What Are We Doing, Anyway?

If but in this ephemeral existence man could allot a fraction of his life in devotion to someone else, I would deem his life virtuous. The greatest vice of mankind is selfishness: nearly every harmful sin is an expression of it. The merit of a life worth living does not lie in the degree to which oneself finds satisfaction, but the degree to which one satisfies others. Men may be remembered for their pure or evil deeds, or their contributions to the knowledge of mankind, or their incredible talents, or their innovative inventions- but even after one has achieved these things is his or her life really lived holistically? It is an easy persuasion that the 'perfect life' advocated through popular culture is a translucent one, unpractical and of minimum value. Ultimately, if we can bring joy to someone else's life through the way we live- well what other higher goal could one have? Altruism has simple expectations of return, and no prerequisites for participation. I am highly convinced of the veracity of karma, and a life lived through humanistic charity would prove favorable in every aspect.

Besides, in our self-seeking nature we often miss the rare beauty that falls into our lives before it slips through the cracks of fate.