MAN, KNOW THYSELF — Purpose of Life

MAN, KNOW THYSELF Purpose of Life I F a group of people were asked what the most important issue for mankind was today, different people would have different answers. Some would say the proliferation of nuclear weapons, some the population explosion, while others might say that the production and distribution of wealth were of paramount importance. Such diversity of opinion shows that people in general do not properly recognize what they themselves are. If they did, they would all agree that the most critical issue facing mankind was man’s disregard of his real nature, and his persistence in ignoring the inescapable fact that one day he must die, and be called to account before his Maker. If we were to become aware of the reality of existence, it would be to the afterlife rather than to this world that we would direct our attention. Today, most people do believe in God and in the after world. It is not as if they deny these things; but their actions bear no relation to their beliefs. In practice, all people are concerned about is worldly success. If our research laboratories were one day to declare that the earth’s gravitational pull had ceased to exist, and that the planet was being pulled towards the sun at a speed of 6,000 m.p.h., then panic would strike the whole world, for such news would imply that within a few weeks all life would be obliterated from the face of the earth. The most critical issue facing mankind is man’s disregard of his real nature, and his persistence in ignoring the inescapable fact that one day he must die, and be called to account before his Maker. This globe, however, is perpetually facing a peril much greater than this, yet no one feels the need to become anxious about it. What is this peril? It is the peril of the Last Day which has been destined for the world since the creation of the universe and towards which we are careering at a reckless speed. As an article of faith, most of us accept this reality, but there are few indeed who actually feel compelled to give it serious thought. If you stand in a busy shopping-centre during the evening rush-hour and observe what people are hurrying towards, you will realize what