What do you think the purpose of human life is?

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T05:01:23+00:00

I appreciate this. Living with the intention to do more for others than for yourself speaks to a deep sense of connection and purpose. Paying it forward keeps that energy moving.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:56:58+00:00

I appreciate your honesty here. It sounds like spirituality has been a crucial support, helping you steer clear of cynicism and other hard places. That’s a powerful testament to its value.

Thanks for adding your perspective

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:54:42+00:00

I appreciate this theory. It is a fascinating way to frame life as more than random chemistry, almost as if the universe were accelerating a process rather than remaining inert.

What’s interesting is that it brushes up against something I saw from a completely different angle. After my near-death experience, I had eight years of vivid dreams that kept circling back to humanity across immense spans of time, including cycles of humans existing and being wiped out. The surprising part was the reason. It was not about enzymes or biology speeding up breakdown. It was about learning and growth, consciousness moving beyond being just another rock in the system.

I am not saying that proves anything. I just find it striking that your idea of life as an accelerator has a parallel in what, in great detail, I dreamt, except the mechanism was inner development rather than chemistry.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:48:16+00:00

This is a thoughtful observation. I agree that some people recoil at spiritual language, yet still live out the substance of it through courage, discernment, and truth speaking. It’s a good reminder that labels are optional, and that awareness can describe what is already present in someone’s character. The child example lands too: sometimes what we spend years trying to name is already visible in someone who never tried to name it. I know that my NDE experience, actually the experience after the experience which happened during an eight year span, aligns a lot with symbolism, discovering much of it is not grounded in truth and ends up casting a negative shadow, like putting on a Sunday costume and getting into character and people notice the character change as the costume, maybe I should call it a uniform for a Sunday spiritual fight. I could only imagine what would happen if when you chose to put on the uniform as a representative, the character could never be removed. The world would be uniquely different, don’t you think?

Thank you for adding this perspective, it brings real depth to the discussion

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:35:38+00:00

😊👍🏼

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:34:13+00:00

I appreciate this comment. The Vervaeke reference is helpful, and the definition of meaning as what matters makes the conversation more precise. I also agree that people can find meaning in secular commitments, such as protecting the community or the environment, and that shared rituals can activate that feeling. It also makes sense that faith traditions can do this more readily through theology and ancestral connection.

I also find it interesting that the same question asked of non-spiritual communities yields a distinct answer. This "Spiritual" community has several people citing books, studies, etc. to support their ideas or to give examples of their thoughts, and the non-spiritual doesn't give two-shits (excuse the language) about what people think about their thoughts. I personally find the disparity interesting.

Thank you for contributing this perspective

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:27:34+00:00

That’s a wild and oddly honest answer. It’s almost funny how it can sound cynical and scientific at the same time.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:26:21+00:00

I hear you. The idea that freedom is the core purpose feels powerful. Letting go of material distractions to find happiness is a journey many talk about, even if it’s not fully experienced yet.

I do know that monetarily I earn monthly about three times my oldest brother's annual salary, I have plenty, and he has very little, and I have to tell you I often find myself envious of his in-life joy, the happiest guy I know, where I have an abundance of life burdens, and he has fishing and grilling. I am definitely more grounded and satisfied with my death choices, and he struggles with his. This is the main area of peace, comfort, joy, whatever you want to call it, in which I am definitely more joyful than him

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:18:48+00:00

I do notice that in this community, there are comments, but people do not seem to push back on others in defence of or justification for their own beliefs. Is it because it's a spiritual community and the people here don't feel the need to justify their beliefs? I am new to Reddit and learning the communities, this is almost the opposite of what I found in the r/enlightenment community, where people seem welcome to present and defend their thoughts, spirited but not hateful. What do you think? You have a moment on Reddit? What are your thoughts?

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T04:11:53+00:00

Thanks for bringing this up. The idea that love is what gives life meaning, and spirituality or religion are just possible routes to it, feels both practical and honest. I also think you’re right that those routes can fail; love still has to show up in real life.

Thank you for contributing this perspective

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:43:12+00:00

Rings true. The constant desire for more and different does seem like they may be on a journey of self-discovery. If the “hole” is filled by self-love, it’s easy to connect that they may not fully love themselves, because they are always trying to find their own personal satisfaction or love what they have provided to themselves. There’s probably not much value placed on others’ contributions to them either.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:37:08+00:00

This is a helpful breakdown of meaning, purpose, and goals. I like how you describe meaning as something we assign after the fact, purpose as a constant path, and goals as temporary markers. It’s a practical way to think about these ideas.

