Author |
Topic: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose? (Read 909 times) |
|
Melissa
Guest
|
 |
Why are we humans here and what is our purpose?
« on: Jun 8th, 2006, 10:40am » |
 Quote  Modify
 Remove
|
Answer THAT one for me, would ya please??
|
|
 IP Logged |
|
|
|
MJ
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender: 
Posts: 911
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #1 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 10:55am » |
Quote Modify
|
Just because
|
|
IP Logged |
MJ
|
|
|
seasonalboomer
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
If I think hard enough maybe it'll go away.....
Gender:
Posts: 2248
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #2 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:01am » |
Quote Modify
|
We can answer that question only if we answer the logical preceding question of, if we weren't here where else would we be? And what would our purpose have been there. Maybe if we figure that out we can get an idea why we're here and what our purpose is here.
Scott
P.S. In the end however I've been told that our purpose is actually "to make money for da' man".
|
| « Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:06am by seasonalboomer » |
IP Logged |
-----------------------------------------------------
seasonal boomer
-----------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
catlind
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Taz taught me the cluster dance
  
Gender: 
Posts: 3433
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #3 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:04am » |
Quote Modify
|
The answer to the meaning of life is 42.
That's about as much as I can figure out after years of asking that same question.
Cat
|
|
IP Logged |
A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart
If yer gonna be stupid, ya gotta be tough
|
|
|
Redd
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 6661
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #4 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:05am » |
Quote Modify
|
Ever since the human brain evolved to the point that abstract thought were possible, this is a question the species has been trying to answer.
Humans have a tendancy to "fill in the blanks" in areas in which there is a lack of available evidence. Just think of the kindergartener, reciting the Pledge Of Allegance, and the mangled and humorus words they use to fill in for those they don't know.
I'm not sure there can or will ever be a desicive answer to "why".
The fact that we ARE here is more important than the reason WHY, in my opinion, and what we do while we are here is what matters most.
JMHO
Pegg
|
|
IP Logged |
I saw an act of faith today. A man was on his knees, not in a pew in a Church, but in a garden planting seeds. ~~Unknown
|
|
|
Tom K
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Wait 5 days, but I'm angry now...
Gender:
Posts: 1038
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #5 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:07am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 11:04am, catlind wrote:The answer to the meaning of life is 42.
That's about as much as I can figure out after years of asking that same question.
Cat |
|
|
|
IP Logged |
"America, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind. America, America."-Bart Simpson
|
|
|
Tom K
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Wait 5 days, but I'm angry now...
Gender:
Posts: 1038
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #6 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:10am » |
Quote Modify
|
We are here because we got lucky in the whole scheme of things. Our purpose is to live our lives to the best of our ability and die. Kinda fatilist but pretty much true. There isn't some thing running our lives and giving us no control. We are born, we live, we die. Most people can't handle that fact, so they make up BS to make themselves feel better. This thread is going to bring up the whole religion thing, so I'm out. 
|
|
IP Logged |
"America, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind. America, America."-Bart Simpson
|
|
|
Brew
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Low Four!
Gender:
Posts: 6515
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #7 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:11am » |
Quote Modify
|
I've pondered this one for awhile, and the only sound answer I can come up with is to love one another. We're put here to serve each other and to make the journey for others a little less cumbersome. In doing this, I believe, we reveal a little bit of God's nature to others (since we are supposedly made in his image).
I figure I'll get the rest of the answer (if there is one) after I depart. If there's nothing but sweet, peaceful nothingness after we die, fine by me. At least I'll be able to get some rest.
|
|
IP Logged |
Always remember that you're unique, just like everyone else.
|
|
|
clarence
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Wake up
Gender:
Posts: 1020
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #8 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:14am » |
Quote Modify
|
I'm here because I have CH, and because I think y'all are pretty cool, and because I don't think I could have made it this far without ya!
Casey
|
|
IP Logged |
NY Yankees Suck!!!
"Bart, don't make fun of Grad students. They just made a terrible life decision," Marge Simpson
Where I live: http://rainfallsoneveryone.com
|
|
|
Melissa
Guest
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #9 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:20am » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
Tom K- it was a loaded question with a touch of sarcasm hon. So you think we're lucky to be here, eh? I think we got the shit end of the deal, LOL.
