Is there a difference between saying "we're here for a reason" and "we're here for a purpose"?

Question

If so, then what's the difference?

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by "reason" and what you mean by "purpose." With most definitions there is a high relationship between the two, but there is a subtle difference.

Answer 2

I think there is. To say we're here for a reason is to say we are here for a cause.

To say we're here for a purpose means we're here for an intention of some sort.

You need to have a reason to have a purpose. I don't know if that makes sense, but I feel that reason and purpose are different ideas. Purpose is an intention to do something. Reason is just a cause, in some cases, for something to happen.

I hope I make sense.

Answer 3

There is a big difference. The REASON we are here is because our parents had sex. However, we don't necessarily have a 'PURPOSE (as in 'destiny').

For example The son of a king may have a purpose for being here (i.e. to take over the kingdom), as well as a reason (the queen gave birth to him). However most people aren't in this position.

Answer 4

I think the difference is bad grammar in the first saying. It could be interpreted as "We have a reason for being here", in which case, the difference would be that the first says there is a single or chain of reasons that led to our existence, where as the second says that our existence seems to speak of our existence not necessarily being reasonable but our human situation as having a single goal or task to complete. The most important thing is to note that purpose is singular, indicating that everything we "ought" or have an imperative can be reduced to a single thing.

Personally, I think our resistance is reasonable, but that we do not have a single goal or purpose, rather, the human existence is one of ambiguity; we are not defined by one thing we are supposed to accomplish, but rather the multitude of things that are possible for us.

Answer 5

I think that the second one is better, because if you say that you are here for a reason, just a reason, you don't have any choise,you can't select this reason, because you don't know what is this for, but if you say that you are here for a purpose, you have the ability to make this purpose reality. The reason doesn't allow you to have any great action. On the contrary, the purpose is all up to you, you deside!

Answer 6

I think if you say reason it is like something made you come there. But if you say purpose you have came to do something not for something. I think that makes sense.

Answer 7

reason suggests a pre-existing state. Purpose suggest a more active destiny

Answer 8

With somebody you're quite close to to, the two distinctive words might have distinctive implications. even nonetheless, if this random guy reported you look acceptable, i might only assume he meant the comparable difficulty as being acceptable.

Answer 9

Reason:
The basis or motive for an action, decision.

Purpose:
A result or effect that is intended or desired; an intention.

Answer 10

no reason at all thats the purpose