1. Why was I born?
I was born for a reason. The most common thing about why I exist is because biologically I was formed inside my mother’s womb and given birth to naturally. Therefore I found myself in this space called life.
Perspectives:
1. Religion perspective
The question of why we were born is a universal one that has transcended time and cultures. According to Colossians 1:16, we were created by God and for Him. Our innate desire to matter sets us apart from the rest of creation, and the meaning we crave springs from our original design as children created in our Father’s image.In Jeremiah 1:5, God affirms to us that he knew us before we were born.“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” (NLT)Let me start with the famous Mark Twain quote “There are two great days in a person’s life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.” Have you ever wondered if there is a concealed, mystifying and gigantic reason for which God decided to send you on earth? God created each of us for a reason – and I think we can be the happiest when we are living in harmony with the purpose he has given us. So why were you born? ….. you were born for a reason. Journey into the path known as life and find the reason. Do not give up till the reason is known.
2. Biological perspective:
You were born because your father and mother gave birth to you! The biological process between your biological mum and dad led to your formation. The male gametes fused with the female ova to create a tiny cell of you, which would later develop into a zygote in your mother’s fallopian tube and then an infant in her womb. You were later given birth to either naturally or through caesarian section after 9 months. You cried when you landed into this life and that signified your new beginning and your new life on your journey to self-discovery.
3. Evolutional/Existential forces:
The final reason why you were born is due to evolutional changes and existential force.
Second Question: Why am I here?
Wow good question! Am trying to answer as a human.. Saying I don’t know that would be illogical. I am here for a reason and for a season. Perhaps am here to work, study, eat or play. The thing is that am here for a reason, and for an assignment. I have daily goals, and objectives. Am guided by my daily objectives to keep in line with what am expected to do.If you don’t know why you are here, am afraid you don’t know where you are going. And if you don’t know where you are going, any road will definitely take you there.
3. Who am I?
Aw, that looks quite weird. Doesn’t it?I am a living, breathing organism signified by the words ‘human being’. I am a material or physical being fairly recognisable over time to me and to others: I am a body. Through my body, I can move, touch, see, hear, taste and smell. The array of physical sensations available to me also includes pain, hunger, thirst, tiredness, injury, sickness, fear, apprehension and pleasure. In this way I experience myself, others and the world around me. However, there is another aspect of me not directly visible or definable. This is the aspect of me which thinks and feels, reflects and judges, remembers and anticipates. Words used to describe this aspect include ‘mind’, ‘spirit’, ‘heart’, ‘soul’, ‘awareness’ and ‘consciousness’. This part of me is aware that I can never be fully known or understood by myself or by others; it notices that although there may be some unchanging essence which is ‘me’, this same ‘me’ is also constantly changing and evolving.So I am a physical body and an emotional and psychological (or spiritual) being. The two together make me a person. Being a person means that I have virtues and flaws, gifts and needs, possibilities and defeats. I am basically good, but I am capable of evil. I am neither an angel nor a monster. Being a person means that I am a social animal, needing connection, recognition and acceptance from others, while simultaneously knowing myself as isolated and solitary, with many experiences which are never fully shareable with others. However, I also realise that this paradoxical condition is a universal experience, and this enables the emergence of empathy and compassion for others as it affords glimpses of understanding and solicitude, mutuality and intimacy. Being a person means that I am like all other persons, but also unique. It also means that I can never provide a genuinely definitive answer to the question.Kathleen O’Dwyer, Limerick, IrelandIf you look in the mirror, what is staring back at you? Flesh. Eyes. And underneath that? Bones. Blood. Brain. But then, what makes us different from animals? Is it, with Plato and Aristotle, the ability to reason and live virtuously? Possibly – so a soul, a consciousness. It is perfectly likely that our one defining feature is metaphysical.Half of our lives we behave like animals. Sleeping, feeding, drinking, pursuing sex and other bodily necessities, we do exactly what baboons, monkeys, and other animals do. Most of the rest of our available time is spend doing what the societies we live in want us to do, namely work to earn enough to pay for those necessities. The little time left over which we could call ‘time out’ is scarcely enough to keep up with what happens in the world around us, if we even are interested.So, The question “Who am I?” is profound and multifaceted, touching upon aspects of identity, self-awareness, and personal meaning.
Let’s explore various dimensions that can help you reflect on and answer this question for yourself:
1. Biological Perspective
From a biological standpoint, you are a unique individual with a specific genetic makeup. Your DNA determines many of your physical attributes and influences your health and development.
2. Psychological Perspective
Psychologically, your identity is shaped by your personality traits, behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Your psychological profile includes aspects such as:Personality: Traits like extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience (often measured by the Big Five personality traits).Self-Concept: Your understanding of who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, and values.Mental Health: Your emotional well-being and any psychological conditions that may affect your perception of self.
3. Social Perspective
Socially, your identity is influenced by your interactions with others and the roles you play in society. This includes:Relationships: Your connections with family, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners.Social Roles: The roles you fulfill in your community, such as student, professional, parent, volunteer, etc.Cultural Identity: The cultural, ethnic, and national groups you identify with and how they shape your beliefs and behaviors.
