2. Scope of Purpose

The scope of purpose does not address how purpose originates, but rather how broadly it applies.

American society tends to view concepts like purpose primarily through an individualistic lens: "What is MY unique purpose and calling in life?" However, the concept of purpose can extend beyond our immediate circumstances, personality, and identity to include how we fit within a larger group of people.

Consider an aisle of nails at your local hardware store. All of the nails in that aisle were produced with the same principle in mind - to fasten things together. They share a universal purpose based on their design intent and function. However, not all of the nail boxes contain identical nails. The aisle has many shapes, sizes, and colors of nails because each box has an intended application. The nails inside a box might be designed to frame houses, secure trim, or hold shingles in place. To ensure these nails perform correctly, their dimensions are tailored to their intended use and are different from other boxes. These nails are manufactured with a more specific purpose than simply "fasten things together" and it is their specific application that unites them. Finally, at the end of the project, each nail rests where the builder placed it to accomplish its task. It is the only nail capable of carrying out its specific mission in that exact location.

We can apply similar reasoning to people as well. Just as nails have varying levels of purpose—universal, specific to their type, and individual to their placement—people can also experience purpose on different levels: universal, contextual, and individual.

Universal Purpose

Proponents of universal purpose believe that the majority of people share an overarching purpose. Similar to how all nails are designed to fasten things together, all people share some unifying purpose. This often gets stated as a universal ethic, like "do the most good," "protect the environment," or "bring glory to God."

Contextual Purpose

People can also share purposes tied to their roles within a society, community, or family. Much like the boxes of nails, people are grouped based on similarities, such as life-stage, vocation, or other circumstances. For example, one could conclude that all doctors share a purpose of bringing healing.

Individual Purpose

This is likely what most of the Western world thinks of when the topic of "purpose" gets brought up: purpose that is unique to you. Certain things only you can accomplish, usually dependent on your identity, personality, and relationships.

Do you think purpose can apply both to individuals and to groups of people?