The
search for a deeper understanding of life should begin by momentarily leaving
the usual mental perspective ofone’s
daily, often quite limited circumstances.This
should allow one to reach a new, intense, and more independent awareness
of one’s own, unique, personal existence in this world – within this grandiose,
beautiful, but also cruel universe and nature – within human society –
at this time in history – for the short years of one’s own life.Such
a perspective can lead to a number of fundamental and critical questions
related to the following concerns:How
can I interpret the observed cosmic reality and the natural world I find
myself in?Is there a transcendental
foundation of existence, beyond physical causes and effects?What
can I possibly conclude regarding meaning or purpose of existence, and,
mainly, direction to pursue in the course of my own life? –
This essay begins by analyzing various sources of insight regarding their
dependability and their limitations.Obviously,
the path in life to be selected thereafter depends upon one’s starting
conditions or environment and one’s natural capabilities, personality,
or “character” – most importantly, prudent determination.But
destiny or opportunities have a controlling impact. –
The results of such an inquiry may remain contradictory while still suggesting
a direction in life leading upwards in struggle through three levels.On
a basic level is the struggle for the necessary satisfaction of the most
fundamental human needs for food, shelter, procreation, and human company
– for too many on Earth still lacking or inadequate.Beyond
this level, it is natural and serves progress to pursue a degree of wealth
(for reserves, but too often remaining merely a purpose in itself) and
of power (for action potential, but too often merely a matter of self-aggrandizement),
often complementing these two directions by rather simple entertainment
(sports, TV, and worse) – forming the typical middle level of society.On
the highest level of cultures, however, one finds the most meaningful direction
for human life in the striving for accomplishment in not one but three
distinct dimensions of human existence:(1)
in personal mental growth (in exploring knowledge, deeper understanding,
and useful skills) combined with (2) dedicated service to others (to reduce
suffering and increase opportunities fairly for all), service to society,
and care for the natural environment – and, added to these two, (3) the
participation in the artistic joy over the beauty in this world – a mysterious
gift of existence.A balanced accomplishment
– on all three levels and in each of their three dimensions – can lead
to the fulfillment of the precious period of one’s very limited existence
in life – see chapter 6.2., “The Path of Our Life” or chapter
7., “My Personal Conclusions and Position”, or chapter Appendix
A.1., "The Practical Conduct of Life".