If we evolved, how can there be a purpose to life?

Question

So if we are just advanced amoeba, can there be a point to this existance?

Answer 1

The purpose of life is quite simple. To create more life.

This can easily be summarized that the purpose of life is to create and nurture.


If life didn't create life then there wouldn't be life.

Answer 2

In the very long run our lives are pointless. Some
day the sun will run out of fuel or some other
disaster will occur and, if humanity even still exists
by that time it will disappear. What will have been
the point of its existence then?

The notion that there has to be some transcendental point or purpose to human life is
based on our own notion that we are such great,
wonderful, marvelous creatures that we must surely have some wonderful destiny or purpose or
we wouldn't be here. The Greeks had a word for
this kind of attitude, the word is hubris, overweening pride. Considering the current state
of the world I don't find a great deal to be proud of.
And what is it that is the ultimate reason for much
of the current nastiness? Religion, of course, one
of the greatest troublemakers known to history.

Answer 3

Well, for one thing, why do you need a point for our existence? Why does everyone think there has to be a reason, and a purpose? Why do you need one? Seriously? Think about it. Just because some big guy with a beard upstairs didn't give you a purpose doesn't mean your life is meaningless. Shape your own destiny, give yourself your own purpose.

People have 'purposes' because they tend to be good at certain things. This is do to things like socialization. You learn things from your parents, friends, and other family members. You learn it from your teachers and random people. When you find something that interests you, you explore it, and sometimes because of the unique gifts you have due to your physical or mental status, personality, and other things you've learned that give you a boost at being good at it, you discover you have a 'knack' for it. Read the latest issue of Scientific American (I believe it was, anyway) and they have a huge article about how anyone can be good at anything, given the right circumstances and training.

As to humans having a purpose, I believe our purpose is to become great and expand our legacy beyond earth. We need to explore space and find other places to live so we're not dependent on Earth, and wont end up dying if a meteor hits it or some other disaster occurs. Humans should continue to learn, advance, and progress...Instead of regress like some people want to do. If there were a religion people should follow, I would say it was Buddhism. Not only does it teach to question (something most religions don't) but it also teaches transcendence itself. I may turn from atheism and go over to Buddhism myself.

As to the skeptics of evolution, I'd take what they say with a grain of salt. Yes, look into it on your own, but don't buy the opinions of others or shape your opinions through the opinions of others. Read books. Take science classes. Only read online articles from reliable sources. Do NOT look at religious sites for scientific information! They skew things, and for good reason. I particularly loved the book, A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. A VERY informative look at the history of the world from the very beginning. The fact is, every day evolution gets more and more evidence in its favor. Yes, it IS a theory, but it is a theory based around collective facts. Creationism only has an ancient book to back it, and people going, "Oh, the world is so mystical! I couldn't possibly comprehend all of it! So it must be made by God!" So what if there are very precise measurements for life on earth, and we fit them? It's called luck and chance, and the reason why it's so hard to find other life nearby us. Life is precious and rare, but that doesn't mean it was mystically created. There is no intelligent design. Sure, it's a theory, but not a scientific one. You need logic for something to be scientific.

Answer 4

Uh, why would there not be a purpose to our existence in a purely physical world?

We can make all the point we want, if need be. Which we don't need to. A long statistical derivation can give you the 'purpose of life' if you really want it, but for most people, just thier own little goals is enough.

Answer 5

Ever heard of procreation?
Even amoebas have a purpose, which is to reproduce.

The more complex we become, the more complex our perceptions of the "purpose of life" also become.

I have no time for those who prefer ignorance to truth. "Evolution does not exist"!? That statement can ONLY be made by those who have refused to research the evidence for themselves, relying on hearsay instead from those who gain from misinformation.

Answer 6

Of course. We complex lifeforms share many things with our amoeba cousins, including the instincts that tell us to move, to feed, and to reproduce. The purpose of life is to perpetuate life.

I suspect that when you say "purpose", you mean a goal, or perhaps an answer. I put it to you that such goals are yours to create, the answers are for you to find.

Answer 7

yes... obviously, because how can a purpose be achieved when everything stays the same? change is needed in order to work towards a purpose, and thats where evolution comes in

i have to say that its harder to argue that life has a purpose if you are a creationist

in short we evolve BECAUSE there is a purpose, not despite it

Answer 8

Who says life has to HAVE a purpose in the first place?

Answer 9

the point is to be advanced,,,or amoeba ,like you say..... And the purpose is to evolve in this existence....so,,,eat,,,drink,,,and be merry.....

Answer 10

The purpose of life and your existence are created from your actions. Your actions will answered this question