I like Cat's answer. I think I'll give myself that answer every time I ask myself why the hell I'm here. 
|
| « Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:21am by Melissa » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
imnotbub
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 702
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #10 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:26am » |
Quote Modify
|
I don't believe that we are here for any particular reason. We just are, whether it be by accident or by some grand design. Enjoy it. It could have been worse, you could have been a slug or a feeder fish, but then you wouldn't know the difference and wouldn't care. There is something to be said about not knowing, hence not caring. Alzheimers anyone?
Steve, I think 
|
|
IP Logged |
Life may not be good, but I think it beats the alternative, and if it doesn't, we'll find out soon enough
|
|
|
chewy
Guest
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #11 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:27am » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
Got no where else to go.
Your purpose is your decision to make.
My pupose is a simple one. To annoy Jonny and Sean as much as possible.
|
| « Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:29am by chewy » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Tom K
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Wait 5 days, but I'm angry now...
Gender:
Posts: 1038
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #12 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:30am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 11:20am, Melissa wrote:Tom K- it was a loaded question with a touch of sarcasm hon. So you think we're lucky to be here, eh? I think we got the shit end of the deal, LOL.
|
|
Could be worse, you could have never existed. Some may think that this would be better than CH, I personally don't. I'd rather deal with CH and all that goes with it. Without it, I wouldn't have met all these great people, even though we may not agree on everything. As for the bigger picture, I still would rather be here than the alternative.
|
|
IP Logged |
"America, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind. America, America."-Bart Simpson
|
|
|
Melissa
Guest
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #13 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:30am » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 11:26am, imnotbub wrote:
Yes please
Tom- If we never existed, then we'd never know the difference, so how can it be worse than being alive?
|
| « Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:36am by Melissa » |
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Redd
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 6661
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #14 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:43am » |
Quote Modify
|
I'd rather think I want Lewy Body Dementia than Alzheimers. The hallusinations Mom had were very pleasant for her, and there was no fear or combativeness as in the other.
I'd much rather believe that I was going out to dinner and drives in the country with loved ones, than become frightened not knowing where I am, or who is washing my azz.
|
|
IP Logged |
I saw an act of faith today. A man was on his knees, not in a pew in a Church, but in a garden planting seeds. ~~Unknown
|
|
|
Tom K
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Wait 5 days, but I'm angry now...
Gender:
Posts: 1038
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #15 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:52am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 11:30am, Melissa wrote:
Yes please
Tom- If we never existed, then we'd never know the difference, so how can it be worse than being alive?
|
|
You're right...my bad. Then the whole point of this discussion is moot, isn't it? Since all the logic is circular, we just come back to the same starting point, just posting banter to argue over. Or at least, that is how I see it...YMMV
|
|
IP Logged |
"America, you're so fine, you're so fine, you blow my mind. America, America."-Bart Simpson
|
|
|
Killroy 2.0
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Kilroy 2.0 is Here! Kilroy 2.0 is Everywhere!
Posts: 1426
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #16 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 11:59am » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 11:04am, catlind wrote:The answer to the meaning of life is 42.
That's about as much as I can figure out after years of asking that same question.
Cat |
|
References to the number forty-two are common
Google's calculator feature displays the number 42 when asked, "answer to life the universe and everything?" [1] (only works with all lower-case letters).
Using search at MSN will give you a similar result. Entering "answer to life the universe and everything" (all lower case letters again) into the search box at www.msn.com gives the result: "Answer: answer = 42 at the top of the list. [2]
The character of Lionel, in the PBS Kids' series Between the Lions, wears a '42' on his rugby jersey sleeve. This is a deliberate homage by two of the show's creators, Michael Frith and Christopher Cerf, as discussed in Cerf's introduction to the US Editions of The Salmon of Doubt.
Fox Mulder from The X-Files lives in apartment number 42. He has also seen the movie Plan 9 From Outer Space 42 times.
