Why do people live on earth? From time immemorial, the answer to this question was sought by both great philosophers and ordinary inhabitants. But so far none of them has come to a final conclusion, because this task does not have a single solution. How many philosophical schools, as many opinions, and maybe even more.
Nevertheless, some were able to logically answer, able to explain the existence of man.
How often do we reflect on why a person is born and lives?
The most carefree time is childhood. During this period, we all run like mad around our homesteads, pretending to be pirates, superheroes, robots. Thousands of amazing ideas can swarm in our heads, but there is not a single question about the meaning of life. Yes, and why?
And only having crossed the threshold of youth, a person begins to look for an answer to it. “Why does a man live? What is his purpose? What is the meaning of my life? ” - All these questions worried the heart of each of us. But some quickly threw them away, switching to more pressing problems, while others, on the contrary, spent their whole lives in search of an undeniable truth.
Ancient philosophers and the meaning of life
Aristotle once said: “Knowing the soul is the main task of the philosopher, as it can give answers to many questions …” Moreover, he believed that any thinker should look for meaning in everything, since this search is an integral part of ourselves. He taught that it is not enough to accept things as they are, you also need to understand why they are needed in this world.
The German philosopher Georg Hegel was also puzzled by the question of why man lives in this world. He believed that such a craving for knowing oneself is inherent in us by nature and is our true Self. Moreover, he argued: if you understand what role is assigned to man, then it will be possible to unravel the purpose of other phenomena of the universe.
Also, do not forget about Plato and his thoughts on why man lives on earth. He was sure: the search for his destiny is the highest good for man. In part, it was in these searches that his meaning of life was hidden.
God's plan, or Why do people live on the plan?
You can not talk about the meaning of life and not touch on the topic of religion. After all, all existing beliefs have their own opinions on this issue. Their sacred texts contain clear instructions on how to spend your life and what is the highest good for a person.
So, consider the most common denominations.
- Christianity. According to the New Testament, all people are born in order to live a righteous life, which will give them a place in paradise. Therefore, their purpose in life is to serve the Lord and also be merciful to others.
- Islam. Muslims are not too far removed from Christians, their faith is also based on service to God, only this time to Allah. In addition, every true Muslim should spread his faith and fight the “infidels” with all his might.
- Buddhism. If you ask a Buddhist: “Why does a person live?”, He will most likely answer this way: “To become enlightened.” This is the goal pursued by all the followers of Buddha: to cleanse your mind and go into nirvana.
- Hinduism. In each there is a divine spark - Atman, thanks to which a person after death is reborn in a new body. And if in this life he behaved well, then at the next rebirth he will become happier or wealthier. The highest goal of being is to break the circle of rebirth and indulge in oblivion, which gives pleasure and peace.
Scientific point of view on the purpose of man
Darwin's theory of evolution has cast doubt on the leadership of the church. This was due to the fact that humanity received another version explaining the appearance of life on Earth. And if at first only a few agreed with this theory, then with the development of science its adherents became more and more.
But how does science look at the issue we are discussing? Why does man live on earth? In general, everything is quite simple. Since man came from an animal, their goals are similar. And what is the most important for every living organism? True, the continuation of the genus.
That is, from a scientific point of view, the meaning of life is to find a reliable partner, reproduce offspring and take care of him in the future. After all, this is the only way to preserve the view from extinction and secure a bright future for yourself.
Cons of previous theories
Now we should talk about what the disadvantages are in these concepts. After all, both scientific and religious hypotheses are not able to give an exhaustive answer to the question: “Why do people live on earth?”
The downside of scientific theory is that it highlights a common goal that is ideal for the whole species. But if we consider the problem on the scale of one individual, then the hypothesis loses its universality. After all, it turns out that those who are not able to have children are completely devoid of any sense of life. Yes, and a healthy person is unlikely to like to exist with the thought that his only mission is to transfer his genes to offspring.
The position of religious communities is not ideal. After all, most religions put the afterlife above the earth. Moreover, if a person is an atheist or an agnostic, then his existence is devoid of any meaning. Many people don’t like this dogma, so over the years the church foundations begin to weaken. As a result, the person again remains face to face with the question "why do people live on earth."
