The Ambiguous Quest of Society: A Discussion on Shared Purpose and Individual Agendas

Have you ever pondered the meaning behind the song “happiness is”? Everyone has a different perspective, but in democracies around the world, some consensus emerges around certain ideals such as liberalism and socialism. Liberalism, rooted in the principles of individual rights, consent of the governed, political equality, and legal equality, has shaped many of our societies. Socialism, while sometimes confused with the promise of the American Dream, focuses on equal opportunity and success based on merit.

However, at its most fundamental level, life itself is often seen as a cycle of sex, eat, reproduce, and die. If there were no God or a higher power, the logic goes, life would lack all purpose. Without an afterlife, the belief is that our bodies are worthless, and life would be meaningless.

Thanks to the divine, however, eternal meaning is given to our existence. But with the rejection of organized religion by many societies, a new question arises: does society no longer have a clear purpose?

Indeed, the idea that society has a shared agenda or purpose may seem far-fetched. As a collective entity, society no longer holds a common purpose, as individual beliefs about right and wrong diverge. In many ways, society has become a loose collection of individuals with disparate goals. This fragmentation has led to a sense of disunity and purposelessness.

Some argue that society, viewed as an abstract concept, lacks the ability to have an agenda. It is an idea, a concept — a tool used to support, present, and manipulate other ideas. Only individuals within society can truly have agendas. These individuals often have diverse and sometimes conflicting objectives. Sometimes, individuals with similar goals may find themselves in agreement, while others may adopt an agenda presented to them by someone else.

However, there is a critical point to consider: with human beings, it is nearly impossible to have a cohesive society with a single, unified agenda. The diversity of thought, experience, and values among individuals means that there will always be multiple agendas at play.

Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that society, as a whole, does not have a single agenda. Society is a sum of its diverse parts, each driven by their individual goals and beliefs. Recognizing and understanding these differences can help individuals navigate their community more effectively, fostering a more harmonious and purposeful society.

Ultimately, the quest for meaning and purpose in society is a deeply personal one. Each individual must seek their own path, while acknowledging the coexistence of multiple perspectives and beliefs within the larger society. By embracing this diversity, we can create a more vibrant and interconnected world.