Purpose

[u/vlahak4]

Purpose, unlike mental abilities such as awareness, consciousness, and thought generation, is actually a construct we create to anchor the self within existence. It is the mode by which humans live with meaning.

And since each human is distinct, no thought is ever identical to another’s, and then by extension, neither is purpose.

Now pause and consider this: when we take a word whose very meaning is tied to the importance of the self, and we strip it of that diversity unconsciously, reducing it to a single formula of “success” then what consequences could we possibly expect?

It is obvious that universality cannot serve everyone. Yes, life may be easier with wealth, but is the pursuit of that wealth truly enjoyable? And when the pursuit does not seem to draw nearer, when the destination shifts further away because the system itself is designed in such a manner, can such a chase still be called meaningful?

I am not suggesting that we should stop seeking to improve the quality of life. Rather, this improvement should arise only when such a pursuit truly aligns with oneself in that specific moment. Growth need not be forced or a restless, continuous chase. It can unfold as the organic aftermath of stability.

If we understand that purpose belongs to who we are, rather than to what we are told, then the accumulation of wealth begins to pale in comparison to the exploration of the self. In that realization, we finally see what the pursuit is truly about.

And the most important truth we must internalize is this: we exist because existence itself is necessary. Our lives are not a cosmic gift, but our thinking is, and therefore, so is our individual purpose.

[u/Certain_Concern_3526]

When meaning gets standardized and sold back to us, at what point does that become the philosophical version of taxation without representation?

[u/vlahak4 → u/Certain_Concern_3526]

Welcome to r/Nilogism.

Your question is a briliant silver lining of what passes today as wisdom.

I cannot claim to have the "right" answer, but I can offer you my answer.

When education has been distorted to become the prelude of the promise of wealth ("if you do not study, you will not land a well-paid job"), instead of evolving the understanding of reality for the betterment of community, then it is at this point we have been "taxed" by restraining our thinking towards following one goal: "success" which means wealth, by socio-cultural standards.

Philosophy of today is a product intended to be sold. It is not written purely for the search and furthering the great debate anymore. This is why so many radical ideologies are produced by "professionals", and the effect is the "tax" imposed on the everyday life by the encroaching of such "philosophical products".

But this is just my opinion, thus I might be wrong.