Exploring the Profound Question of What People Live For

"What do we live for?" This has been a profoundly significant question throughout human history. Personally, my answer to this question has undergone a drastic change before and after my retirement. Prior to retiring, my response was heavily influenced by my subjective experiences and limited perspective (self-interest). However, post-retirement, my answer has taken a more altruistic turn. In this new phase, I've come to realize that as human beings, we are social animals inherently wired to connect with each other. Our collective struggle for survival is intertwined with the preservation of the human species. Simply put, our ancestors received the torch of responsibility to sustain their society from the previous generation, fulfilled those responsibilities during their time, and then passed the torch to the next generation. This passing down of responsibilities from generation to generation might hold a fundamental truth related to the aforementioned question. The shift in my perspective has led me to understand that our lives are not solely about personal ambitions and pursuits. Instead, we are part of a greater continuum, where the actions and choices of one generation influence the course of the next. It is through this interconnectedness and sense of responsibility to the larger community that we find purpose in our existence. Overall, my retirement has allowed me to see beyond the boundaries of self-interest and recognize the collective effort of humanity in ensuring its continuity. The question of "What do we live for?" is no longer confined to individual aspirations but encompasses a broader sense of duty to our species and the generations to come.