Friday, May 21, 2010

These are the questions I ask every day, on my way, on my way, on my way...*

I was walking home today, in a rush to get there and finish packing before driving up to Maine, and walked past two people sitting on a bench.

"Excuse me?" said the female, "Could you answer a question for us?"

"Sure" I shrugged.

"What do you think your purpose in life is?"

"Um, I, uh..."

"We're not going to record your answer or anything. We're just having a discussion and wanted to get more input."

"Well..." I began, "I guess I'm not sure where to go with that... do you mean career-wise, or personally, or...?"

"How about answering this question instead," said the male. "Which is more rewarding: interpersonal connections or self-satisfaction?"

I thought for a moment before I responded, "I don't believe one can have self-satisfaction without interpersonal connections."

They seemed satisfied with my answer and I continued on my way.



What about you? Would you have stopped to answer questions from strangers? What would your answers have been?



...*

3 comments:

smukai said...

My purpose these days is simply to be a good father and good husband. The trickle down from that relates to be being a good worker, a good example, a good person for society....

Interpersonal connections are far more rewarding than self-satisfaction, though I think you are right. You can't have one without the other, in either direction!

Des said...

I love answering questions like that. I love getting into life, death, philosophical type discussions.
Its so much fun to me!
I liked your answer and believe it to be true. There's no self satisfaction that in some way doesn't involve other people.

Katharine said...

Good answer! I couldn't think quickly enough to give such a concise response.

I stumbled onto your blog today, and have enjoyed immensely my time here. I like the way you think and write. Keep it up, and thanks for sharing.