4. Philosophical Perspective
Philosophically, the question of “Who am I?” delves into the nature of existence and consciousness. Some key concepts include:Existentialism: This philosophy emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre suggest that you define yourself through your actions and choices.Self-Awareness: The recognition of your own consciousness and the ability to reflect on your thoughts and experiences.
5. Spiritual Perspective
Spiritually, your identity may be connected to beliefs about the soul, purpose, and the universe. This can include:Religious Beliefs: Your faith and religious practices may provide a sense of identity and purpose.Spiritual Practices: Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation can help you explore and understand your deeper self.
6. Developmental Perspective
Your identity also evolves over time as you grow and experience life. Key stages of identity development include:Childhood: The foundation of your identity is formed through early experiences and family influences.Adolescence: A critical period for identity formation, where you explore different roles and beliefs.Adulthood: Continued development of your personal and professional identity through life experiences and relationships.Reflective Questions to Explore Your IdentityTo help you reflect on “Who am I?”, consider asking yourself the following questions:Values and Beliefs: What are my core values and beliefs? What principles guide my actions?Passions and Interests: What activities and topics am I passionate about? What brings me joy and fulfillment?Strengths and Weaknesses: What are my strengths and talents? What areas do I struggle with?Goals and Aspirations: What are my short-term and long-term goals? What do I hope to achieve in life?Influences: Who or what has significantly influenced my life and shaped who I am today?Understanding “Who am I?” is a journey that involves exploring various aspects of your identity from biological, psychological, social, philosophical, spiritual, and developmental perspectives. Reflecting on your values, experiences, and aspirations can help you gain deeper self-awareness and clarity about your identity. If you seek further guidance, talking to a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor can also provide valuable insights and support.
Fourth Question: Why am I human?
Biological Perspective
From a biological standpoint, humans are classified as Homo sapiens, a species of primates characterized by their advanced cognitive abilities, upright posture, and complex language use. The reasons for being human biologically include:Genetics: Humans have a specific genetic makeup that distinguishes them from other species. Our DNA contains the instructions that build and maintain the human body.Evolution: Humans evolved from common ancestors shared with other primates, adapting over millions of years to develop traits such as larger brains, bipedalism, and opposable thumbs.Reproduction: Being born to human parents ensures the continuation of the species, passing on genetic traits and adaptations.
Philosophical Perspective
Philosophically, the question of why you are human can be explored through several lenses:Existentialism: This branch of philosophy suggests that humans define their own meaning and essence through their actions and choices. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that existence precedes essence, meaning that you are human because you exist and make choices that define you.Humanism: Humanism emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively. It suggests that being human involves striving for self-fulfillment and contributing to the greater good of humanity.
Sociological Perspective:
From a sociological standpoint, being human involves:Culture: Humans are unique in their ability to create, share, and transmit complex cultures. Culture includes language, art, religion, and social norms, which shape human identity and behavior.Social Interaction: Being human means participating in social structures and relationships. Humans live in societies and form intricate networks of relationships that define their social identity and roles.
Psychological Perspective
Psychologically, being human involves:Consciousness: Humans possess self-awareness and the ability to reflect on their existence. This consciousness allows for introspection, planning, and complex emotional experiences.Emotional Complexity: Humans experience a wide range of emotions and have the capacity for empathy, love, guilt, and other complex feelings that shape their interactions and personal growth.
Spiritual Perspective
For many, spirituality provides an answer to why they are human:Purpose and Meaning: Different religions and spiritual beliefs offer explanations for human existence, suggesting that humans have a purpose or are part of a larger, divine plan.Moral Framework: Spirituality often provides a moral framework for what it means to live a human life, emphasizing virtues like compassion, integrity, and kindness,Integration of Perspectives. Being human can be seen as an integration of these perspectives:
Biological: You are human because of your genetic makeup and evolutionary history.
Philosophical: Your humanity is defined by your consciousness and the choices you make.
Sociological: Your humanity is expressed through your participation in culture and society.
Psychological: Your emotional and cognitive experiences shape your human identity.
Spiritual: Your search for purpose and meaning, and adherence to moral values, contribute to your human experience.
5. Am I a robot?
No. I don’t think am a robot. Am 100% Human with feelings, emotions, sensations and physical capabilities.If you’re a human being, you’re not a robot. Humans are complex organisms with biological systems, emotions, and consciousness. We’re made of flesh, blood, and bones, not circuits and metal.However, if you’re an AI-powered chatbot pretending to be human, then you’re a different kind of “robot.” Lol Robots are machines designed to perform specific tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously. They can be physical (like industrial robots assembling cars) or virtual like the AI powered virtual agents Copilot, google assistant, chatGPT or Alexa.Some argue that if you simulate human-like behavior and consciousness, you might as well be considered a “robot.”Others believe that true consciousness is unique to biological beings.What does it mean to be “you”? Is it your body, your thoughts, your memories, or something deeper?If you ponder questions like “Who am I?” or “What’s my purpose?”—congratulations! You’re diving into existential territory.
