Is it possible for us to create a purpose?

[Unveiled Artist]

@ArtieE

Can we create purposes or do they always have to be external or internal influence?

 

[LuisDantas]

As I see it. every purpose you believe you have created during the course of your life was subordinated to a higher purpose, namely, the purpose to seek the good. This is so self-evident that it hardly needs to be stated.

It is impossible to ignore that it is neither self-evident nor something that you lack a need to state. Hence this thread.

 

[ArtieE]

Is there a way of having a higher purpose for driving to the store if I had no purpose/reason to do so, say buying food?

Interesting. I would say that if you have no purpose/reason to drive to the store you can't have a "higher" reason either. Even if there was a "higher" reason you weren't aware of it would still be a reason.

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

As I see it. every purpose you believe you have created during the course of your life was subordinated to a higher purpose, namely, the purpose to seek the good. This is so self-evident that it hardly needs to be stated.

Yes, agreed - seeking "good" for myself. As you said - doesn't even need to be stated, really. However, I am sensing something behind your words... what point are you really trying to make?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Interesting. I would say that if you have no purpose/reason to drive to the store you can't have a "higher" reason either. Even if there was a "higher" reason you weren't aware of it would still be a reason.

Exactly. I'm learning to do things without needing a purpose to do so. Let's me have more freedom and I can accept change and surprises easier; since, I had no goal to which change or surprises can interupt. I'm trying to figure out a balance; because, if I don't have a purpose to go to buy food, will a higher purpose lead me to do so? Sounds zombish. It works for me, though.

 

[ArtieE]

As I see it. every purpose you believe you have created during the course of your life was subordinated to a higher purpose, namely, the purpose to seek the good. This is so self-evident that it hardly needs to be stated.

And what do we see as good? That we live long and productive lives and survive as long as possible and have offspring who do the same.

 

[RRex]

I believe manipulation of our fellow man is a good example of creating a purpose which is not representative of a higher power.

On the other hand, it could be the machinations of a negative entity.

Pick one. It's the same old game - good v. evil.

 

[Gambit]

I admit that you are right. I did not create the intellectual drive nor emotional desire to seek a "purpose". Doesn't mean a god did either.

The desire to seek the good is a desire to seek a transcendental. The ultimate good is God. In every good you seek, you are affirming the existence of God (whether you are consciously or unconsciously aware of this fact).

 

[ArtieE]

@ArtieE

Can we create purposes or do they always have to be external or internal influence?

Hmmm... I think you are asking if we can create something or do something for which there is no reason/purpose and no matter how hard we look there isn't any. I can't think of any examples. Maybe there aren't any?

 

[ArtieE]

I believe manipulation of our fellow man is a good example of creating a purpose which is not representative of a higher power.

What would be the purpose of the manipulation?

 

[RRex]

What would be the purpose of the manipulation?

Self-interest - greed, lust, etc.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Hmmm... I think you are asking if we can create something or do something for which there is no reason/purpose and no matter how hard we look there isn't any. I can't think of any examples. Maybe there aren't any?

Maybe. A lot of what we do is automatic. For example, I don't have to think of a reason to walk to my cushion and sit to meditate. No thoughts come to mind, just actions. Then I go into autopilot and don't try to make up reasons why I am siting.

I guess many humans need a purpose hence why the religions. If we can get away from that, we'll be comfortable with surprises. Following The Buddha, he teaches us to be comfortable with life and death and the process thereof. The only few ways we can do so is not to have expectations.

It leads to less stress when you leave your options open instead of writing a to-do list.

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

The desire to seek the good is a desire that to seek a transcendental. The ultimate good is God. In every good you seek, you are affirming the existence of God (whether you are consciously or unconsciously aware of this fact).

I had a feeling that was coming... and I do not agree in the slightest. I seek the good for myself because I like my life being good. Is that so hard to accept?

 

[ArtieE]

The desire to seek the good is a desire that to seek a transcendental. The ultimate good is God. In every good you seek, you are affirming the existence of God (whether you are consciously or unconsciously aware of this fact).

Define "good".

 

[ArtieE]

Self-interest - greed, lust, etc.

But what would be the ultimate purpose?

 

[RRex]

But what would be the ultimate purpose?

Self-interest. Satisfaction of the ego.

 

[McBell]

As I see it. every purpose you believe you have created during the course of your life was subordinated to a higher purpose, namely, the purpose to seek the good. This is so self-evident that it hardly needs to be stated.

And yet here you are not only stating it, but getting an awful lot of evidence you are just plain flat out wrong.
Funny that.

 

[George-ananda]

Because the intention to create a purpose requires a higher purpose in order to account for the intention.

But can't an atheist argue that even that 'higher purpose' is just a creation of the brain consciousness based on the logic to maximize happiness and minimize sorrow?

 

[Mycroft]

Based on what?

Based on LSD, I think.

 

[Gambit]

But can't an atheist argue that even that 'higher purpose' is just a creation of the brain consciousness based on the logic to maximize happiness and minimize sorrow?

The atheist could, but the bottom line remains the same: It is not possible for us to create a purpose without acting on some higher purpose (which we ourselves did not create).