HUMANITY AND PURPOSE

Finding meaning in the human existence.

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2024 March
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GEDARIA MANDELE ANUARITHE

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Humanity and purpose:

Finding meaning in the human experience

Thesis and Introduction:

Thesis: In the complex web of human existence, the pursuit of purpose serves as a
fundamental thread that connects individuals, crossing cultural, geographical, and temporal
boundaries. This thesis aims at giving a deep explanation on the connection between
humanity and purpose, showing how the search for meaning shapes our lives, relationships,
and aspirations, and ultimately defines our shared human experience.

In the vast tapestry of existence, humanity stands out as a remarkable thread woven with
intricate complexities and profound questions (smith, 2019). “Vast tapestry of existence”
phrase describes the expansive and interconnected nature of life and the universe. It suggests
that existence is like a vast and complex puzzle, with numerous pieces representing different
aspects of reality, experiences, and connections. The profound and sophisticated concept of
human connection. In this core of our collective journey lies the exploration for purpose a
fundamental search for meaning that transcends cultural, geographical, and temporal
boundaries. In this article, we delve into the profound coherence between humanity and
purpose, exploring how the journey of meaning shapes our lives, relationships, and
aspirations. When I say the collective core of our journey I mean that the expression signifies
the fundamental essence or central aspect of our shared human experience. It implies that
there is a foundational element of our life journey that unites us as a collective, surpassing
individual diversities and experience. The path to purpose is beautiful.

The quest of humanity

Humanity is a virtue linked with altruistic ethics derived from the human condition. It
signifies human love and compassion towards each other. In the quest of humanity, you
cannot say that you are a good human resource without the basic four soft skills that are;
compassions which means being able to suffer with those who are suffering; solidarity
referring to capability of being responsive for all not only in words but also in behaviour
(actions); the third one is empathy as the ability to understand others point of view; and the
lastly thoughtfulness which is the ability to appreciate a person’s needs. We always know the
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date of birth but we are not aware of the date of death that is why we have to live sociably
and do good for all and as well live a moral life.

The one whom we may term our enemy, is the one who resemble with us since we all belong
to the same human family. Whom you know, will bury you.

In order to function as a good human being with humanity, there are various keys but mostly
important are the four keys as soft skills that guide us as follows:

i. Compassion: refers to the ability of suffering with those who are suffering. The
blunt truth is thus: nowadays, we only focus more on pay in return. We sometime
take video of those who are suffering without helping them to come out of that
calamity. We have to do goods for those who are suffering so as to be happy with
them and not are happy at face while in heart, we are crying.
ii. Empathy: refers to the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel,
see things from their point of view and imagine yourself in their shoes. And it is
the foundation of human connation. It inoculate us from anger, hates and so on.
iii. Thoughtfulness: is the ability to appreciate person’s needs. It enhance moral
development, communication, and conflict resolution. Without ethical decision
making, and understanding others needs we can’t function as a good human with
humanism.
iv. Solidarity: all are responsible for all. Is the attitude not only in word but also in
behaviour. And this is among of the element of Ubuntu that means being
responsible to yourself and others, by being responsible to all we can now
function as a good human being with soften heart of humanisms.

These soft skills are important in human relations because, hardwired into all of us is the
desire for honest communication, to understand and to be understood. Authentic
connection, to be known, accepted and valued. There is no hope of joy except in human
relations.

The quest for purpose:

From the dawn of consciousness, humans have grappled with existential inquiries, seeking to
unravel the mysteries of existence and their place within the cosmos (Frankl, 1946). This
innate curiosity drives us to reflect on the significance of our actions, the nature of reality,
and the ultimate purpose of life itself. Purpose is a stable and generalized intention to
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accomplish something that is at the same time meaningful to the self and consequential for
the world beyond the self (Damon. W, 2003). Whether through philosophy, religion, science,
or personal introspection, individuals begin a journey of self-discovery, striving to uncover
the hidden core of their existence. Behind humanism, there is purpose that everyone has.
Either we are guided by the religion, science, philosophy, psychology or personal beliefs, all
we know that there is a purpose of being a human being and not any other living or non-
living organism. Why am I alive? Does my life matter? What is my purpose? (Wallen, 2002)

The importance of finding purpose in life

Victor Frankl argues that the primary motivation of human beings is the search for meaning
and purpose in life, rather than the pursuit of pleasure or power. This therefore shows how the
purpose of life is vital in human existence. On this ground, we can say that, whoever knows
why, knows how. This statements implies that if you know the reason to be in this world then
you can know how to live in this world. The failure to search for the purpose of life genuinely
causes a lot of trouble in the world.

