The meaning of life is one of humanities' oldest fascinations and has driven many debates. Is the purpose of life something inherent to find, or is it something we create? This article examines perspectives from a scientific, religious, and personal point of view regarding our existence and how we define our purpose in the universe.
The major religions of the world have different ideas about the purpose. In Christianity, the aim is to love and serve
God through adherence to the teachings of Jesus for life eternal.
Islam views life as a test to always worship Allah and live a good life in order to be judged after death. Hinduism is mainly concerned with spiritual development and the freeing of oneself, moksha, from rebirth, which is attained through living by dharma.
Scientifically, humans' chief purpose is to survive and reproduce. Life does not come with any pre-built meaning from the universe; human beings find a meaning through their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
While survival is, therefore, a biological end, meaning in life actually flows from human awareness and experiences.
After all, the meaning of life is not determined by the universe or any other external force; it is a personal choice. Though science can explain the functioning and development of life, it cannot define its purpose.
It is each individual who can identify and choose what gives his or her life meaning; a relationship, achievement, personal growth, or even the mere existence of life itself. In a word, the meaning of life is what you make it.
