Do We Really Need a Purpose in Life - Or Is Life Itself the Purpose?
By Vishesh Srivastava
At some point in our lives, we all pause and ask ourselves — “Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life?” It’s a question that echoes through generations, cultures, and philosophies. From ancient thinkers to modern self-help gurus, everyone seems to be chasing a clear answer. Yet, perhaps the answer isn’t as complex or far away as we think. Maybe life itself is the purpose.
The Quest for Purpose
Human beings are meaning-seeking creatures. We want our existence to stand for something greater than just survival. We chase careers, build families, create art, and seek enlightenment — all in the hope of giving our lives a sense of direction. But in doing so, we often overlook a subtle truth: life does not demand a grand purpose; it simply invites us to live it fully.
The idea of purpose is often shaped by social expectations — achieve something remarkable, make a difference, leave a legacy. While noble, this notion sometimes burdens us. It turns life into a race against
time, success, and others’ definitions of fulfillment.
Goals and Purpose - Are They the Same?
We often confuse goals with purpose. Goals are tangible — they can be achieved, measured, and celebrated. They exist in the external world. A promotion, a degree, a new home — all are goals that satisfy the mind.
Purpose, on the other hand, resides within. It’s not about achieving, but about being. It’s the underlying current that gives meaning to our actions, no matter how small or ordinary they appear. A person planting trees, a mother raising her child with love, or an artist painting to express emotion — all can be living their purpose, even without labeling it as one.
Beyond the “Higher” Pursuits
Modern culture often glorifies higher pursuits — spiritual enlightenment, philanthropy, innovation — as the true markers of a purposeful life. While these are indeed noble, they are not the only forms of purpose.
A walk in the woods, listening to the song of a river, watching the sun set behind the mountains, or simply holding someone’s hand in silence — these quiet experiences connect us deeply with life. They remind us that we belong to existence, and existence belongs to us.
Perhaps the warmth of love, the curiosity to learn, or the gratitude for being alive are not lesser purposes — they are the essence of purpose itself.
Life as Its Own Purpose
If we look closer, we may realize that the very act of being alive carries meaning. Life doesn’t ask for justification — it expresses itself in every breath, every sunrise, every heartbeat. The flower doesn’t bloom for a goal; the river doesn’t flow for a reason. They simply are.
Likewise, maybe our true purpose isn’t to find one — but to live, experience, and express ourselves authentically. When we stop searching for “why” and start embracing “how” — how we live, how we love, how we grow — life begins to unfold with a quiet sense of purpose on its own.
