Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Freedom Area High School's Student Newspaper

FHS Press

Human Obligations

What is life? Do you define it as something that can grow, change, breathe or think? Furthermore, what is the purpose of life? Is it to obtain large sums of money, live day-to-day or to be happy? No matter what answer you have for those two questions, both need to be thought about. There are many different thoughts on what life truly is. It could be when something has the ability to act with its own force independent of its environment. A plant grows upwards against gravity and animals can move. The question of the purpose of life, specifically human life, is much easier for me to answer; humans have the obligation to help one another in order to achieve happiness. Though one might deny it, most humans tend to be self-centered. Though this might not be true all of the time, in general, people’s first priority tends to be themselves. The reason for this could be because everyone is so busy worrying about their own needs that they can’t focus on others. Everyone needs some kind of attention in their life, but if no one is giving it to them, where else can they get it? This creates a vicious cycle of humans not caring for one another and only looking out for themselves. If we lived in more primitive times, where one’s life was at stake out in the wilderness, then I would have to say, “Yes, please look out for yourself a little bit more.” However, most people do not live in such dangerous times, so the fact that we are still a very self-centered people worries me. I am not saying it is bad to love yourself; you should. I have found, though, that the easiest way to be happy with yourself is by helping others. If everyone would take one minute out of their day to compliment someone else or offer to help them, there would be a lot more love going around. What if someone randomly walked up to you and asked if you needed help with anything? Wouldn’t that throw you off guard a little bit? It is such a shame that this doesn’t happen more often. Unlike water, trees or air, love is infinite. It is something you choose to create and share with the world. It is the dedication of oneself to a purpose greater than any one person could ever embody. Why not take advantage of this and give away as much of it while you can?