Creating Our Own Meanings in a Life Without Inherent Purpose

Biologically, the sole purpose of any living entity, be it animals, plants, insects, birds, or humans, is survival and procreation. Everything else is a cultural acquisition. Therefore, individuals can create their own purposes in life based on their abilities and personal interests. Everyone is different, and everyone wants to do things differently. However, the crux of life remains essentially the same for everyone.

The Absence of Inherent Purpose

Some argue that life has no inherent meaning and that individuals must create their own purposes. This perspective suggests that if life has no inherent meaning, then the meaning and purpose of everyone's life must be the same. But this is not possible, given the vast diversity of life on Earth. If everyone's purpose were the same, how could all creatures simultaneously perform the same actions?

The Inability to Determine Purpose

Furthermore, individuals cannot determine their own purpose because their reactions and the outcomes of their actions are highly context-dependent. The reaction of an individual is not fully controllable; the results of their actions are influenced by various external factors. Hence, it is illogical to claim that an individual can single-handedly determine their purpose. Ultimately, the purpose must be discovered or created, not predetermined.

Exploring Personal Purpose

Of course, individuals have the capacity to create their own purposes and meanings. One can look to one's faith or personal beliefs to guide purpose or even invent one's own meaning. Beliefs such as the existence of a higher power or a moral necessity can provide a solid foundation for purpose. However, those who claim that 'there is no meaning to life' often struggle with the concept of creating their own meanings. This incoherence arises from a worldview that cannot logically accommodate any form of inherent meaning.

The Importance of an Eternal Creator

This incoherence is one of the reasons why some individuals who were once atheists have turned to belief in a higher power. They recognize that without the existence of an eternal Creator, the world becomes a place where the inherent value of human life is equivalent to that of a worm. This view of the world is fundamentally flawed, as it fails to acknowledge the inherent value and dignity of human life.

Conclusion

The search for meaning in life is a deeply personal journey, and it often involves questioning the fundamental nature of existence. While there may not be a universal meaning, individuals have the freedom to find their own purposes and meanings. Whether through faith, personal beliefs, or cultural practices, the creation of one's own meaning is a vital aspect of the human experience.

Keywords: purpose in life, inherent meaning, creating meanings, atheism, meaning of life