Drawing inspirations from Victor Frankl, we can therefore come to the understanding that,
finding meaning is essential for mental health and well-being, and that a lack of meaning can
lead to a state of existential frustration or “existential vacuum.” People with this existential
vacuum find themselves with a lot of physiological problems, because deep down in their
hearts they find no reason to live for, nothing to commit to, thus life becomes a story told by
and idiot devoid of meaning and full of fury, following the words of William Shakespeare.

Frankl suggests that individuals can discover meaning in their lives through three main
avenues: by creating a work or doing a deed, by experiencing something or encountering
someone, and by the attitude they take towards unavoidable suffering.

Discovering purpose through the experience of suffering

The life experience of Victor Frankl in Nazi concentration camps and others leads us to a
conclusion that even in the most extreme circumstances, individuals can find meaning and
purpose. When we are faced with a difficult situation, the only thing we have is freedom.
This is the choice of whether of find meaning in the difficult situation of remain with the
existential vacuum. More pain arises when we chose to continuous lament and fail to find out
something to live for, the purpose of living.

Therefore, the way a person faces unavoidable suffering and adversity can become a source
of meaning and personal growth. This can be done when a person uses freedom and choses to
reflect on his/her life. This freedom of choice cannot be taken away. Freedom is therefore the
ability to find meaning in suffering. Victor Frankl believed that the ability to find meaning in
suffering was a key factor in the survival of concentration camp inmates, as it provided them
with a sense of purpose and resilience.
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The role of attitude and perspective in finding meaning

An individual’s attitude and perspective towards their circumstances can greatly influence
their ability to find meaning. If one has a positive attitude or a positive outlook on the
circumstance, such a person will be influenced positively that the one who has a negative
attitude. It is notable that one’s point of view over the situation play a significant role in the
quest for meaning. The Scared Scripture records two people as thieves who were nailed to the
cross with Jesus. One had a negative attitude towards their situation even to Jesus Himself, he
thus ended up lamenting and attacking Jesus. On the other hand was one who with the
awareness of their situation and who had a positive perspective by accepting the situation
however difficult it was. He tried to find his purpose through it. He therefore used his
freedom to asked Jesus to remember him. He would have as well chosen to blame everyone
around for the situation he was in. This example serves to emphasize the role played by one’s
attitude and perspective in finding meaning or the purpose of life in the given situation.
Instead of allowing the circumstance to dictate over oneself.

Therefore we should cultivate a right attitude so that we may not lose meaning in the daily
existential circumstances. This right attitude is a vital tool for finding the purpose of life this
is because even in the most difficult situations, a person can choose their attitude and the way
they respond to their circumstances. Victor Frankl argues that by adopting a positive and
purposeful attitude, individuals can transform their experiences and find meaning, even in the
face of extreme adversity.

Finding meaning (purpose) in impermanence

In confronting the transient nature of existence, humans are confronted with the inevitability
of change, loss, and mortality (Kübler-Ross, 1969). While the impermanence of life may
evoke feelings of existential angst, it also underscores the preciousness of each moment and
the imperative to live authentically. Embracing the fleeting beauty of existence, we find
solace in the knowledge that our actions, however small, can ripple through time and space,
leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of reality.

Purpose is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at the same time
meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond the self. Purpose is a goal of sorts, but
it is more far-reaching and more stable than common lower-level goals such as “to have a good time
tonight,” “to find a parking place in town,” “to buy an inexpensive pair of shoes that look nice,” or “to
pass that chemistry test.” Purpose may play a part in one’s personal search for meaning, but it goes
beyond personal meaning and therefore is not strictly synonymous with it. Purpose reaches out to the
world beyond the self. It implies a desire to make a difference in the world, perhaps to contribute
something to others, or create something new, or accomplish something of one’s own. The aim-for
accomplishment can be material or nonmaterial, external or internal, realistic or purely idealistic. In
many cases, a purpose may not be achievable in one’s lifetime—for example, abolishing poverty or
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creating world peace. But an extremely ambitious goal is not necessarily naive; for many it is a
practical source of intense motivation.

When two crucial conditions apply:

i. Forward movement toward a fulfilling purpose; and

ii. A structure of social support consistent with that effort, there is every likelihood that the
child will thrive. Although the young person may be struggling or even failing in some
regards, in a developmental sense he or she is on track.

Aordind to Damon. W,(2003), Purpose is a goal, but it is more stable and far-reaching than lower-
level objectives such as “to get a good dress to wear to the party” or “to find a seat in that crowded
restaurant.”

● Purpose is a key part of our own personal search for meaning, but it also has an external quality, a
desire to make a difference in the world, to contribute to matters beyond (and larger than) our own
self-interest.

● Purpose is directed at accomplishments, or ends, towards which one can make progress. The ends
may be material or nonmaterial, and they may be reachable or non-reachable. The essential
characteristic of the ends is not their concreteness or attainability but the sense of direction they
provide.