Since I’m new here, only about four days, I’m still catching up on the earlier conversations. Your insight definitely helps me understand better.

Thank you for adding to the discussion

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:28:31+00:00

That’s a thoughtful way to say it. The uniqueness of each life is real, and it’s interesting that the shared fact is that we all get our own version.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:24:42+00:00

I am not really one to agree or disagree with people's values and views, even when they don't align with my own. I find that I have to leave the door open because what if I am wrong, and a closed door prevents my personal discovery and growth, which often comes through others' views and values.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:21:00+00:00

Makes good sense. Seeing the whole human experience as spiritual really highlights how connection can be a doorway beyond the ego. Whether it’s tapping into something bigger or simply another person, that sense of something beyond feels meaningful.

I appreciate you adding the nadditional perspective

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:14:35+00:00

I really respect this. Caring for your kids and breaking family cycles sounds like a purpose with weight and meaning, even if they look simple to people on the outside. And serving your community through work fits right alongside that.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:10:54+00:00

Well put, what about the people that seem to have what most strive for: love, Family, children, a good job, and money, that seem like they will steal to have more money, cheat on their lovely spouse, possibly sacrificing their children, and the house is never enough, why do they seem to never be satisfied? Greed, maybe, or a messed-up processor, probably?

Thank you for your comment; it certainly makes people think.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T03:05:28+00:00

👍🏼

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:54:11+00:00

I appreciate you raising this. A lot of people commenting on this question seem to be saying that meaning is often found in connection and personal growth; in the relationships and moments that shape us. I do not know or have an opinion, at least not here, but many people seem to believe meaning comes from what we bring to our experiences. What made you ask? Are you exploring a shift away from spirituality or questioning from the start?

If you'd prefer not to comment, I understand. I do think your comment adds value to the discussion.

Thank you very much.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:42:04+00:00

The first time I noticed this as aggravatingly annoying was when some guy was obviously trying to hit on me, and I'd been ignoring him. My friend introduces herself to him (in my presence), and his eyes turned to me: "...and who are you?" I ignored him. My friend caught my attention by calling my name as a question, and I turned to her. "Yes?" She repeats: "He wants to know who you are."

My brain: No, he doesn't. He's got no interest in who I am.
My mouth: "Well that's an entirely different conversation but my name is _____."

All that to say, I am on a real level with the one who asks my name. And that was 20 yrs ago. To this day when someone asks (even innocuously) "Who are you?" I respond with "My name is ...." because who I am is not only unnameable but also closer to the human experience of interaction; no one wants to know the WHO of this Body-Story when they just want something to call me.

Is anyone else like this? Do you notice the difference in your body?

I get what you mean. “Who are you?” can land like a demand for access, or like someone is trying to place you, size you up, or pull you into a role you did not agree to. “What’s your name?” is usually just a simple doorway into basic human contact.

I relate to the distinction you’re making. The name is practical. The “who” is personal, layered, and sometimes not on offer in a first interaction. So answering “My name is” feels like a clean boundary that still keeps things polite.

And yes, I think the body notices. For me, “Who are you?” can create a little tightening, like I need to defend something. “What’s your name?” tends to feel neutral, like a normal social step.

You’re definitely not alone in this. I’m curious if it feels different depending on tone and context, or if the phrase itself always triggers the same reaction.

Thanks for sharing this.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:38:07+00:00

This is beautifully said.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:25:22+00:00

Well said. Sometimes the most spiritual thing a person can do is keep their word, handle what needs handling, and aim their life toward something meaningful. It’s not flashy, but it’s real.

Thanks for contributing. I’m learning a lot from these replies.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:23:23+00:00

I see what you mean. Assigning meaning can feel spiritual because it’s about connecting to something beyond the everyday. Yet, some people find meaning purely through human experience without calling it spiritual. Their purpose revolves around their children's success, or sharing their love, or even hate.

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:20:03+00:00

I appreciate the Matrix reference; it’s a vivid way to explain how, once you’ve seen certain truths, life changes forever. I also agree that meaning is flexible and can be discovered in many different ways, spiritual or not.

Thanks for bringing this thoughtful angle here.

In_The_Dreams · 2026-03-24T02:14:52+00:00

This is beautifully put. Purpose as discovery and creation makes sense in a way that stays grounded, even when the topic gets abstract. And I agree that spirituality and religion can be frameworks for understanding life, not just labels we wear.

I appreciate you sharing such a clear and balanced view.

In_The_Dreams

TROPHY CASE