Living as a person until death: An African ethical perspective on meaning in life

The primary focus of philosophical reflections and debates on meaning in life are varied. My interest in this article is strictly on the interpretation of meaning in life to connote the question: what is the fundamental goal of human life on Earth? I contend that the cardinal obligation of human life on Earth is to live as a person. Meaning in life consists of choosing to live as a person until death. I attempt to explain and defend this contention by using prominent ideas of a relational theory of African ethics that projects harmonious relationships as a cardinal principle of right conduct. Human beings are consciously groomed from birth to become individuals that will always aspire to live as persons. Within the confines of African ethics, living as a person entails establishing harmonious relationships of "identity" and "solidarity" with other individuals in a way that promotes optimal human flourishing on Earth.