Understanding Existence:
Meaning of Life, Purpose, Direction
An Attempt at Unifying the Perspectives of
Science and Religion
tempered by
Practical Experience and Human Sensitivity
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(See also the essay "Theology and Astrophysics"
and “Evolution: Understanding Our Physical and Mental Existence”,
specifically its last chapter, “Closing Comments – Personal Conclusions”,
all to be found on the website “www.schwab-writings.com)
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Download the entire essay in Microsoft Word format
08-02-06
Abstract:
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".



Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: A New Awareness of Existence
2. The Fundamental Questions of Existence
3. Sources of Insight

4. Contradictions and Decision-Making
5. Observation and Interpretation of Our Existence 6. Resulting Meaning, Purpose, and Direction in Existence -- The Path of Our Life 7. My Personal Conclusions and Position

A. Appendix

B. Corollary Thoughts and Comments
A Personal Footnote – THE HISTORY OF THIS ESSAY – can be found at the end.

 
 
© 2001 Helmut Schwab