What is the Ultimate Goal of Human Life?
The ultimate goal of human life is the fundamental question at the heart of any moral system or philosophical outlook. Its answer spans millennia of cultural, religious and philosophical discourse have come up with diametrically opposite answers.
Essentially, the ultimate goal of human life is a matter of personal interpretation. For some, it is a life devoted to the pursuit of material pleasures. For others, it is devoted to the development of eternal spiritual pursuits. And for some, it is a combination of the two.
The ancient Greeks, for instance, believed that the ultimate goal of life was the pursuit of truth and knowledge. Plato, a renowned Greek philosopher, argued that the purpose of human life was to use reason and contemplation to attempt to grasp eternal truths. He believed the human soul should take part in a higher, philosophical activity, rather than merely material gain. Furthermore, he viewed such activities as beneficial both to the individual, and to the souls immortal status.
The idea of a spiritual or metaphysical purpose to life is shared by most major religions. For example, Buddhism holds that the path to enlightenment is to be found through realizing the true nature of reality. This is only possible through meditating on the world and coming to terms with ones place in it.
In Islam, human life is viewed as an opportunity to serve God by worshipping and obeying His will. Life is seen as a test of faith, helping humans to earn the pleasure of Gods company in the afterlife.
Hinduism, meanwhile, advocates for a spiritual journey involving the pursuit of Brahman (the ultimate truth of existence and the highest goal of human life).
For some, the ultimate goal of life is simply to live happily and in harmony with others. This can involve both material and spiritual pursuits. For instance, a life devoted to cultivating relationships with friends, family and the community can be extremely fulfilling. It can also involve taking joy in small things, such as the beauty of nature or experiencing the simple pleasure of going for a walk.
At the end of the day, the ultimate goal of human life is down to personal interpretation and the individual. Ultimately, it is up to each person to determine what they want out of life and how they will get there. How we use our limited time on this earth is completely up to us.
