Friday, January 5th, 2024
Who doesn’t wonder about the purpose of life? There are a zillion answers to this question, so it makes sense many of us struggle to choose one or three or even ten “life goals,” out of the myriad options. Going to a Baskin Robbin’s Ice Cream store is torture for exactly this reason. As soon as you choose a flavor, there are thirty-nine or so other flavors you didn’t choose, right? Same with Boba and See’s Candy!
Sometimes, less is more.
Imagine, though. What if someone did have the answer to this all-important question? And not just “the answer” for themselves, but “the answer” for all of humankind? Wouldn’t that be mind-blowing?
One’s purpose is the zeitgeist of one’s life. It is the reason for living. The most valid and worthwhile pursuit of our existence. The attainment of the idea (even if the goal proves elusive) can largely determine what a person feels upon their deathbed. Are we filled with regret, at a life wasted? Or satisfied and relieved that our years and days and moments were well-spent? Mustn’t we first have a definition for “well-spent?”
Today, I will not be claiming to have your answer. I don’t even necessarily have my answer. But, I do have “an” answer, and it applies to almost everyone.
Biologically, our body enters this world with one imperative. To bring forth new life. This is what my body (and yours) was designed to do. Even “to survive” is secondary to the goal of procreation, because the purpose of staying alive — is to procreate. On Earth, I’m pretty sure there’s no belief system lacking this idea, from monotheism to polytheism, agnosticism to atheism, animism to scientism.
As an aside: Scientism is a belief system, just like any other.
Here’s a good summary: “Scientism is the opinion that science and the scientific method are the best or only way to render truth about the world and reality.” For myself, I prefer to be humble and patient, knowing that when I die, I will then discover first hand what comes after this life. But, while alive, I also keep an open mind, so I do not self-limit my experiences. Who knows what I may discover or experience which could alter my relationship with the divine?
To Give Birth, or Not to Give Birth! That isn’t really the question.
When we are young, we may or may not want to have children, and I’m not suggesting one should. That is a deeply personal decision and there are plenty of reasons to decide to not have children. I will forever believe, there are as many right decisions as there are people in the world.
However. The body has a desire that cares little for our wishes or desires. According to our ovaries and testes, our hormones and physical characteristics, our skeletal conformation and male/female brain development — procreation is the primary purpose of our body’s life. Therefore, IF you have had children, then YOUR BODY has accomplished its implicit goal.
Outside of the ego that judges our intellect, rules our emotions and dictates our self-worth, our body has its own goal that it quietly goes about pursuing. And, if you are a parent, then as a biological being, you’ve achieved your body’s purpose for existing. And, that’s sort of cool.
This thought came to me today, as I was driving home from dropping my eldest son off at the ferry dock. I think it’s because I’m very much enjoying the company of my sons (they are awesome and delightful, especially when they’re having fun or working together). Also, I am grappling with the gradual decline of my health, in very small ways. I actually expect my health to improve in the short term, as I recover from my Mom’s passing, exactly one year and one day ago. But still, the inevitable wear and tear of 51 years on the planet are showing up, here and there, and with them come questions. Such as, “what is my purpose?”
For me, a woman who wanted children and was blessed to spend the past 25 years utterly devoted to them, I am grateful to know that — at least, biologically — my purpose has been achieved. I have given to this world two lovely young men who will go on to live their best lives. As a life’s purpose, this ain’t too shabby!
As I drove home, I felt gratitude for this realization.