HAVE we ever analysed the purpose of our lives? The modern approach towards life is often riddled with fantasy and materialism. Together with technology and gadgets, this approach is pushing us into an abyss of anxiety, stress and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. We have lost the element of spirituality in our lives. Human inventions have indeed brought ease and comfort, but at the expense of our life’s spiritual wellbeing.

We have become more disconnected from ourselves. We are forced to live our lives in seclusion. The concept of social togetherness is on the way out. We are spending a major chunk of our time on social media instead of finding the true essence of our lives.

The Covid pandemic has somehow forced us to rethink the way we were spending our lives till then. Lockdowns and isolation provided an opportunity to reconsider our approach.

Our definition of life has been mostly shaped by capitalism. We measure happiness in terms of wealth, fame, power, etc. It is because capitalism has resulted in class differences, and technology has helped it in its glorification.

In our specific context, society is divided in terms of wealth. Those who are affluent have the privilege of getting better education and enjoying a better standard of life.

The rest spend their whole lives in a state of misery, having to work day and night just to make ends meet. For all these people, the purpose of life does not hold importance. Understanding the philosophy of life does not matter until basic human needs are fulfilled.

In short, some are too rich and happy to worry about the purpose of life, and the rest are too poor and miserable. Some introspection might be good for us.

Zohaib Ali Bhagat
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2021