In response to the clip
http://philosophy.videosift.com/video/What-is-your-function-in-life
(and others http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22survive+style%22&search=Search )
Let's ask our selves the question:
What is your function in life?
As a human being, now, on this blue planet.
I'd say to spread genes and ideas, respectively few (we are 6.7 billion already) and as much as possible - this videosift talk being one of them. Let's continue...
http://philosophy.videosift.com/video/What-is-your-function-in-life
(and others http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22survive+style%22&search=Search )
Let's ask our selves the question:
What is your function in life?
As a human being, now, on this blue planet.
I'd say to spread genes and ideas, respectively few (we are 6.7 billion already) and as much as possible - this videosift talk being one of them. Let's continue...
Now purpose and function are to quite different things. Function is closer to a job, "what I do", which changes throughout the course of a life. Right now I am a student and as such my function is to learn, and use the knowledge for the preservation and further evolution and development of our species. There is also a function which I choose, and that is to spread ideas (memes?) that I find useful and right, so that others may learn that they are right. In essence I seek to learn and educate for the better of humanity.
I like the question because it's simple, poignant, and answerable by anyone.
Regardless, I believe in the power of laughter and love to get people to laugh, so....yeah, I'd say my purpose is that.
Work, Buy, Die.
I try to avoid all three.
Love my neighbor.
See the world.
Create and discover.
Leave a legacy.
And yes, I'll have a slice of pizza as well thanks.
If the continuation of our genes is our sole purpose why did we evolve to possess consciousness?
Many animals have "consciousness" (see video). It's just to what degree. It's not a black and white, on and off thing. It's degree. We haven't always had the level of "consciousness" or problem solving skills or ability to see beyond, into our future and into the abstract. These have all been traits of the brain that have benefited us as a species based on our physical traits and our environment. If we had evolved, say, really long claws and powerful arms and legs that helped us kill our prey at will, along with thick fur so that we didn't need to find shelter or build fires in the cold, we might not need a brain with the capability of ours. I guess the answer to your question is out of necessity. We don't have the best of any feature other than our brain and so based on selection and survival us brainses gots most biggers thans the others ones.
It's just hard for a lot of us to comprehend that we're less "successful" at this whole "life" thing than cockroaches.