The Purpose of Our Lives

Purpose works at three levels. The purpose of all living things is to pass on their DNA. Humanity's purpose is to pass on good ideas and knowledge. And each of us needs a purpose of our own.

Excellence in our abilities. Everyone is born with some ability. Some are given more than others: great academic or philosophical gifts for some, more modest and practical ones for others. Whatever our ability, we strive for excellence in it, whether as a great scholar or a flower arranger, and make that our purpose.

Family and the potential in our DNA. Even if our own abilities are modest, raising good children is a core responsibility of family. Our DNA carries the chance that a descendant will one day achieve greatness.

Fulfilment and legacy. Striving to be good at something gives us fulfilment, and it gives our family something to look to and say, "this is what we are known for." When we die, we are known for something, and we have a legacy to pass on.

Human skills in the age of the machine. As robots and artificial intelligence take over ordinary, mundane tasks, what humanity will value are individual human skills: academic, physical and creative, such as painting or flower arranging, that carry a uniquely human character. We value these skills and aim to be known for them.

Every person leaves a legacy. A great flower arranger, laid in the family forest with an ancestor stone made in their image, may inspire a descendant generations later. We all aspire to be part of this greatness, and it matters more and more as humanity reaches out to the stars.