The greatest question humanity faces is "Why are we here?" The very fact of our existence makes us curious. While the idea that we are "here by chance" may be attractively simple, it does little to satisfy the deep need for significance that psychologists talk about. In fact, it is rather soul-destroying to think that, as an individual, you are simply the culmination of a particular series of biological accidents and random events.

If life arose purely by chance, life is meaningless. More importantly, our lives are meaningless. (We may bring meaning to our own individual lives, but it is self-defined. What is meaningful to one person may be ridiculous to another.) Yet, we are troubled when we see things in our world which would be the natural consequence of meaningless existence. Senseless violence, vicious cruelty, and tyrannical domination are as valid in a meaningless universe as are parental care and affection, self-sacrifice, and willing submission.

Most of us sense that there should be meaning to life - some greater purpose than merely keeping species going. We sense the need for order - that "wrong" should be suppressed and "right" should be encouraged. This is not only for the benefit of the individual but for the sake of the whole human family.

For Reflection:

• What are some of the things that bring meaning to your daily life?
• Identify some ways in which you depend on external order to maintain your moral universe.