• Question: What is the purpose of existence?

    Asked by AnimalNerd to yoyehudi, Oli, Kerrianne, Ed on 8 Nov 2017.
    • Photo: Ed Bracey

      Ed Bracey answered on 8 Nov 2017:

      I’d say we evolved to survive so our genes to be passed on.
      But evolution is just a blind, uncaring process.
      Since (by happy accident) we have evolved the ability to think and care about ourselves and others, we can make up our own purpose for existence that isn’t just to be most successful at passing our genes on.
      So my own reasons for existence are:

      -To understand as much as I can in the time I have:
      -To help other people.
      -Do something useful to contribute to the progress of the human race.
      -To experience as much of the world and its people as I can.
      -To have fun and enjoy myself.

    • Photo: Oli Wilson

      Oli Wilson answered on 9 Nov 2017:

      I don’t know whether existence itself has a purpose – it’s like the question ‘why is there something rather than nothing?’ – but if it does it probably wouldn’t be science that can tell you the answer. This kind of thing is more the realm of religion or philosophy. If you’re thinking about existence from a human point of view, some Christians might point you towards an old saying in the church (from the 1640s) that says ‘mankind’s chief aim is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.’ That wouldn’t necessarily be the answer many people give, but it goes to show that there are lots of ways to approach this question!
      On another note, AnimalNerd, that’s the second deeply philosophical question of yours I’ve seen today! I’m amazed your brain doesn’t hurt because mine kind of does..! 😉

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