What Is the End of Man?
June 17, 2015
FROM an essay by Archbishop Michael Augustine, writing in 1893:
Why am I here in this world? What is my destiny? What is the chief, proper, and only aim or object for the attainment of which I should struggle and strive? This question is one that every rational being must propose to himself, and to the solution of which all his thoughts, words, and actions should be directed.
Every human being must have, here below, some special and fixed aim and purpose. It is contradictory to the very nature of man to even think otherwise. Moreover, we see in the visible world surrounding us that everything created has its own peculiar aim and purpose, and one which it must and does strive to attain and accomplish. Indeed, we measure the worth or worthlessness of every created thing in proportion as it is fitted or unfitted for the end for which it is intended.
Now, as every created inanimate thing has its own duly appointed sphere, its proper place in nature, and its own peculiar destiny, it cannot be supposed for a moment that man, who is the masterpiece and crowning glory of creation, should be devoid of all aim and object.
But what is this end of man? What is his only true destiny? If we would enjoy peace of soul, we must first of all have a clear and certain answer to this question.
