Life has purpose, but what?

Col HP Singh (Retd)

A FEW years ago I lost a dear friend when he ended his life in the prime of his youth. What perplexed me was the suicide note which read, ‘I have no reason for this act, only that I am bored, feel worthless and have not found the purpose of my living.’ These words coming from a person of well-to-do means, high intellect and a relatively easy-going life disturbed me immensely. Ever since, I have been in search of the purpose of life.

In my pursuit for an answer, I observed that for a vast majority, the purpose was to survive hunger pangs while for those who were better off, it was to achieve success or status. American psychologist Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs fitted well here — people are inspired to achieve certain needs and once met, the next level of needs becomes their purpose of life. 

It is true that man does not live by bread alone. What happens to his desires when there is plenty of bread and his belly is full? The other day I met a retired General who was spitting venom on being overlooked for promotion. This when less than a per cent of his community reaches the level he had already attained. I fail to understand why celebrities complain of depression when there is no threat to their numero uno status. 

Maslow further said people also seek fulfilment and change through personal growth. I hear of a lady from Maharashtra who voluntarily assists the police in controlling unruly traffic after she lost her daughter to road rage. My neighbour’s mother doesn’t think twice before setting out of her house, in spite of her failing health, to help the uneducated and downtrodden people in government hospitals and offices, fighting the scourge of an insensitive bureaucracy.

The conclusion I drew was that the purpose of life was independent of one’s intellect, income, status or psyche. It was perhaps the feel-good factor which kept everyone going. It could be achieved through accomplishments, charity, relationship, service or even creativity and pursuing one’s passions. 

Life of purpose is the purpose of life. I almost endorsed this view had it not been for the breakdown of my car in the countryside one day. While getting it repaired, I came across a rustic middle-aged man in a visible state of bliss, possibly due to intoxicants infused in his blood. Attempting to make a conversation, I asked him who would win the state elections. His reply — ‘Saanu ki?’ Exasperated with his disinterested approach, I admonished him for his attitude. His retort — ‘Tenu ki?’ 

Now this was one perspective I had not considered all this while. He was, I must say, truly self-actualised, which as per Maslow is the ‘highest level of needs’.