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Is there a reason for life and what is it?
Until a higher being tells us, which won’t happen, life has no true meaning, and it’s just a random occurrence. So it can be whatever you want
At the core of Stoic ethics is the idea that there is a rational order and logic in the cosmos — a divine Logos that governs all that happens according to cause and effect. As human beings, we have the unique capacity to comprehend this logos and understand our place within the greater scheme of nature through applying our faculty of reason. This ability to grasp the truth of the universal laws separates us from mere animals or beasts.
Thus, for the Stoics, the essential purpose given to humankind by existence itself is to use our reason to press past appearances and understand the true, deeper reality. By properly comprehending how all things relate to one another and the plan of Providence, so to speak, we can understand how we ought to live in accordance with nature. Rather than chasing after empty pleasures, material goods, egoistic pursuits, or other vices, we should seek to perfect our moral character, wisdom and ability to perceive truth.
The ideal Stoic life is therefore one focused inward on self-mastery and improvement rather than fixating on externals. If we perfect our ability to grasp knowledge, control destructive emotions, master desires, and face hardship or pain with courage and dignity, we achieve the pinnacle of existence — a life of smooth flow within the current of nature’s reason. Even if pain or loss is inevitable in life, the Stoic sage responds rightfully and virtuously, bearing their fate with courageous calm and level-headedness.
So in short, the Stoics argue there is no universal “meaning of life” handed to us. But using our unique human ability to reason, we create purpose for ourselves through righteous living, self-discipline, truth perception, and a commitment to develop inner virtue rather than material success. By working to perfect our moral character and bring it into alignment with the greater Cosmos, we fulfill the promise of human existence.
* I remember asking my mum “why are we…
