didn't have choices, I just said you don't have control. BTW, if you had any control of the forces that change, threaten, or challenge your life you definitely would not need insurance of any type. I'm sure your insurance agent smiles at this on the way to the bank.
BSM1
What? Me worry?
Got him there.
Still got me?
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
But I never said that I can control all forces - that would be ridiculous. What I CAN control much of the time is myself - and this self control directly impacts the events in my life.
And yes - I do have control over some areas of my life. In fact, I have control over most areas of my life. I never claimed to be able to control other forces, though sometimes I am able to, to some extent.
Which is why my insurance agent considers me a "low risk" and I pay much lower rates than those who choose a more risky or dangerous or (dare I say it) irresponsible life style. By the way, I don't begrudge my insurance agent making a living - it's a win/win situation. If I choose to take on more risk, all I have to do is stop paying my premiums.
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
I'd say yes. I don't think you've proven your point at all.
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
I don't think this is a good comparison. Existence doesn't require continuation, as it is never ending but everchanging.
Kathryn
It was on fire when I laid down on it.
Well, I don't really think we're saying the same thing at all, but I appreciate your magnanimous gesture.
I have control over various situations at various times in various circumstances. Now - those circumstances may change, and when or if they do, I may be able to maintain control by assessing and responding to the changes, or - better yet - anticipating such changes and being prepared for them BEFORE they happen. Or - reacting in a constructive way or being prepared may truly be beyond my capability and in that case you're absolutely right - I wouldn't have control of the entire situation (though I may still be able to control some aspects of the situation).
And then there are those situations over which I have absolutely NO control - and of course, those situations exist. In fact, I'm surrounded by them on a daily basis (for instance, I had no control over which way the vote regarding Scottish Independence went, and I also have no control over whether or not my son living in Guam eats a balanced diet).
I reject the idea of "no control" just as I reject the idea that we, as humans, can control everything. Neither extreme is correct, in my opinion.
I always ask myself, "So what's the application?" What is YOUR application if you feel that we simply can't control the situations in our lives?
roger1440
I do stuff
True, “existence doesn’t require continuation”. Newly born offspring can die immediately after birth which would forfeit any opportunity of creating any offspring of its own. Some creatures cannot procreate because of sterility or another physical dysfunction. Other creatures may not find a mate to reproduce. The natural inclination for offspring is still there none the less. It is hard wired into all living creatures to create offspring. According to the Bible, the very first command God had for mankind was to make babies, “be fruitful and multiply”. If you look closely at the sexual laws in the Book of Leviticus you will notice a common denominator. These laws not only help increase the likelihood of offspring but also healthy offspring. Also, God had chosen Abraham because of his righteousness. God said to him, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.”
So the purpose of life is so simple. Go out and make babies and don’t make a mess of the world. Pick up after yourself, cause the crap you step in may be your own.
[FONT="](Deuteronomy 23:12)[/FONT]
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adi2d
Active Member
A couple thoughts from R.A.H.
"A zygote is a gametes way of producing more gametes. This may be the purpose of the universe"
"If the universe has any purpose more important than topping a woman you love and making a baby with her hearty help,I've never heard of it"
If neither of them are to your liking. The answer is 42
"A zygote is a gametes way of producing more gametes. This may be the purpose of the universe"
"If the universe has any purpose more important than topping a woman you love and making a baby with her hearty help,I've never heard of it"
If neither of them are to your liking. The answer is 42
Aquitaine
Well-Known Member
What about those who do not have the will to survive, what about people who commit suicide?
