what are the most important goals in life?

Question

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

What are the most important goals in life? Well, it depends on what you value most, of course. But if you're looking for my opinion, I'd say the most important goals in life are to laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to appreciate beauty and to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

And, of course, to never stop questioning. That is, after all, how we make progress in life. I mean, if we don't ask questions, how can we learn and grow? And if we don't learn and grow, then what's the point?

So, if you ask me what the most important goals in life are, I'd say they're to never stop learning, to never stop questioning, to laugh often and much, to appreciate beauty, and to leave the world a bit better than you found it. That's my take on it, anyway.