why we exist
Because I am here? That I have to do? Where should I go? With who? What will happen when I’m gone? Why is there so much bread? What is the meaning of life?
We are fortunate to have become sentient life forms. Evolution allowed us to get to this point. However, the ability to understand gives no more purpose to our existence than an ant, a fish, or a bird does. Our purpose in life is simply procreation. Make more humans and we will have fulfilled our reason for being here.
However, we have the ability to do more, to be more, and to act in ways that benefit others. We can appreciate our existence, manipulate our environment and improve the lives of others. We can be moral, compassionate and ethical. Some may describe this as self-centered nihilism. So be it. It may be in our nature to improve the condition of humanity and improve the quality of our environment.
Some of the most beautiful and gifted people perish at a young age. Some of the most terrible monsters enjoy long and comfortable lives. There is no rhythm or reason in the symphony of life. It’s tragic, electrifying, magnificent, and terrifying all at the same time. Are we confined to the role of a passing observer through the passage of time? Can we act in a way that impacts society, benefiting future generations? Can we impart this value to our progeny? Whether or not this is our destiny, the perspective exists and its meaning calls us all through the silence of time.
We do not exist to do something or to be someone. Although we have innate gifts, randomness plays a fundamental role. We are born into wealth or poverty. Our parents love us or beat us. The chance of our birth condemns us to poverty or places us in circumstances of great wealth; we receive higher guidance from a loving family, or we are thrown into the cold, dark world as orphans. However, there are those who overcome such travesties of unfortunate circumstances. Some of the most depressed people are rich beyond greed, as are many of the physically beautiful. Conversely, some of the least attractive and disadvantaged people are also the happiest. We strive to consume, possess and possess. We learn, work and achieve. But are we satisfied?
Our destiny is created through decisions. It is the only true freedom any of us have. The consequences of our decisions create or deny opportunities. We can overcome severe impediments by virtue of our ability to reason and act wisely. This is not our purpose. Rather, it is a gift. How we use this gift determines our legacy.
A metaphysical explanation for death, heaven, God, alternate dimensions, or a parallel universe is not required for us to feel satisfied. Happiness has little to do with ideas of conscience or delusions of morality. The Torah teaches us that whoever saves one person in turn saves the entire world. If there is any meaning in life, it is that we have the ability to help others. We can touch lives and make them better. The context of this morality is compassion. Compassion ennobles humanity and enhances its meaning. The human soul does not thrive on value (Nietzsche). It is nourished by love and compassion. We have the ability to grow beyond our self-centered ego. What we do with our lives resonates for all eternity in those who remember us. The gateway to this reward is ethical behavior. Yes, it is subjective. But reason and logic alone leave us wanting.
The currency of life is empathy. The more we give, the more we receive. Anyone can be rich in this sense. Environmental conditions and strength of purpose allow someone with a short and miserable life in painful misery to become happy and fulfilled. Achievement comes from the knowledge that one’s presence in life has somehow improved the world. A search for more meaning is superfluous.
Time is the fire in which we slowly burn. Its flames prick our skin always. Time surrounds us in silent, fiery malevolence, always winning our retreat. There is no escape. Death is liberation, not exemption. The fact that we only get one shot at life makes every moment, every interaction critical. There are no second chances.
Why do we fear death? Death is simply the normal end of life. It is a liberation for many and a wish for those who suffer. We mourn lost loved ones. The huge emptiness is unbearable. Yet through sadness and mourning, despite the certainty that they are gone forever, we can rejoice in the way they touched our lives. We can remember his love and pass it on to others.
Humanity captures an optimistic picture of existence after death. Captivated by an invented idea of heaven, we err in life by assuming that our ends will more than justify the means. We blindly assume that a “good” deity would always welcome us into her bosom, allowing us to partake of heavenly bliss. Actually, we are responsible for everything we do or say. Our actions have consequences. We can help or hurt, help or ignore, tolerate or hate. And while it may seem like death is a brick wall into which all of our lives must crash, our actions in life resonate throughout eternity. Our behaviors resonate through time, reflecting and refracting through everyone we meet and those they meet. The resulting clarity becomes the character of our legacy. Good or bad, right or wrong, the remote memory of our existence will be defined by our past and present actions and attitudes.
The noblest endeavor in our meager existence is to impart value to the existence of our progeny. We can teach our children to respect and honor humanity in all its forms; and, to value the differences between us, not fear them. If we are successful, then our lives will be fulfilled. And, when we are gone, our children will rejoice in the way we touched their lives. This is the meaning of our existence: to touch others in a positive way and to be remembered as a person who values life and improves the world.