Finding a purpose is important and will change as we age through the phases of life, but finding our identity will only change for the better as we become older, more knowledgable and more experienced. To determine our identity means finding some beliefs, causes, ideals and maybe role models.
I think that tolerance is vital and so being tolerant, peaceful and accepting can provide the basis for our beliefs that we are seeking. A mindset that encompasses respect and tolerance that allows us to listen to all arguments, points of view, options and make educated decisions for ourselves. The Stoics would say follow virtue not vice and aim to be happy, good advice and a libertarian might add include freedom. Free to choose whom to believe, whom to follow if you want to and avoid interference from government or any in power that would try to persuade, deceive or otherwise influence you from your chosen beliefs and journey through the years, your years.
We absolutely do not have to follow anyone, any faith or any specified creed to prosper and be happy, we absolutely do need to decide our own ways. This personal choice empowers us to be masters of our own fate, our own destiny and our personal way of life. We need to choose positively for health and happiness, we need to choose an ethical life that purposefully interacts with others ; human, animal or the earthly environment.
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