Meaning & Purpose Musings
- Dr Doughboy
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Meaning & Purpose Musings
I am interested in perspectives of those on this forum. What brings you the most meaning in your life? Do you have a calling or purpose in life? After nearly completing my dissertation on these weighty topics, I am very interested in your perspectives. I just completed an online course to help answer some of these most difficult questions and help people figure out their “why” in life and practically turn this introspection into an action plan. I am now translating the content of this course into book format, so your thoughts would be timely and helpful!
- psyreporter
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Re: Meaning & Purpose Musings
I have personally been wondering why 'the unlocking of potential of others' (passing on passions, knowledge, and beliefs (wisdom) to others) would be a 'higher purpose' for people.
I've noticed that even professors dedicated to the subject purpose - even a president of a prominent organization dedicated to the subject (co-author of the book 'true north' which is sort of a paragon of business books similar of nature as the iconic '7 habits' by Stephen R. Covey) - reside in wonder by the 'recognition' that it is the higher purpose of many people while the people themselves almost always firmly believe that it is something truly personal - an authentic characteristic unique to themselves.
I've noticed that the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas - Ethics as First Philosophy / Totality and Infinity - seems to conclude with a similar assertion that unlocking the potential in others is the highest purpose of human life.
The quest to find meaning and purpose in life and work is a modern movement.
In business science the purpose, meaning and empowerment movement follows the previous 'authenticity' movement (a sort of shift from personal individual leader based subjective morality to outward - organization culture centric - morality). Increasingly employees in companies are put in control and are valued to pioneer - to determine a path forward - on behalf of the company. This involves morality.
Businesses and business thinkers/science are really struggling to bring it into practice.
(2022) What Is the Purpose of Your Purpose? Your why may not be what you think it is.
"The current fixation on moral purpose puts pressure on executives to be seen as running a “good” business. Defining your purpose (morality) as embedded in culture—as operating in a thoughtful, disciplined, ethical manner—can be both pragmatic and genuine. The full potential of purpose is achieved only when it’s aligned with a company’s value proposition and creates shared aspirations both internally and externally."
https://hbr.org/2022/03/what-is-the-pur ... ur-purpose
Studies have shown that giving people autonomy improves their health and well-being significantly. Modern workers simply demand it so companies are forced to deliver.
It is interesting to see the recent development with regard meaning and purpose in human life. But since professors dedicated to the subject are wondered by the 'recognition' that it is the highest purpose in many people, fundamental understanding of the Why of the movement may actually be lacking.
Therefore my question: what about plants and animals? Why would it be different for them? Why not speed up evolution a bit and instead of doing the 'purpose and meaning' movement for humanity, include nature already in (cultural / movement based) consideration as well?
- psyreporter
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Re: Meaning & Purpose Musings
Do you believe that it is something personal or do you recognize it in others?Dr Doughboy wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2023, 12:56 pmHelping others find meaning gives me the most meaning.
Did you ever consider the (fundamental) Why of that purpose?
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Re: Meaning & Purpose Musings
- Eliza B00k
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Re: Meaning & Purpose Musings
First is the societies purpose of life which is to achieved something, to be successfull and be someone, the second one of the meaning and purpose of life is we live it.
Sometimes as we are running after our dream we forgot to live our life, we kind of follow the path everyone take because that's the societies norms and failure to do so will be tagged as unsuccessfull.
But we need to take a moment to reflect, if you do what other think is right and be "successfull" , are you living? Yes, because it is what societies meaning of life and if you enjoy it good for you but for those who's not following the ideal meaning and purpose of life, are you living? Still a YES because you are LIVING.
In the end, we are just as small as a dust what we did today will be forgotten. We don't matter, we will going to fade, so make sure you are living today.
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Re: Meaning & Purpose Musings
Helping others, helps me to find meaning, Desmond TuTu called it selfish compassion. When you help others, you probably help yourself more.Dr Doughboy wrote: ↑February 22nd, 2023, 12:56 pmHelping others find meaning gives me the most meaning.
- Mitzi
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Re: Meaning & Purpose Musings
2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month
Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023
Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023