The Big Question: Why Are We Here?

It’s something each of us has asked ourselves at some point in our lives, whether it’s a passing thought while riding the bus or during the type of deep contemplation that keeps you up late into the night. What is my purpose? Here are a few thoughts from authors, experts, and spiritual leaders on humanity’s ultimate question.

It’s something each of us has asked ourselves at some point in our lives, whether it’s a passing thought while riding the bus or during the type of deep contemplation that keeps you up late into the night. What is my purpose? What am I meant to accomplish in this life? And how do I know what that is? While there’s no single answer, here are a few thoughts from authors, experts, and spiritual leaders on humanity’s ultimate question.

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Jeffery Olsen, author of Knowing: Memoirs of a Journey Beyond the Veil and Choosing Joy after Tragic Loss

“We are here to remember, and to realize, that we are a manifestation of divine love. By embracing divine love as the ultimate motivating force behind everything we do, we have the power to change this world by embracing the little, everyday things; a hug, a smile, or simply holding a partner’s hand and asking, ‘What small thing can I do to make a difference in the life of someone else today?’”


Thic Nhat Hanh Buddhist monk peace activist Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Thic Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk and peace activist

“We are here to awaken from the illusion of our separateness.”

Ephesians 2:10 NIV Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”


Susan L Taylor author Lessons in Living Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Susan L. Taylor, author of Lessons in Living

“…God didn’t send us here to be powerless spectators, but to become powerful initiators. We are spiritual beings having an earthly experience, and we have the power to break the cycle of negativity that is fueling a very dangerous world. It’s not only possible, it’s why we are here.”


Thomas Merton Monk Theologian Poet Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Thomas Merton, monk, theologian and poet

“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone—we find it with another.”  


Dr. Rhonda Milner The Signature of God Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Dr. Rhonda Milner, author of The Signature of God

“We were created out of love from Love to love. Love connects us to God the source of love, the wellspring of love. God fills our hearts with His love; as we accept His love, it fills us up to overflowing. The overflow is our meaning and purpose in life, sharing God’s love with others so they may know His love. As we love others, we are serving and honoring God giving Him praise and glory. I believe that is why we are here to love as God so loved us.”


Charles M. Schulz Peanuts Cartoon Creator Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts cartoon

“I don’t know the meaning of life. I don’t know why we are here. I think life is full of anxieties and fears and tears. It has a lot of grief in it, and it can be very grim. And I do not want to be the one who tries to tell somebody else what life is all about. To me it’s a complete mystery.”

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Amit Ray, author of Enlightenment Step by Step

“Our true nature is divine and eternal. Our true purpose of life is to awaken and realize that permanent divinity that is within us.” 


Max Lucado Author Why Are We Here quote inspiration miracles gods grace

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Max Lucado, author of Traveling Light: Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear

“Philosophers can debate the meaning of life, but you need a Lord who can declare the meaning of life.” 

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