Well instead of saying we're a parasite, destroying the earth and such. Look at it very simply.

You were conceived, most likely because your parents wanted children. Why did they want children? Is it because of our culture? It could be because they wanted to have the experience of raising a child, or continuing their family line, or because they wanted some help at the farm.

Either way something prompted them to have a child. Once that child has matured, he has the choice of what he wants to do in life. Does he want to make money? Does he want to support his parents due to filial duty? Does he has a plan to make himself famous? Does he feel that he has nothing to contribute to this world and collapse in depression?

Again all these feelings/ideas has a root (something like inception ;D) Thus everyone will create their purpose, even if that purpose is no purpose. Some will be inspired by religion, family, peers, society.

Many explorers, Marco polo, David Livingston decided their purpose was to explore and spread their religion. Micheal Jordan decided he wanted to be the best basketballer which made him a legend. Barack Obama decided he wanted to change America and became the president.

So, life has a purpose. It is not a common purpose that everyone can share. But ultimately it is the freedom of choice which determines our purpose.

This post has been edited by DoubleU: Jul 31 2010, 01:41 AM

of course we have a choice. Because we have freedom, we can choose what we want to do. Of course these choices will be streamlined by societies expectation, but you still have a choice to oppose the mainstream decision.

Eg. The father of a family of four had just passed away. The eldest child, into his 20's has a duty to take care of his aged mother and younger sibling. But it is his choice whether he wants to fulfill his duty.

@vipervr, why do you assume we just consume the earth's resource?