My point was that we tend to get meaning from the activities we do for reasons of love, as opposed to
reasons of self-interest or morality. When we engage in such activities, we typically do so not for
ourselves or for (the impersonal good of) the world, but for the sake of the loved person, object, or
ideal. But I did not mean to suggest that the reasons we loved the object in question were exclusively
impersonal. Indeed, if they were, it would hardly distinguish reasons of love from reasons of a certain
conception of morality.

Being a human is a purpose for humanity

What does the above sentence means? In this journey I would like to speculate and share with
you the following question: am I a human? Do I know my purpose? Am I the one considering
humanity (humanism)? Do people need me or they need my deeds?
The statement “being a human is a purpose for humanity” suggests that the mere existence of
humans serves as a purpose for the existence of humanity as a whole not a part. This
emphasizes the intrinsic value and significance of human life in contributing to the overall
fabric of humanity.
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The statement aligns with the concept of humanism, which emphasizes the importance of
human dignity, rights, and capability like Jean Paul-Satre in his book “Existentialism Is A
Humanism” we as human we have to be responsible as well as wise to each other. It asserts
that the fulfilment and flourishing of human beings are central to the meaning and purpose of
existence. A person without purpose is like a ship without a rudder,” wrote the Scottish historian and
philosopher Thomas Carlyle almost two hundred years ago.

Also it reflects the idea that humans inherently seek meaning and purpose in their lives.
Existential psychologists suggested that individuals strive to find significance in their
existence and to make sense of their place in the world. “being human always points, and is
directed, to something, or someone, other than oneself be it meaning to fulfil or another
human being to encounter” Frankl. Also in the issue of purpose and meaning, and a strong
empirical case has been built for Carlyle’s claim that purpose functions like a rudder that keeps us
mentally on course. Interestingly, that case has been made from a number of quite distinct, and even
opposing, viewpoints. Erik Erikson, writing from the viewpoint of psychoanalytic theory, identified
“purposefulness” as a key criterion of “vital individual strength” during our adult years. He argued
that an essential task of our earlier years is to emerge from childhood with “a realistic sense of
ambition and purpose.” Our identity shaped from childhood, and there is when now we find our
purpose through nature and nurturing.

We always strive to find the meaning of life. Whereby meaning itself is in everyone’s definition of
purpose and or her life. The blunt truth is this “Everyone ignores the true him/her by faking her life
and living the shadow him/her. We hate the real self and we always like the shadow us”. We shift our
mindset on what we see it’s good but for real it’s bad to others.

The real definition of a good thing is in someone psych as we as the bad to. The amusing and strange
thing is this, the thing that you see it is good and can suit others, sometimes it’s difficult since
everyone is unique and have his or her own perception upon what you done. What does matter for
happiness is engaging in something that the person finds absorbing, challenging, and compelling,
especially when it makes a valued contribution to the world beyond the self. The pursuit of noble
purpose is another prime example of such engagement. A noble purpose drives a person to make a
positive difference in the world. The psychologist Dan McAdams has studied adults whom he calls
generative people, who try to make a positive difference in the world. (

Also from the ancient time, even the ancestors, believed in various religious traditions and
belief. Until now, a view human life as inherently valuable and purposeful due to beliefs
about the divine creation or spiritual nature of humans. For example, in Christian theology,
humans are often regarded as created in the image and likeness of God, imbued with inherent
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worth and purpose. This inherent worth is what is termed as the Human Dignity “The purpose
of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfilment” (Wallen, 2002). We forgrant our
life for others, we have been created for purpose and for others not only for yourself.

Humanism as a purpose of humanity can be well understood through the following ways
drawing inspirations from Pope Benedict in one of his works titled Charity in Truth”

Creation in the Image and likeness of God

Pope Benedict XVI stresses that true humanism must be grounded in the recognition that the
human person is a created being, made in the image and likeness of God. This ideas he
explains in “Caritas in Veritate” or “Charity in Truth”. This understanding therefore grounds
human dignity and worth in our relationship to the divine, rather than in self-creation or
individual autonomy. It brings oneself the fundamental questions of life, which are; where am
I from, why am I here, what am I here for and what is my destiny? This therefore is the
foundation for an integral human development that encompasses the spiritual, moral, and
material dimensions of the person.

Human Dignity

Human dignity is the ground for humanism. This is the worth in each and every individuals,
the Holy Sacred Scriptures would term it as the Image and lankness of God in every person.
Building on the theological foundation of humans as created in God’s image, Pope Benedict
thus affirms the inherent, inviolable dignity of every human life. This explains why a human
being has an inherent value and provides purpose for existing. This human dignity is the basis
for universal human rights that must be protected, especially for the most vulnerable like the
unborn and the elderly.

