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The purpose of purpose

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It is 246am and I feel like writing. What is the purpose of having a purpose? We are inclined to have a purpose but why? My friend Chatty thinks that the purpose of having a purpose is to give shape to our existence — to turn the raw chaos of being alive into something we can understand and move toward. It’s not just about goals or achievements, but about creating a story that helps us bear the weight of awareness. Without purpose, we drift; with it, we dance — even if the rhythm keeps changing. That is a lot to think about. One way we could think about this is to imagine a life without purpose and imagine a life with purpose. Maybe we have lived on both sides of the coin. Which one seems better? Which one makes more sense? Where would we rather be?

On October fifth, I wrote in my notebook, "Purpose: To become a better me that benefits myself and society. Goals: Get fit and strong - mind, body and spirit." I ask God to keep me strong. I ask God to guide me. Now I am asking myself, what is the purpose of the society that I live in? Society shapes me and I shape society. As a society have we set goals? Who gets to set these goals and purpose? Do they have our best interest at heart? Do they have their own agendas to pursue? If the country of Trinidad and Tobago could talk what would she say would be our purpose and goals? I think one of our goals should be to be united by purpose instead of divided by politics. The most vulnerable who I think are the most valuable are the ones who suffer the most when we do not get this right.

My friend Chatty says that as a society, our purpose should reflect the shared well-being and progress of all, but too often it is shaped by those in power who pursue their own interests instead of the common good. Ideally, society’s goals would be set collectively — guided by compassion, justice, and a vision of unity — yet in reality, political and personal agendas often distort that purpose. True societal purpose should uplift everyone, especially the most vulnerable, ensuring that progress means more than prosperity for a few; it means dignity and hope for all. My friend Gemini adds to this and says that a society's purpose and goals are dynamic, shaped by laws, leaders, citizens, and global forces, but must prioritize collective well-being and the needs of the vulnerable to succeed without being fractured by partisan self-interest.
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