The only purpose to human life is the purpose each of us humans choose for it for ourselves.

I like that, good one.


I also feel that there is no "given purpose" from on high, being an athiest. Those that do think that may be left without and drive to create meaning in their lives...

It is sort of silly to think we "need" a purpose to our lives - other animals simply live and reproduce and feed the earth in their own way. The biological side of purpose is evident and obvious [shitting in the woods feeds plant life which gives us oxygen, food, etc.] , though humans have gone away from that and are now destroying the earth and its life-giving ways.

Maybe our best purpose is to be a positive factor on the biosphere earth.

Beyond that, there are ways in which people stake out their purpose - to help the hungry or something like that, doing good. But that is not what you are asking is it? Those are just activites, good ones or bad ones, and are not really a "purpose".

Gee, now I confuse myself - what was the question again?

Perhaps not "purpose" but "significance". And perhaps not "significance" but "majesty". For when one is in the presence of a human who is fully integrated, fully ALIVE, it creates in others the desire to BECOME. In seeking that, we've coined the term "purpose", i.e., a sense of mission, direction, a desire to be more. That dim awareness that we exist at a much lower existence than is possible for a potentialized human. Imagine being smart but sentient enough to know you are a genius. We move about with that nagging sensation that we are SO MUCH MORE. Those that have found a way are worshipped of course. And they are no different--except for the decision to ascend into the HIGH level of personhood. And even so...they go. And personally, though I may not know where, I dont believe it is "nowhere". Evolution happens on all levels, so what is evolution once the body dies? THAT is the mystery. Sometimes fun to ponder, other times quite a bit of pressure to do as much, be as much, learn as much and EXPRESS ourselves as much as possible while still "here" And we don't really know where "there" or "here" is either - that story is being UNtold by quantum physics, too Hmmm. An interesting existence no matter what your thoughts, yes?

"There is no cure for birth and death save to enjoy the interval."

Santayana