Exploring the Purpose of Life and Money: Beyond Survival

Often, when we discuss the purpose of life and money, we tend to narrow our focus to how they help us survive in our society. But does it truly have to be that way? This article delves into the deeper questions of what truly gives meaning to these concepts and how they intertwine with our journey in life.

The Purpose in Life

Stemming from the works of renowned psychiatrist Dr. Viktor E. Frankl, the meaning of life is often seen as unique to each individual. Frankl asserts that the meaning of life is not money-centric but rather a personal pursuit that transcends monetary transactions. For Frankl, the meaning of life is a deeply personal and subjective experience that evolves with each person’s journey.

Categories of Purpose in Life

While there is no single, universal purpose, many people find meaning in different aspects of life. These include health, relationships, education, and wealth, among others. For instance, someone might derive their purpose from their family, or they might be driven by the desire to educate others and leave a positive impact on the world. Some might find their purpose in peace and enjoying the present moment, while others may seek spiritual fulfillment or personal growth.

The Essence of Our Existence

Prof. Carl Sagan's poignant poem on the first image of Earth from Jupiter beautifully encapsulates the interconnectedness of all human experiences, whether we are heroes, saints, or sinners. In the vast cosmos, Earth is a mere mote of dust. This realization highlights the insignificance of our material pursuits, such as money, in the grand scheme of the universe. Sagan emphasized the human responsibility to treat one another with compassion and to cherish our existence on this pale blue dot.

The Folly of Human Conceits

To my mind, there is perhaps no beer demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly and compassionately with one another and to preserve and cherish that pale blue dot—the earth—the only home we’ve ever known.

Sagan's words challenge us to reconsider our material ambitions and instead focus on the communal aspects of life. Money, while essential for survival and human interactions, is only one of the many elements that shape our existence. It is a means to an end, not the end itself.

The Roles of Creation and Destiny

While some aspects of our lives, such as the creation and manifestation of our purpose, are intertwined with divine or cosmic forces, other elements are shaped by our own actions and decisions. This concept of Karma and destiny highlights the interplay between predestined events and personal choices. Whether good or bad, certain events unfold in our lives, and how we navigate these challenges defines our journey and destiny.

Manually Crafting Our Purpose

Just as Dr. Frankl suggests, our pursuit of purpose is a deeply personal and manual process. We can choose to live by our values and create our own meaning, rather than being solely driven by material gains. Money, in this context, is a tool for survival and can be harnessed to align with our larger purpose. It is not an end itself but a means to achieve our aspirations and fulfill our mission in life.

In conclusion, while money and survival are essential for our day-to-day functioning, they should not be the sole focus of our lives. The true purpose lies in finding personal fulfillment and contributing to the greater good. By embracing the essence of our existence and finding meaning in our choices, we can lead a more fulfilling and compassionate life.