a higher purpose?

[nostatic]

Some threads beg the question about people's views on a "higher purpose." And so, a poll...

Mostly the climate change threads make me wonder, but there are others as well. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, but I'd like to get a feel for whether or not people think that humans have a "higher purpose" beyond just living day to day.

[m21sniper]

We are as insignificant as the universe is vast.

[david c.]

Well, the first thing that jumps to mind is the instinctual drive to reproduce. I'm not sure if that's what you mean but it's obviously a drive that, if satisfied, has little if any direct effect on the individual.

[dd74]

Well, everyday we create history for others to read and experience in the future. I think that means we inherently have a higher purpose. To each other.

[Nathans_Dad]

Chalk me up on the "higher purpose" ledger.

We are placed here for a reason. Each of our lives has a purpose in the grander scheme.

[lendaddy]

I think it's very important for most to feel that they are contributing to/working toward a greater purpose.

[john70t]

My ambitions are very small. I only want $1.00 from every American.

[Noah930]

I try to live by that camping motto of leaving the place a little nicer than how it was when I found it.

[kstar]

Be good, do good.

No deity required.

[JavaBrewer]

+1 on Kurt's be good do good. Not because you feel obligated to, but because you want to. I voted for the karma option because I think people get what they put out. No deity required.

[Jagshund]

I agree with the assertion that we are as insignificant as the universe is vast. However, I believe it is our "calling" to become significant in our given place; it is our calling to become more than human . . . rise above the flesh and the beings that we are: hotwired to consume, reproduce and watch out for number one. I'd like to think it's possible . . . and we'll stop there before I write a book.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yep. I picked #2, although #2 & #3 both seem to apply.

Ya need to look out for #1 but past the point of ensuring your own survival and reasonable level of comfort, it is inherently noble to look past ourselves and try to leave the world better than when we found it.

Maslow got it right:



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

[trekkor]

Hi!


KT

[Jagshund]

Wow. The hierarchy of needs. I thought I left that back in psych class YEARS ago . . .

How is it I that I just realized I'm watching "Biker Boyz" and have likely been doing so for over an hour . . .

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

We are as insignificant as the universe is vast.

Ironic. The fact that a humans can even SAY that...meaning, they have some appreciation of the vastness of the Universe and our part in it...means that we are NOT insignificant, because something that truly IS insignificant cannot properly comprehend what is larger than it.

Therefore, by you stating that, you have negated your own statement.

[svandamme]

i don't see karma as a higher purpose
i just see it as a way of life

and sometimes it works out , sometimes it doesn't
sometimes i screw up my end of it, and sometimes the karma end screws up

I just try

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

Ironic. The fact that a humans can even SAY that...meaning, they have some appreciation of the vastness of the Universe and our part in it...means that we are NOT insignificant,

Hardly. That's some A-1 grade nonsense you be talkin' bro.

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

We are as insignificant as the universe is vast.

Probably the first time I have agreed with sniper. (Maybe not the last).

Tom

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

Hardly. That's some A-1 grade nonsense you be talkin' bro.

You're a strange mess of conflicting ideas, depending on which thread you're in.

Either we're insignificant useless gnats wasting space on this planet...or we're strong evolutionary predators who deserve to use the environment as we feel fit, because it's adapt or die dude...or you're saying that government funding is good as long as it's military and not NASA...or you're saying that government only funds welfare and destroys the country because of socialism.

Quite the interesting character you are.

[Jim Richards]

Both of his personalities are interesting.