Purpose

A purpose is a principle-driven process directed toward an explicit result.  On the other hand, in common conversation purpose implies an activity that is done intentionally.  It often appears in the phrase, “on purpose”.  The opposite of doing something “on purpose” is to say that that something happened “by accident”.  The clear contrast is activity that occurs actively or passively.  Both uses of purpose, a principle-driven versus intentional, involve subtle differences but they consistently tie to accomplishing a predetermined result.

With regards to individual development, a purpose refers to a destination.  It is not necessarily a physical destination., but rather a destination that implies achievement.  Logically, the more clear the purpose, then the better the ability to reach the destination.  As Lewis Carroll famously wrote in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there.”  For any individual seeking to accomplish a goal, a clear purpose is essential.

Upon pursuing a purpose toward its logical conclusion, its ultimate accomplishment is fulfilling a destiny.  Reaching one’s destiny transcends accomplishing a specific goal, it features a culmination of several pursuits.  Recognizing that accomplishing predetermined goals requires a purpose, then the pursuit must be done with purpose.  Again, the purpose is a principle-driven process that leads to an explicit result.  But before the pursuit, an intentional, conscious decision must be made.  Consequently, from conception to execution, a purpose is a primary requirement for achieving an explicit outcome.

In conclusion, what is the reason behind a purpose?  First of all, positive actions have purpose; that is, someone does them intentionally.  The planned series of activities represent the path.  An explicit outcome is the destination.  The entire process reflects a destiny.  Without purpose a cause has no direction, nor desired outcome.  However, once a purpose is introduced, actions have a path and accomplishment has a destination.  In essence to accomplish your final destiny, should life be lived on purpose, or with purpose?  I submit that the answer is both!

-The Voice

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