Finding a purpose in life. . .
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
A good story of someone finding a purpose in life was Mark Bittner, who wrote the book "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill."
Basically he thought that his role in life was to be a muscian but it didn't work out.
Spent his time doing odd jobs until one day he discovered a flock of parrots (cherry-headed conures) in his neighborhood (Telegraph Hill).
He studied them, fed them and nursed the sick and injured ones back to health; was featured in a film (same title as the book) about him, but mainly about the parrots.
He found his purpose in life by accident. It was not planned.
Plans don't aways work out.
Sometimes it's just around the corner, or for Mark Bittner, parrots flying in his neighborhood.
Basically he thought that his role in life was to be a muscian but it didn't work out.
Spent his time doing odd jobs until one day he discovered a flock of parrots (cherry-headed conures) in his neighborhood (Telegraph Hill).
He studied them, fed them and nursed the sick and injured ones back to health; was featured in a film (same title as the book) about him, but mainly about the parrots.
He found his purpose in life by accident. It was not planned.
Plans don't aways work out.
Sometimes it's just around the corner, or for Mark Bittner, parrots flying in his neighborhood.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,680
Likes: 1
From: Montreal Canada
once you start making some real money it's a lot easier to find your purpose. then you can do the fun stuff like take out your girlfriend, spend money on your car, and maybe buy a home and start thinking about a family.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,254
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From: Location, Location.
Originally Posted by websthes
once you start making some real money it's a lot easier to find your purpose. then you can do the fun stuff like take out your girlfriend, spend money on your car, and maybe buy a home and start thinking about a family.
Looking for real purpose in life too early in life can be hard. Like hoping for an exaplanation om grade one what's the ultimate utility of multiplication. For the first couple, even few, decades, it's a lot of laying a foundation for bigger things later in life, the likes of which we can't really fathom - but you know you have to do it, or at least you accept the wisdom of those who have already done it and egg you on to do the same.
Unfortunately, early in life it's a lot of learning and growing and finding a way to make a living and get along with other, and learning about the world at large, with no immeditealy apparent purpose to it. Until as another poster pointed out, one's own purpose becomes evident. It may be as grand as curing cancer, or it may be as common as raising a child who themselves may go on to greater things.
So, earlier in life, it's not at all unreasonable for one to accept that for the moment the purpose of life is to go to school, learn to get along with people, start a career, meet a nice girl, become aware of the world, become established.....and keep your eyes open for when your higher purpose reveals itself to you.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 662
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I'm facing the same problems at 34. My current career path is heading in a positive direction, but the field is just not very satisfying. With 2 kids and number 3 coming in August (all girls, no less) I have come to the realization that where I am now is not conducive to spending the time with my family that I feel that I should be. I'm currently saving up to get some training in a new field that I am already familiar with and starting a business. It will be part time at first until I have enough business and money in savings to work it full time and leave where I am now.
It's a tough decision to pick a direction, but you have to have an idea of where you want to be, how hard you're willing to work, and what you would enjoy doing day in and day out. Oh, and there's the part about being able to afford to persue your goals. But generally, people who do what they love for a living end up being successful in their ventures. Good luck on your journey.
It's a tough decision to pick a direction, but you have to have an idea of where you want to be, how hard you're willing to work, and what you would enjoy doing day in and day out. Oh, and there's the part about being able to afford to persue your goals. But generally, people who do what they love for a living end up being successful in their ventures. Good luck on your journey.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,587
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From: Virginia Beach
Just wanted to thank yall again. . .Oddly enough thoughts of a life purpose has lead me down a path of self improvement. Don't know if thats good or bad, but its a path choosen.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,646
Likes: 1
From: Milky Way Galaxy
Someone once told me a couple things that stuck with me about this.
1. You may not know exactly what you want to do in life, but until you figure it out, do something. Don't just sit around and wait until you've figured it out, your purpose in life will find you if you just keep looking.
2. Your overall purpose in life. . .Is life. Go live it!
1. You may not know exactly what you want to do in life, but until you figure it out, do something. Don't just sit around and wait until you've figured it out, your purpose in life will find you if you just keep looking.
2. Your overall purpose in life. . .Is life. Go live it!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 259
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Although we are not supposed to discuss religion, I see that God has already been mentioned several times so this is my opinion. Through him many gaps in life can be filled, and actually give your life a true meaning. Happiness, and feeling good about your self and what you do can turn your whole life around. I used to thing that money was the key...it isn't ! The things that I really want at this point in my life, money cannot buy....! Take care of yourself, maintain your health, and have faith, and I think you will be surprised at what can happen.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,254
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From: Location, Location.
The beauty is that in the context of the meaning of life, you can benefit from many religious principles without actually having to be religious or even talking about religion. I mean, take ther ten commandments - you can be the most unbelieving of atheists and still find good common sense in the ten commandments. Don't kill people. Don't mess around with your buddy's wife. Be honest and treat people well. Real hard stuff to argue against. And it goes beyond that. The seven deadly sins - you don't have to believe in sin to just take them as, let's say the seven ways NOT to live your life. Don't live like a sloth, don't be too proud, etc. And of course the lesser known 7 heavenly virtues - like prudence, temperance, courage, justice - one can easily justify aspiring to them without a word about religion.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,418
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco, Ca.
"They Call Him Flipper! Flipper!
Faster than lightning!
No one you see, is smarter than he!
And we know Flipper
Lives in a world full of wonder,
Lying there under, under the sea!
Everyone loves the King of the Sea.
Faster than lightning!
No one you see, is smarter than he!
And we know Flipper
Lives in a world full of wonder,
Lying there under, under the sea!
Everyone loves the King of the Sea.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,759
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From: Pleasant Hill, MO
Sounds like we're asking about Augustine's response to the Epicurean Dillema... 
http://www.geocities.com/mnapologetics/art12.htm
The good stuff comes in towards the end with the free will discussion. the privation is more of a requisite for the discussion of free will.
Ryan
http://www.geocities.com/mnapologetics/art12.htm
The good stuff comes in towards the end with the free will discussion. the privation is more of a requisite for the discussion of free will.
Ryan