the purpose of life

[kath3]

If you accept the belief, we are also commissioned to look after and care for the planet, as well as one another, and the animals/birds/fish/insects which of course adds to our purpose.

Who exactly, commissioned us to do what?

I was referring to God's requirements of mankind to be good stewarts of His creation.

Genesis 2:15 "And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."

There are many references throughout the bible stating our responsibilities to the planet, animals and towards one another, though I'm sure your not looking for biblical teachings. I myself do appreciate biblical direction as much as I do from other sources. I have a collection of quotes that I keep for inspirational purpose and encouragement.

"The earth was given to man, with this condition, that he should occupy himself in its cultivation... The custody of the garden was given in charge to Adam (mankind), to show that we possess the things which God has committed to our hands, on the condition that, being content with the frugal and moderate use of them, we should take care of what shall remain. Let him who possesses a field, so partake of its yearly fruits, that he may not suffer the ground to be injured by his negligence, but let him endeavor to hand it down to posterity as he received it, or even better cultivated. Let him so feed on its fruits, that he neither dissipates it by luxury, nor permits it to be marred or ruined by neglect. Moreover, that this economy, and this diligence, with respect to those good things which God has given us to enjoy, may flourish among us; let everyone regard himself as the steward of God in all things which he possesses. Then he will neither conduct himself dissolutely, nor corrupt by abuse those things which God requires to be preserved."

It doesn't seem to be working out that well.

We are heavily polluting the planet, and gutting it for natural resources.
We are on the verge of exterminating the remaining wild animal species, and we have pretty well stripped the great oceans of all the large fish species.
On top of that, we have built the industrial war machinery needed to exterminate the majority of the human race.

I totally agree with you 100%. I believe it is because we do not take heed the instruction (bible and other teachings) inspired upon us through a higher power. We have desicrated all good things for profit and power, and it is ultimately us who will pay the sad price for our actions ... in that every good thing that has been given will be gone by our own hands.