So what's the meaning of life and why as a society do we conform?

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   Richard Gonzalezposted 10 years ago

   So what's the meaning of life and why as a society do we conform?
   
   I've been a student of life for 27 years and well for one goal and one goal only...why we do the things we do?

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   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   We each do what society has taught us. Here in USA we only eat "breakfast" foods in the morning, we believe we need to work 9 - 5's, have a family, live in the perfect house, have more of everything, and only have fun when it doesn't interfere with "structure". The reasons we do all these things is because society tells us it is the norm. Now for the meaning of life part I have no idea. I believe that is up to each person to determine. For me, the meaning of life is to have fun, be happy, make memories that can be passed down, and do my best not to fit into all of those normal categories that society tells me I should fit in.

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      Richard Gonzalezposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So what the exact social Norm? Who defines the word and description of the email meaning of the email word?

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Social normal = what the majority of people are doing, typically it is defined based on previous generations in a society. When the majority starts doing something it becomes normal.

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   temptor94posted 10 years ago

   I believe that most of us humans do not break social norms out of fear of being left out, being the odd man in the group. Everyone wants to blend in and appear normal, we are constantly looking for acceptance by others. There are those rare people who do not care about convention, I would say they are mentally and emotionally stronger, they have been able to prioritize well in their lives, and their first priority is do make themselves happy.

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      Venkatachari Mposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you.  Most of us want to be a part of society and have fear of being isolated.

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      Richard Gonzalezposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good answer... so do you believe that in concept... the meaning of life is Human happiness?

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      Venkatachari Mposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Human happiness is a selfish concept. What is happy depends on your perception. I feel happiness is that which keeps you and your family at comfort but does not intrude into others' rights and happiness. Acquiring wealth and luxuries is not happiness

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      temptor94posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Yes quite true, each of us are constantly looking for personal happiness for ourselves and our loved ones, happiness drives everything in our lives. Only different things make different people happy.

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   Venkatachari Mposted 10 years ago

   We do things as our parents taught us to do things in that way. So in the first place, we imitate parents. Then we learn from their advice. Then comes society. We observe and pick up doing things as per majority. Then we learn from schools, teachers, Television, media, internet and so on. So we all learn from family and society and media and shape our behaviour and actions and thoughts. Normally, we follow majority in doing things. But sometimes, we do it as per our likings and as per our reasoning and intelligence. It depends upon our instincts, observation, absorption, reasoning, faith, and strength and willpower, etc.

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      Richard Gonzalezposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I like that answer so let me ask another question? Do you believe that censorship; when used in a positive way, can produce the best human structure of social order...or is it another form of control?

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      Venkatachari Mposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Censorship, if used positively, upto certain extent is good for society. You see, there are some things which should be kept away from children before their teenage and other things considered private should not be portrayed publicly even to adults.

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      temptor94posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are right, as kids, we pick up a lot from parents, education and those around us. But as adults, we learn to judge better. Eventually it becomes our own decision. A little censorship is definitely needed to maintain decorum in our society.

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      Venkatachari Mposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks temptor94. I am glad that you agree with my views. We need to maintain some decorum in society to avoid embarrassment to ourselves and others.

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   Anastasia Rokinaposted 10 years ago

   Conformity is an evolutionary instinct for survival. After all, we have evolved to thrive in close social quarters, and our strength is in numbers. Being alienated from the group would, in earlier times, often mean death, and so we strive to conform to remain within the safety of the community (modern day society).
   
   It's no longer necessary in today's day and age, but it's instinctual so it's hard to move past. 
   
   I believe the meaning of Life is to live. Many of us are not. Many of us simply exist, which is why I think the question "What is the meaning of Life?" is so often asked.
   
   Those who truly live, and freely, never have to ponder what the meaning of Life is. They're too busy living Life to wonder why it's here to begin with. Bull by the horns, right?
   
   Just my two cents.

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