What is our purpose here on earth?

[Cato]

I'd fuck you.  

Be there in ten.

Finished in two.

[Reforged]

Be there in ten.

Finished in two.

*sigh* Fine. I'll be with you in a moment, keep your shirt on.

[robvalue]

I'd say:

Reproduction has a purpose from the point of view of the survival of the species.

Sex organs have a purpose from the point of view of reproducing.

A key has a purpose from the point of view of opening a door with a corresponding lock.

None of those things have any purpose from a neutral point of view, or from the point of view of analysing minerals deposits on Mars. (Except indirectly by keeping us alive longer to do it).

To say something must be viewed from the point of view that gives it a purpose is to beg the question. Anything could have a purpose, to someone or something, somewhere. "Intended" purpose is perhaps a better phrase. This then applies to the key, but not to reproduction. The key was intended to open a lock, but reproduction was never designed and so wasn't intended to do anything.

[bennyboy]

*sigh* Fine. I'll be with you in a moment, keep your shirt on.

That's what my wife always says to me. I think she's just jealous.

[Joods]

My purpose for right now, is to get through school, land a good paying job and help support my family. My purpose for being here has changed several times throughout my life. When I was little, it was to have fun and learn and be a kid. As an adult, it was (and still is) to be the best parent I can possibly be to my kids. It's also to be responsible and show my children how to be responsible adults. After my kids are grown and out of the house, my purpose will, no doubt, change again. So, for me, and many others, we don't have just one purpose that we go through life with. They are ever-changing, based on where we are and what we're doing in life.

[robvalue]

Sounds like you chose good purposes

[Joods]

Thanks Rob. I'm trying really hard. Life is kicking my ass right now and I'm doing my best to deal with it. I just keep telling myself that I have to keep going no matter what happens. I want my kids to see that no matter what life throws at me, even when I don't feel up to the task of dealing with it, I must, because that's what adults are supposed to do. I am the example they are going to follow in their adult life. I don't want to fuck that up for them.

[bennyboy]

Sounds like you chose good purposes

I prefer dulphins.

[brewer]

My purpose for right now, is to get through school, land a good paying job and help support my family. My purpose for being here has changed several times throughout my life. When I was little, it was to have fun and learn and be a kid. As an adult, it was (and still is) to be the best parent I can possibly be to my kids. It's also to be responsible and show my children how to be responsible adults. After my kids are grown and out of the house, my purpose will, no doubt, change again. So, for me, and many others, we don't have just one purpose that we go through life with. They are ever-changing, based on where we are and what we're doing in life.

bold mine

What she said!

[thool]

I started this line of thought based upon asking myself a rhetorical question: what is the purpose of any animal, such as a lion? Lions exist to keep the number of prey at a certain balance, and they do this by eating and reproducing. Humans have the luxury of being able to pursue personal goals, and have the capacity to empathize.