The house number of the Kumars, of The Kumars at No. 42, is a reference, as the show's creator Sanjeev Bhaskar explained on the occasion of endorsing the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in the BBC campaign Big Read
In the popular video game Destroy All Humans!, there is a base spoofing the infamous Area 51, called "Area 42".
In SWI Prolog, if one asks for a capitalised goal predicate, such as Predicate. or X., therefore turning the goal into the uninstantiated question (in other words, one asks a question that can be loosely translated as "What matches [everything]?" or "Is there an [everything]?", one is given 42. For example:
1 ?- X.
% ... 1,000,000 ............ 10,000,000 years later
%
% >> 42 << (last release gives the question)
1 ?-
In the text editor vim, the command ":help 42" yields the following text:
What is the meaning of life, the universe and everything? *42* Douglas Adams, the only person who knew what this question really was about is now dead, unfortunately. So now you might wonder what the meaning of death is...
Geoff Fortytwo changed his last name to Fortytwo in 1998.
The popular talker the Planes of Existence used 42 as the beginning of all of its ports.
In an episode of the TV series Early Edition, lead character Gary Hobson asks his mother how many chances she thinks we get at happiness. She answers, "42."
In the TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) specification: Every TIFF file begins with a 2-byte indicator of byte order: "II" for little endian and "MM" for big endian byte ordering. The following 2 bytes represent the number 42. The number 42 was selected "for its deep philosophical significance".
In the comic "Get Fuzzy", Rob Wilco is known to wear a shirt with the mathematical equation "6 * 9 = 42". There was also a comic with a tribute to Douglas Adams (published after the author's 2001 death), with a giant 42 with the line "So long and thanks for all the laughs." Also, characters are seen holding towels, and one says "Don't panic."
The band Level 42 was named in direct reference to this.
Computer Games Worms: Armageddon and Worms World Party feature a "flag" with the number 42 on it.
One of the bosses in Resident Evil is named Plant 42.
In the comedy drama Love Soup, Alice lives in flat number 42.
The last number of the significant number series in Lost is 42.
In the British sitcom The IT Crowd, Roy wears a T-shirt with the number 42 on it.
Buzz Lightyear's spaceship in his eponymous cartoon series is number 42.
In Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends when Bloo is in a presidential debate, he concludes with "If you want 2 + 3 = 42, vote for me."
In the game Dragon Quest, a free online game, you are told that the meaning of life is in room number 42.
In Linux systems, if you choose Linux to give you a username for your computer, it will offer "42"
On an episode of House M.D., Dr. Gregory House says his lucky number is 42.
In the online game Adventure Quest, there is a door labelled 42 in the inn. When clicked on, messages appear that reference the books.
In Brazil by Terry Gilliam: Sam Lowry leaving public transportation at station 42 or 41.
The character Peter Griffin from Family Guy is 42 years old.
If using the Oracle of Team Trafikk[3], the local bus company in Trondheim, Norway it will answer the question "Hva er meningen med livet?" ("What is the meaning of life?" with "42".
In South Park Episode 912 a representative of the Church of Scientology waited 42 years for the reincarnation of L. Ron Hubbard.
In Microsoft's Integrated Development Environment Visual C++, creating a new Dynamic-link library project will generate default code with a sample function that just returns 42.
|
|
IP Logged |
Do the walls speak to you? Do you follow the Geek Messiah? DO YOU COMPLY?!
|
|
|
Melissa
Guest
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #17 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:01pm » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 11:52am, Tom K wrote:
You're right...my bad. Then the whole point of this discussion is moot, isn't it? Since all the logic is circular, we just come back to the same starting point, just posting banter to argue over. Or at least, that is how I see it...YMMV
|
|
Yes, the point is moot. And the thread wasn't started for argumentive nor debatable reasons. It was sort of to make a point as to how other threads are turning out, like they have in the past. If I can put a centering back into things, it just may jar the page. If not, oh well, I tried!
BTW, I am here today to do laundry, take Lily to Karate, make supper for my family, knit Helen's blanket and pet my dog.
