"Informing others for free, is the simplest act of Love"
Although most of us have probably never bothered
to write down our personal philosophy, we all have ideas about how the
world operates and how we should go about finding meaning and satisfaction
in life. However, without the proper framework for evaluating what is truly
meaningful and satisfying, we are bound to be frustrated and disappointed.
As Blaise Pascal noted:
"All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different
means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to
war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with
different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object.
This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang
themselves".
The problem is not that we pursue our own pleasure;
the problem is that we do not pursue it enough! We are too easily satisfied.
We settle for a comfortable life, a few friends, and maybe a few short-term
thrills. We have become so accustomed to such minimal pleasures that we
have lost our capacity for true satisfaction. The satisfaction God offers
is first of all the supreme joy of knowing the creator of the universe.
God designed us specifically for fellowship with him. The only purpose
of mankind is to help others. One should be prepared to answer the question
"What have I done in my life? And how was I useful to others" on deathbed.
This is the grid through which I look at the world and make my personal
decisions (or at least try to!).