Why Are We Here?
How can we, at our age, ask the same question that plagued us in our youth? After years of work, success, travel, and adventure, still the niggly question prevails.
It isn’t about filling our time, keeping busy, proving that we are significant. All of us have obsessions and hobbies but moving away from demands of society causes an existential question for those with privilege and time to contemplate.
I’ve often wondered why those with less, seem to be more content. Their needs are profound, yet they find a sense of satisfaction with sharing, working together, even under hard conditions.
Philanthropy is a concept in our society that often is associated with money, donations to support our beliefs and help the less fortunate. Somewhere along the way the element of connection, generosity, humanity, and kindness has slipped away.
This afternoon, one of my significant friends on my walking route posed the question. He is approaching retirement, a person highly educated, successful, and filled with passion for life. He wants to know why he is here? He wonders about the people who built the pyramids. Was their only purpose in life to build a phenomenon that has fascinated centuries since. Their souls echo in the triangular walls.
My sense is that they never contemplated purpose in terms of the larger universe. Their focus had a rhythm, a chain of energy both mentally and physically challenging; a connection with others and the entire cosmos. Right or wrong, fairness, position of life were concepts foreign to their existence.
Perhaps the answer to the question comes later with the discoveries of the next generation. Looking back, what we did takes on significance.
Can the future be forewarned, learn from our existence?
I have no answer, only reflections. How can I take less and give more? How can I make each moment count? How can I share what I know and feel with others? Where is laughter and joy in solitude and with others?
We retain our quirks, our obsessions and essence realizing our wealth lies in more realistic, simpler, expressions toward others. Society’s demands are less significant to our self-esteem.
I don’t know why I’m here, or why I’m fascinated with the life of a person long gone in another country. I just am.
If you’d like to share your thoughts on this, you can find me at https://www.abberolnick.com