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #18 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:12pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Quote:| , I am here today to do laundry, take Lily to Karate, make supper for my family, knit Helen's blanket and pet my dog. |
|
and while you're at it Mel, put some color in your pic at the bottom of your posts. Your eyes look all washed out.
Linda
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Melissa
Guest
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #19 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:16pm » |
Quote Modify
Remove
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 12:12pm, Linda_Howell wrote:
and while you're at it Mel, put some color in your pic at the bottom of your posts. Your eyes look all washed out.
Linda |
|
LOL, you don't like my bleached soaked eyes huh? It's how I looked on Sunday after the bachelorette party I attended (they rented a bus from 5:45pm till 4:00am.)
|
|
IP Logged |
|
|
|
Brew
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Low Four!
Gender:
Posts: 6515
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #20 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:19pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 12:01pm, Melissa wrote:| BTW, I am here today to do laundry, take Lily to Karate, make supper for my family, knit Helen's blanket and pet my dog. |
|
See? You're here to serve others. As am I. As are we all. Whether or not we choose to do so is ultimately up to us. I find that I only find my true self when I'm serving others.
|
|
IP Logged |
Always remember that you're unique, just like everyone else.
|
|
|
pattik
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Gender:
Posts: 2404
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #21 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:19pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Curly Washburn said that "it's just one thing".
|
|
IP Logged |
The voyage of discovery is not about seeking new landscapes, it's about having new eyes--Marcel Proust
|
|
|
sandie99
New Board Hall of Famer
Wish it, dream it, do it - inspite the pain!
Gender:
Posts: 10429
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #22 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:24pm » |
Quote Modify
|
My answer is a quote from Dalai Lama:
"The purpose of life is happiness. And one can reach the path of happiness via love and compassion." 
Great day, everybody!
Sanna
|
|
IP Logged |
CH happends, Live anyway! PF days to us all!
"Do what you can and let God take care of the rest. Leave your heart wide open and always wish for the best" (Sanna Hillu)
"No matter how far out your dreams are, it's possible" (Marketa Irglova)
|
|
|
Linda_Howell
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Hearing is one thing. Listening is another.
Gender:
Posts: 6721
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #23 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:35pm » |
Quote Modify
|
Quote:And one can reach the path of happiness via love and compassion."
|
|
hmmm. I wonder if I can reach it with a rum and coke and a cabana boy.???
Linda
|
|
IP Logged |
Kindness, is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.
|
|
|
Margi
CH.com Alumnus
New Board Hall of Famer
Nuthin like a good neck rub!
Gender:
Posts: 3757
|
|
Re: Why are we humans here and what is our purpose
« Reply #24 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:35pm » |
Quote Modify
|
on Jun 8th, 2006, 12:01pm, Melissa wrote:
BTW, I am here today to do laundry, take Lily to Karate, make supper for my family, knit Helen's blanket and pet my dog. |
|
Well....there ya go, Mel - you answered your own question. Now stop and think about it....humour me for a moment will you?
Seriously, all the things on your to do list - they're all honours sent to you, darlin. You've been sent enough clothes to keep you warm. So take care of them. You've been blessed with children to love and nuture and you have a front row seat to watch them grow up. You have enough food to make a complete meal for your family. You have an animal who loves you unconditionally and totally trusts you to always love him/her back and is always happy to take the time to sit down and be petted.
So, you see? You've answered your own question. You're here to enjoy all the gifts you will be sent over the course of your lifetime. Your challenge is to not forget to recognize them along the way though.
Ours is not to question why, remember? Ours is to just enjoy the ride.
***
Although, I really Cat's answer too though. But I think Gena might have a wee bit too much time on her hands today...... ya think?
update: Linda, you posted while I was posting. Game, set, match to YOU for that one! NOW yer talkin!!!! LMAO
|
| « Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2006, 12:37pm by Margi » |
IP Logged |
http://askusaboutourgrandkids.photosite.com/
And, on the Eighth Day...God created Beer (to stop the Canadians from taking over the world)
source unknown
IMHO (which in my universe is correct)
kathy copelin, ch.com 8/8/06
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Help
Search
Members
Member Map
Login
Register
Reply
Notify of replies
Send Topic
Print
test rss