The Meaning of (your) Life

Why do you wake up? Why do you go to work or school? Why do you do all that you do?

The average human lifespan varies from region to region. For males, 65 years old, for females, 69.5. Some regions live into their hundreds, while others drive down the average. Stats

One of the biggest deciding factors in longevity is your ikigai, which is a Japanese concept meaning "a reason for being". Dan Buettner has an excellent Ted talk on longevity, in which he discusses this concept. He shows us regions of people who live to an age which many of us may cringe at. "A long lifetime... of this crap?!" we might think to a world which has offered us nothing but pain and turmoil.

Yet, through all of the bullshit we have prevailed. Our species, though we do not always make the best choices, has grown into something quite special. We've developed technology and science that is driving us towards understanding the building blocks of existence. Over generations, our ancestors worked together to create all that you witness today. Why?

Because they had purpose. What is your purpose?

 

The purpose I've set myself to is asking the Why. I don't pretend to obtain answers, rather I intend to depict in ways artistic the question as it appears in different situations.

 

Humble enough to admit that I'm still figuring it all out.

 

The evidence suggests that genetics and environmental factors (diet, exercise, social life, etc.) are the major factors in longevity.

I don't have a grand purpose for my life, I get up in the morning because I have to. I've got bills to pay, and I need to eat.