Most often we define our existence by means of purpose or reason (ie almost all major monotheistic religion define meaning of existence as to worship and glorify God).Are there any other ways in which we can define our existence beyond a description of purpose?
What do you feel?
Sheena said...
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Not answering the question:
Question is why, not what. ARTEo said...
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That's what we are trying to discuss here... the question of what rather than why... for why will always be followed by a reason and another why... Many a times we are told about the philosophy of being versus doing, but not many (I dare say) understand fully the actual meaning of being, and unconsciously fall back into "doing" something in order to "be" something...
Is there a more primary state of existence (or probably existence isn't the best word to use here) that connotes our "being"?
In other words, probably I'd rephrase that, what is the meaning of our existence, other than to answer some purposes?
You can define yourself in relation to others, eg.
(i) How others SEE you.
(ii) What others EXPECT of you. (This one is related to purpose, except on a more horizontal, rather than vertical level; unless the person in question is your boss :P)
Or, you could just live life without reason, ie. live for the sake of living, eg. pleasure-seeking. Dorian Gray, for example. Existentialism, that's the word, there ya go.
I must admit I'm a bit distracted in this comment: I'm still chewing over a question some else asked me a few days ago: "Why are you so religious?"
Why don't you have a go at that one? :P
My boss once asked my, knowing I attend church and stuff, that whether or not I am a religious person...
Thinking about the silent debate in my mind of the times when I was looking at the pros and cons of having a set cluster of rules to direct your relationship with God (interpreted as religion), I at that time was leaning towards the cons of religious restrictions
So I said I was rather faithful than religious.