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Is the purpose of life to be happy? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 1 year ago by investorsexchange@lemmy.ca to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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When I’m unhappy, I feel like I’m doing life wrong. I’d rather be happy. But is happiness the point of life, or is there more to it? If I pursue happiness, mine first then for those around me, is that selfish? But if there’s a bigger purpose, then what about people with Alzheimer’s or dementia who can’t recall recent experiences or make plans?

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[–] Windex007@lemmy.world 29 points 1 year ago

There is no objective purpose to life. Some funny long molecules mashed into eachother a few billion years ago. Scientifically there is no evidence of cosmic purpose to anything.

It's your life. You get to decide what to do with it.

There are some goals which are generally considered to be nobel. Make the world a better place, for example... but that's a far cry from an absolute definition of purpose.

I'd refrain from thinking about a purpose and instead think of your values. Then, if you want, establish goals that align with your values.

Being happy could be a goal for you , but that's not the same as a purpose.