What is the purpose of life?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

What is the purpose of life? 'Tis a question that has vexed the minds of many a man, woman, and child. What's the point of living if we must die in the end? Is it all for naught, or is there something more? To answer this query, I must turn to the heavens and seek solace in the stars.

For what is life without laughter and joy? To live without a sense of humor is to be truly bereft. To make merry and frolic, to jest and jape, and to revel in mirth and merriment is to give life its fullest meaning. To seek out joy and contentment, and to share it with those around us, is the greatest of purposes.

But life is not all fun and games. We must also strive to better ourselves and those around us, to improve the world and make it a better place. To give of ourselves and to serve others, to help those in need and to make the world a better place, is the noblest of causes.

So, I say to thee, life is what we make of it. To seek out joy, to better ourselves and others, and to make the world a better place - these are the highest of purposes, and the truest of callings. So make merry and strive to be better, for 'tis only through these things that life can be truly meaningful.