As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.
—Carl Jung
This touches on perhaps the most universal of all questions: What is the purpose of existence? This question haunts me every day of my life and sometimes I feel like the purpose of my existence is simply to avoid asking myself this question. Or else to go certifiably insane. And while this statement made by Carl Jung does not satisfy all my questions, it does lend an interesting perspective on, perhaps, a piece of the answer.
My basic interpretation is this: “You are here. You don’t know why you are here. But while you are here, make the most of it.” Although the problem then becomes figuring out what “making the most of it” is supposed to mean. Maybe it means creating beauty and art in the world. Maybe it means searching for and discovering truths. Maybe it means bringing peace to others. I guess each person can choose their own way to “kindle a light in the darkness.”
¤
Today I will illuminate existence with my unique qualities
and find peace in knowing that this is my purpose.
Zen Affirmations 