Most animals essentially have one purpose, to survive long enough to pass on their genes. I’d like to think that humans have a purpose greater than that. The human race has advanced past the point of barely scraping by for survival and now the “survive, breed, and die” purpose of other beings doesn’t give our lives meaning anymore. I’m sure if you’re part of a small tribe, hunting, harvesting berries, or defending against rival tribes would give you a clear sense of purpose. Modern man doesn’t have the luxury of a clear cut purpose. We’re born into this world and those in free countries are (mostly) told “you can be and do anything you want”.

The sheer amount of possible directions our lives could lead us is staggering. So we start to wonder if our past decisions were wise and plan for our futures. But really no matter whether you’re a doctor, a comedian, or a ditch digger, you serve some kind of purpose within society. Your job provides for the wants or needs of others in some way. And many people find ways to serve others outside of a job. They can serve the betterment of humanity in what they create or simply in their positive daily interactions (which may even cause others to take positive actions).

I think purpose can be found in bringing safety, well-being, comfort, and happiness to others… and to yourself. You’re a person too and your own happiness matters just as much as anyone else's. So do what makes you happy and do what makes others happy. Sometimes it can be a balancing act if your happiness is at odds with the happiness of another person… or perhaps many other people. There are countless people over the course of history whom are still making a positive impact on society through their past contributions big and small. (Think Mozart or inventors whose names are lost to history.)

Some people fulfill no purpose though. I’m in marketing and sometimes I can’t help but feel like my job is somewhat pointless… if people didn’t buy from the company I work for, they’d just buy from another company and get roughly just as good of service. Perhaps that’s why I’m writing now (and pursue lots of other interests)… because I’m not fulfilled by my job. And then there are people who are cruel or greedy. They serve no ends but their own and actively hurt people unknowingly or intentionally. Their actions are probably just a misguided attempt to make themselves happy (which won’t happen).

So to summarize… find purpose in helping others and yourself. You may just be able to bring a smile to someone’s face and set into motion a positive ripple effect that will change the world forever.