The Purpose of Life and the Quest for Virtue

At any given stage and place throughout my life, I have chosen my own purpose for living and continue to do so. This purpose is not something predetermined; rather, it is a choice I make for myself with continuous refinements in sequential progression.

Contrary to popular opinion, we are the authors of our own fortune or misfortune based on the choices we make. If we allow others to make choices for us, this is still our choice. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of the choices we give away. My primary purpose in life is simple: to be a good and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Everything else I do, even in my professional capacity as an engineer, is aligned with this underlying goal.

The Value of Life Without Purpose

Is living worth the candle if we do not know its purpose? Socrates once said, “It is the greatest good for an individual to discuss virtue every day, for an unexamined life is not worth living.” This quote encapsulates the idea that a life lived without purpose is devoid of meaning and value. Virtue, in this sense, is not about being perfect but about the continuous effort to improve ourselves and serve others.

God’s Testing and the Quest for Virtue

In many religious texts, there is a belief that God is testing us in our short life on earth. Just as a wealthy father has the right to test his children before distributing wealth, obedience and virtuous behavior should be rewarded, while disobedience and negative actions should be condemned.

Testing is often not easy or comfortable, and the questions faced are not usually known in advance. Our life on earth, although seemingly short, could be a temporary test period in the grand scheme of things. The willingness to face tests and the continuous effort to improve ourselves are key to living a virtuous life.

There are hundreds of verses and teachings across various religious texts that support this idea. For instance, the concept of believing in God and heaven, without having seen them, is commonly found in many beliefs. Our fate is determined based on our beliefs and good deeds. Why make the test difficult for us? Because the guidelines taught by all prophets suggest that 'blessings follow obedience, and curses follow disobedience.'

Conclusion

The quest for virtuous living is a fundamental aspect of our lives. It is about making the right choices, serving others, and continuously striving to improve ourselves. Whether guided by religious texts or personal beliefs, the journey of discovering and fulfilling our life’s purpose is a challenging but rewarding one. By focusing on this purpose, we can find meaning and value in our lives, regardless of the difficulties we face.