B2 – Upper Intermediate
At what moments in our lives do we start thinking about the meaning of life? Our life purpose can be described in many ways and some people of different ages ponder over this personal enigma.
Read the article and try to unlock the mystery of life by discussing common views on life’s meaning.
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-life-purpose
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “fluctuation” mean here, “What’s more, your purpose can actually shift and change throughout life in response to the evolving priorities and fluctuations of your own experiences.”? Give a synonym and use ‘fluctuation’ in this context in a sentence.
- What does “shipwreck” mean in this context, “Questions about life purpose may arise at any time in life, but you may notice that they are especially prevalent during times of transition or crisis—for example, a career or educational change, personal loss, or long-distance move. Sharon Daloz Parks calls these events “life’s shipwrecks.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
- What does “reframe” mean? “This is the secret to a fully alive life: to reframe our life questions over and over.“ Use this word in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- According to the article, what is the secret to a fully-alive life?
- Share your thoughts on the equation for purpose that is G + P + V = P (gifts + passions + values = purpose).
- Would you say that you have fulfilled some of your dreams? What have you accomplished?
- What do you think is your life purpose?
- Is life a predetermined path? Explain your views on this.
2 replies on “Life Purpose”
Discussion Questions:
1. According to the article, what is the secret to a fully-alive life?
To reframe our life questions over and over. That means to adapt our mindset
2. Share your thoughts on the equation for purpose that is G + P + V = P (gifts + passions + values = purpose).
I think is a not very accurate equation. What about education, training, health, circumstances, etc??? I think it can fit better like the Vocation Equation, but I don’t like this simplistic equations for so complex things like Life Purpose
3. Would you say that you have fulfilled some of your dreams? What have you accomplished?
Well maybe some of them, for example to have a degree in Psychology that was a career that I like it a lot, also to have had a very good job with a more or less good salary, and also, for me the main foremost, to have had a wonderful family. I’m very proud of my parent’s education.
4. What do you think is your life purpose?
I’m not sure, but I suppose is very simple and realistic: try to do the things I really like, to learn, and don’t hurt anyone…
5. Is life a predetermined path? Explain your views on this.
Well it’s not a predeterminate path but an I agree with the stoicism philosophy: is a path in which you really don’t have too much freedom. I will try to explain myself: Is a path that depends of a lot of factors like the country you have born, the family you have, your education, your genes, your health, etc… so you have a limited freedom to achieve your dreams, your life purpose and so forth…
You clearly put in a lot of efforts in trying to develop your writing further. Good going!
Note how this response can be improved a bit:
Stay consistent to keep on with your progress.