The Truth Few Dare to Consider: Why Are We Here?

Daily Quote

'In short, man was not created for his position in this world, but for his position in the next world, yet his position in this world is a means for his position in the next world, which is his purpose...'

'And you will truly see that no sensible person can believe that the purpose of man's creation is for his situation in this world, because what are the lives of man in this world, or who is truly joyous and at peace in this world... with so many kinds of sorrow, illness, pain, and preoccupations, and after all that, death. One in a thousand will not be found to have increased pleasures and true tranquility in this world. And even if he reaches a hundred years, he is already gone and departed from the world.'

'Moreover, if the purpose of man's creation was for this world, there would be no need to breathe into him such an important and lofty soul that is greater than the angels themselves, especially since it finds no solace in all the delights of this world.'

Source: Ramchal, Mesilat Yesharim, Chapter 1.

Meaning of the Quote

The Ramchal clarifies the purpose of human life according to a Jewish worldview. We must understand that this world is merely a means, not the final goal. Man's purpose is to prepare himself in this world to achieve spiritual perfection and be close to the Creator in the next world, which is a place of spiritual pleasure and true reward.

Ramchal mentions that life in this world is short, filled with pains, preoccupations, and sickness. Even if a person experiences moments of happiness, they are temporary and fleeting. Therefore, it is illogical for the purpose of life to be solely this world, which lacks eternal fulfillment or satisfaction.

Furthermore, the soul, which is superior and higher even than angels, is not fulfilled or nourished by the pleasures of this world. Physical delight does not satisfy the soul, as it yearns for eternal, spiritual, and sacred things. If the sole purpose of creation was to provide physical enjoyment, such a lofty soul would not be necessary.

The quote serves as a reminder to man that this world is temporary and imperfect, and his life's purpose is spiritual elevation and preparation for the next world. A person should focus his life on spiritual and noble goals, not chase fleeting and temporary pleasures of the physical world. This is a call for a meaningful life based on self-improvement, spiritual work, and connection with the Creator.

The discussion on the meaning of existence and the purpose of human life is a deep and central topic that receives significant attention in the first chapter of Mesilat Yesharim by the Ramchal. The ideas presented here are just a small taste. To fully understand how to achieve man's true purpose, it is highly recommended to read the Ramchal's complete words in this chapter. There, in a clear and fundamental manner, the answer to the great question of the purpose of creation and how it can be realized in daily life is laid out.

A Few Words About the Author

Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto) passed away 280 years ago. He was a great and immense rabbi in Torah, philosophy, ethics, and Kabbalah. He worked in Italy and in his later years moved to Israel and was buried in Tiberias. Most of his books were lost over time. Among the books that survived and were printed: Mesilat Yesharim, Derech Hashem, Da'at Tevunot, and others, which remain fundamental texts in Jewish ethics and thought to this day.