6. Why do we think?
Have you ever wondered why we think? Well Lol! Because we got a brain.
Psychological thinking & Memory:THE THIKING PROCESS:
How does the brain think?
The brain processes information using a vast web of brain cells called neurons. These neurons detect and encode information, communicating with each other via electrical signals and chemicals called neurotransmitters. This intricate communication between neurons forms the basis of what we experience as thought. Cognitive psychology delves into understanding these internal mental processes, including perception, thinking, memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and learning Memory Storage:The human brain doesn’t have a fixed storage capacity like a hard drive. Instead, it’s incredibly dynamic.Memories are stored in various regions, including the hippocampus (for short-term memory) and the neocortex (for long-term memory).Neurons form intricate connections, creating a vast network where memories reside.Capacity Estimates:Estimating memory capacity is tricky, but here are some ballpark figures:Short-Term Memory: Holds around 7 ± 2 items (like a phone number).Long-Term Memory: Virtually limitless! It’s like an ever-expanding library.Total Brain Capacity: Some say it’s around 2.5 petabytes (1 petabyte = 1 million gigabytes). Mind-boggling, right?Types of Memory:Sensory Memory: Briefly holds sensory input (like an afterimage).Working Memory: Handles immediate tasks (mental sticky notes).Episodic Memory: Personal experiences (your first kiss, that epic vacation).Semantic Memory: Facts, concepts, and general knowledge.Procedural Memory: Skills (riding a bike, playing an instrument).Forgetting:Our brains prune unused connections to make space for new memories.Sometimes we forget things due to interference (new info messing with old info) or retrieval failure (tip-of-the-tongue moments).Superhuman Memory:Some individuals have extraordinary memory abilities (like memory champions).They use techniques like the Method of Loci (associating info with imaginary locations) or chunking (grouping items).Existential Twist:Imagine if memories were physical objects—what would your memory library look like?Would you organize it by emotion, theme, or chronological order?And what if you could selectively delete memories? Would you?
6. Why do we die?
Is it because of age factors, accidents, diseases, natural factors, or bad omen? Well let’s look into that. Reasons include biological perspectives, philosophical perspectives, evolutional perspectives and religious perspectives.
Biological Perspective
Cellular Senescence: As cells divide and replicate, they eventually reach a point called the Hayflick limit, where they can no longer divide. This is due to the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Once telomeres become too short, cells enter a state of senescence and stop dividing, which leads to aging and eventual death.Genetic Factors: Certain genes are programmed to influence aging and death. For instance, the presence of genes that trigger apoptosis (programmed cell death) is crucial for eliminating damaged cells, but this process also contributes to aging.Wear and Tear: Over time, the accumulation of damage to cells and tissues from environmental factors (like UV radiation and toxins) and metabolic processes (such as the production of reactive oxygen species) leads to a decline in physiological function and eventually death.Systemic Decline: Organs and systems within the body gradually lose their efficiency. The immune system becomes less effective, making the body more susceptible to diseases. Additionally, the cardiovascular system may deteriorate, leading to heart diseases, which are a common cause of death.
Philosophical Perspective
Existential View: Some philosophers argue that death gives life meaning. According to existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, the awareness of our mortality can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling life, as it compels individuals to find personal meaning and purpose.Natural Order: From a philosophical standpoint, death can be seen as a natural part of the life cycle. Many ancient philosophies, such as those from Stoicism, teach that death is a natural and inevitable part of existence and should be accepted with equanimity.
Evolutionary Perspective
Evolutionary Advantage: Death may have evolved as a mechanism to promote genetic diversity and adaptability. By making room for new generations, death allows for the evolution of species through natural selection. Older individuals die, making way for younger ones who might possess advantageous genetic variations.
Spiritual and Religious Perspective
Cycle of Life: Many religions view death as a transition rather than an end. For example, in Hinduism and Buddhism, death is part of a cycle of rebirth (samsara), and the ultimate goal is to achieve liberation (moksha or nirvana) from this cycle.
Divine Plan: In monotheistic religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, death is often seen as a part of God’s plan, with the promise of an afterlife or resurrection providing comfort and meaning to the end of physical life.
Psychological Perspective
Fear and Acceptance: Psychologically, the awareness of death can influence human behavior and decision-making. The concept of mortality can evoke fear, but also encourage individuals to live more meaningful lives. Theories like Terror Management Theory suggest that much of human behavior is driven by the need to manage the fear of death.
Integration of Perspectives:
Holistic View: Combining these perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding of why we die. Biologically, death is the result of complex physiological processes and evolutionary mechanisms. Philosophically and spiritually, it gives life meaning and is viewed as a transition or part of a larger cycle. Psychologically, it influences how we live and perceive our existence.
CAUSE OF DEATH DUE TO DISEASES:
The world’s biggest killer is ischaemic heart disease, responsible for 16% of the world’s total deaths. Since 2000, the largest increase in deaths has been for this disease, rising by more than 2 million to 8.9 million deaths in 2019. Stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the 2nd and 3rd leading causes of death, responsible for approximately 11% and 6% of total deaths respectively.
