Discovering Why is It Important to Know Your Purpose in Life

Introduction

Why is it important to know your purpose in life? Almost every individual has encountered this question at least once in their lifetime, and perhaps more frequently for others. It could have been during a late night with friends in a Walmart parking lot, or while daydreaming in a chair at work or home. Today's life expectancy is approximately 71 years. But what is the essence of life? What is our purpose on this planet? What defines a 'successful life'? Many hold the belief that happiness should be the guiding principle, while others aspire to live the 'American dream,' marked by a white picket fence and contentment.

Life Purpose in Serving God

Alternatively, some individuals find purpose in serving God. Selecting a purpose in life is a subjective journey without a definitive answer. I contend that our existence is meant for the discovery of our reason. Being placed on this planet devoid of explicit guidance about our purpose can evoke stress or curiosity. The absence of purpose renders existence devoid of meaning, leaving us to ponder the rationale for our being. However, every one of us was brought into existence for a distinct purpose. Some individuals identify their purpose swiftly, while others do so gradually. In my view, societal status, our upbringing, and various other factors play pivotal roles in unearthing our purpose. I hold that a pivotal facet of a fulfilling life is the ability to experience happiness.

Life Purpose in Happiness

What exactly constitutes happiness? Most of us likely do not deem it necessary to define happiness formally; when experienced, it is unmistakable and serves as a term encompassing an array of positive emotions such as joy, pride, contentment, and gratitude. According to Aristotle, human actions are driven by the pursuit of some form of good. This pursuit leads us to the concept of the 'good,' which Aristotle identifies as happiness. To attain happiness, one must function optimally. As rational beings, we are endowed with the capacity for reason. Optimal functioning implies living rationally and virtuously, thereby achieving happiness. However, what does it truly mean to be virtuous? In Aristotelian philosophy, virtue is synonymous with being authentic. An example of virtue is generosity, which extends across one's lifetime. Our rational faculties govern our happiness. For instance, impulses like hunger are controlled by our rationality. Aristotle's proposition is that happiness is a way of life, contingent on right actions leading to a fulfilling existence. Happiness embodies our telos, our ultimate objective (fulfilling our nature).

Conclusion

Cultivating happiness requires habitual practice; it's a journey of practice until mastery is attained. Expressing gratitude is a potent exercise in this pursuit. Interestingly, even a modest sum of money given to another can evoke greater happiness than spending the same amount on oneself. Gifting a small amount to someone in need creates lasting happiness, whereas self-centered spending yields fleeting pleasure. Even with limited resources, giving to those in need can be immensely gratifying. Directly purchasing something for someone can have a more profound impact than merely giving money if circumstances allow.

Works Cited

1. Aristotle. 'Nicomachean Ethics.' Translated by Terence Irwin, Hackett Publishing Company, 1999.
2. Tredwell, J. (2013). The Dark Figure of Crime: How to Research Unreported Crime. SAGE Publications Ltd.
3. Walklate, S. (2011). Imagining the Victim of Crime. Open University Press.