Solidarity

Humanism calls for Solidarity, for Benedict, is both a moral virtue and a social principle that
binds all humans together as one family. This arises from the fat that each individual has
worth and that we all share in human nature. To effect humanism, all human beings need to
join hands together to support each other. Global cooperation and institutions are thus
formed to address the challenges facing humanity as a whole, rather than fragmentary or
nationalistic approaches. Solidarity is therefore essential for pursuing the common good and
ensuring that development benefits all people even those who suffer, who are devoid of
meaning not just elites.

Subsidiarity

Alongside solidarity, Pope Benedict upholds the principle of subsidiarity, which calls for
decisions and actions to be taken at the most local and appropriate level. As human beings,
we are to be free to take decisions on our own without influence from the higher authority in
case the matter pertains to our power. The rights of each one has to be respected. This
empowers communities, families, and smaller organizations to participate in solutions, rather
than having everything centralized. Subsidiarity as crucial for fostering human dignity,
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freedom, and the active engagement of all members of society. This is because, freedom of
choice is essential in finding of the purpose of life.

Meaning in connection:

Central to the human experience is the recognition of our interconnectedness between you
and another, with the natural world, and with the universe at large (me and you). It is within
the pattern of relationships that meaning often finds its fullest expression, as we discover
purpose in love, compassion, and shared experiences (Wong, 2016). From the bonds of
family and friendship to the solidarity of communities and the global human family, our
connections serve as beacons illuminating the path towards a more purposeful existence that
is the humanity and purpose to each other.

The idea of meaning in connection can be well understood the writings of Albert Camus “The
Myth of Sisyphus”. The idea of “helping the other” in an absurd world is central to his
philosophical exploration of the human condition and the pursuit of meaning. In the face of
the inherent absurdity of the universe, Camus suggests that our relationships and interactions
with others can provide a sense of purpose and significance. This is drawn from the fact that
as human beings, we are social in nature. Camus therefor offers some insightful ideas in order
to explain meaning in connectedness.

The Absurd Condition: Camus argues that the human experience is defined by the “absurd”-
this refers to the fundamental lack of meaning or inherent purpose in the universe (p.11-12).
This leads to a constant existential struggle as humans seek to find significance in a world
that offers no easy answers.

The Importance of Engagement: However, Camus suggests that the very act of engaging with
the world and others can itself provide a sense of purpose. In this case therefore despair does
not provide a solution to a human person a midst suffering. Finding purpose requires the
confrontation of the situation at hand. He famously writes “The struggle itself toward the
heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy" (p.123), implying
that the determined effort to find meaning is what gives life value.

Connection and Shared Humanity: By helping and connecting with others, Camus believed
that we can transcend the isolation of the absurd and find a deeper sense of purpose rooted in
our shared human condition. Through empathy, compassion, and solidarity, we can discover
meaning in our collective struggle (p.54-55, p.68-70). This is because every human being is
on the quest for meaning amidst the sufferings of this world and it is we who can deal with it
through connecting with each other.

The Purpose of Humanity: Ultimately, Camus saw the embrace of our “humanness” and the
active engagement with others as a fundamental purpose of humanity. It is through these
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interpersonal connections and our shared experiences that we can find significance in an
otherwise absurd universe.

Therefore, Camus’s philosophy suggests that by reaching out to and supporting others, we
can cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose that is essential to the human experience, even
in the face of the absurd. This idea of “helping the other” is central to his vision of the
purpose and value of humanity.

Conclusion:

To sum up, it's evident that our human journey is closely tied to our search for purpose.
Throughout this exploration, we've observed how seeking meaning shapes our lives,
relationships, and goals. Whether we're looking through the lens of philosophy, psychology,
or theology, the pursuit of purpose remains a central aspect of being human. All in all we are
responsive for each other we have to understand other feeling, needs and point of view.
Dignity, wisdom, freedom are very important in our journey of humanity and our purpose.
We are all human beings who are stars that shine over the world; why should we kill others?
Why should we disrespect others? Why should we hurt others and ourselves? Don’t lose
touch with humanity just live the four human resource basic soft skills and consider the
golden rule of life.
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References:

 Albert, C. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus. Gallimard.

 Benedict, (2009). Charity in Veritate. Vatican City
 Damon, W. (2003). Noble Purpose: The joy of living meaning life. Templeton
Foundation Press Philadelphia & London
 Damon, W. (2008). The path to purpose: how young people find their calling in life.
The moral child & greater expectation.
 Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man's search for meaning. Beacon Press.
 Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On death and dying. Routledge.
 Satre, J. P(1946). L’existentialisme este un Humanisme(Existentialism is Humanism.)
 Smith, J. (2019). Exploring the human experience. Journal Of existential Studies,
5(2), 123-136.
 Wallen, R (2002). The purpose driven life. What on earth Am I here for? Zondervan
 Wong, P. T. P. (2016). Meaning-Centered counselling and therapy. Routledge.