Whither Purpose?

(photo by Daniel Arnold, found here)

The main definition of the noun "purpose" is "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." That definition is a little unsatisfying on purpose. (That phrase, "on purpose," means "intentionally.") You see, without the definition of "purpose" being a little, well, inadequate, the word might not be as warmly embraced by self-improvement (yes, even self-help) types of all stripes, looking to help you "find a purpose." This includes religious ones -  who seek to define your "purpose" as something given to you by a deity.

You know of course that what we might call tepid words thrive on this program because the looser the definition the more ways at which to approach the theme. Is the word "purpose" such a word? Is it value-neutral? Does it feel much more subjective than your average word? Oh gosh I feel like if I answer any of these questions I give the game away. It might put us at cross purposes - & for all intents & purposes (as well as all intensive purposes) that serves no purpose. Can we talk about it after the show, over something we might enjoy for more than medicinal purposes only?

That show happens today, Thursday, February 15, from noon to 2pm Portland time, in Portland live from the Freeform Portland studios, on the air at 90.3+98.3fm & online at freeform portland dot org. Hope to see you there! & sorry if because of my weird pronunciation you thought the show today was about porpoises.