\u201cWhat is the purpose of your visit to Oresj\u00f6 Lake?\u201d an old man gently asked me.<\/p>\n
Oresj\u00f6 Lake is located about a twenty-minute drive from the city of Bor\u00e5s in Sweden. The area is a beautiful blend of lakes and forests, showcasing nature at its most inventive and pleasing. My colleague Mikael and I had a day off from work, so we decided to explore the surroundings of Bor\u00e5s, with Oresj\u00f6 as our first spontaneous stop after a short bus ride.<\/p>\n
We wandered through the small town and discovered the expansive lake. I was spellbound by the natural beauty\u2014the blue waters stretching to the horizon, the large green forest behind us, and the lush grass creating an astounding view. As we walked along the lake, we were amazed to find ourselves alone in such a vast space.<\/p>\n
In the distance, we spotted a figure sitting by the water\u2019s edge. As we approached, we found it was an old man fishing. We asked to sit nearby and struck up a conversation. His name was Alfred, a 95-year-old entrepreneur who had founded and chaired four tech companies in Sweden. Even at his age, he remained active on all four boards. On weekends, he enjoyed cycling and fishing.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are just sightseeing,\u201d I replied to Alfred. \u201cI had a day off from work, so I asked Mikael to join me in exploring the nature around Bor\u00e5s. We stopped at this lake and kept walking, which led us here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreat! You both look like real travellers. But what is the purpose of your sightseeing?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n
Taken aback by the question, I responded with one of my own. \u201cWhat is the purpose of your visit to this lake?\u201d<\/p>\n
He smiled. \u201cI am here for fishing, which gives me a tasty and healthy lunch. More importantly, I spend quality time alone, exploring my inner self and having conversations with myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
He continued, \u201cEvery action has a purpose. So your visit must have one too\u2014even if you haven\u2019t thought about it yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNever mind. How about a game called the \u2018Purpose Game\u2019? Are you interested?\u201d he asked, his face bright with a compassionate smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is the purpose of cows?\u201d he inquired.<\/p>\n
\u201cCows provide milk and meat to humans. But originally, cows weren\u2019t meant for this\u2014humans domesticated them for their own benefit,\u201d Mikael replied.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you are right. Still, a cow\u2019s life serves a purpose: to support humans,\u201d Alfred chuckled.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou may know that during the Chinese Civil War, many farmers were killed, causing famine. Later, Chairman Mao launched the \u2018Four Pests Campaign\u2019 during the Great Leap Forward. They tried to eliminate rats, flies, mosquitoes, and sparrows, thinking these pests destroyed crops.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Chinese followed the order, killing sparrows and insects. The result was worse crops the next year\u2014locusts swarmed the fields, worsening the famine. The campaign revealed the purpose of sparrows and insects: though they eat grains, they also control pests, saving more in the long run.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, every creature has a purpose. Some provide direct support to nature, others play a role in the ecosystem. I once saw the Olympic victory speech of an Ethiopian athlete. He said he could now die in peace, knowing his life had served a purpose for his country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alfred continued, \u201cI have a cat at home. It protects our house from rats and bats and is beloved by my wife and children. Still, I wonder what its true purpose is. Many humans live like the cat\u2014eating, sleeping, raising children, and eventually dying, without leaving a mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to live that way. For 60 years, I\u2019ve come to this lake to enjoy solitude, and here I discovered my purpose in life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mikael interjected, \u201cSir, may I offer another view?\u201d Alfred nodded.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife is random and evolutionary. Based on the Big Bang theory, human evolution, DNA studies, and fossil discoveries, life seems like a random occurrence. The \u2018purpose of life\u2019 is a story created by our ancestors for their own interests.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alfred smiled. \u201cHomo sapiens thrive on stories. Our survival, families, societies, and nations are built on values and laws\u2014just stories we choose to believe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am a storyteller. Let me tell you another story.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, I camped in \u00d6rebro, a town near Stockholm. A local told me about a thousand-year-old castle near a river. I set out before sunrise, packed my gear, and walked in the direction he gave. I missed a turn and kept going. Hours later, I hadn\u2019t found the castle.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I reached a small hill with a stunning view\u2014the green valley, the blue river, the rising sun. I sat there for hours, appreciating the beauty. It became one of the best days of my life.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal was to reach the castle. I didn\u2019t, whether because I missed it or because it never existed. But the journey gave me a reason to wake up, trek, and experience the world. The journey, not the destination, was the real purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alfred began packing his things.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne day, I pondered the purpose of mosquitoes, the second biggest killers of humans after other humans\u2014spreading diseases like malaria and dengue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you find an answer?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot entirely. But science says mosquitoes are food for frogs and fish. To me, they remind us of our vulnerability\u2014even the smallest creatures can challenge us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, young men. I\u2019m glad you came. Natural places like this lake help you connect with your inner self, your soul, and your essence.\u201d<\/p>\n
With that, he left. We sat quietly by the vast lake, surrounded by green grass and calm air. In that stillness, I felt nature beginning to speak to my inner self\u2014urging me to reflect on the purpose of my own existence.<\/p>\n
Rana Sohail Ahmad, a multifaceted author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. With a background in Engineering and Business Administration, he\u2019s the founder and CEO of Four thriving Global companies. Beyond his professional success, Rana is deeply interested in psychology, history, Technology and social sciences. He\u2019s also an avid cyclist, yoga instructor, and health trainer. However, his most significant endeavor is the Quest of Happiness Foundation (QHF), which he founded to spread happiness and well-being. QHF conducts workshops on happiness, physical health, and career planning, especially for teenagers and university graduates, while also taking part in social initiatives like cleaning and plantation campaigns. Rana Sohail Ahmad\u2019s upcoming book offers a unique blend of personal growth, and social responsibility, all centered around the theme of happiness with scientific and management\u00a0practices.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u201cWhat is the purpose of your visit to Oresj\u00f6 Lake?\u201d an old man gently asked me. Oresj\u00f6 Lake is located […]<\/p>\n