I believe the purpose of life is human connection. This series explores my efforts to meaningfully connect with other people by asking them one question.
“What do you think the purpose of life is?”
This series was shot in two locations, Los Angeles, California and Denver, Colorado. Does people’s perception of the purpose of life relate at all to the city they live in? Read their answers and decide for your self.
Ton Hoai Banh sits under a street sign in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2024. He said he thinks the purpose of life is, "Happiness and family."
Jose Adam Alvarez (left) and Johan Jan (right) sit on the patio outside Lobster and Beer in Los Angeles, California, on March 19, 2024. Alvarez said he thinks the purpose of life is, “To wake up enjoying life and realize not every day is given to you. Jan said he thinks the purpose of life is to, “Do as little as possible and have as much fun as possible.” Jan added that he wakes up everyday greateful.
Harry Perry plays music on the streets of Santa Monica beach in Los Angeles, California on March 28, 2024. Perry said he thinks the purpose of life is, “To play music and go on adventures.”
Big Milly Vibes walks near Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, California on March 28, 2024. She said she thinks the purpose of life is, “Inspiration and leading by example.”
Armando Rivas, 73, smokes a cigarette in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2024. Rivas said he doesn’t know what the purpose of life is but believes he will live to be 90.
Erik models for a photoshoot in Los Angeles, California on March 28, 2024. Erik said he thinks the purpose of life is, “Love.”
Jeovani Hernandez, owner of pop up churro shop Hippie Churro, skateboards in Los Angeles, California on March 19, 2024. Hernandez said he thinks the purpose of life is, “Actually living it to the fullest.” He also added that he thinks we all have our own unique purpose in life.
Summer Breeze, 29, artist, walks in Los Angeles California, on March 19, 2024. Breeze said she thinks the purpose of life is, “To create and share experiences with other people and to build relationships and share community with others.”
Briana Garcia and and Matt Cress walk hand in hand around Larimer Square in downtown Denver, Colorado on April 30, 2024. When asked to pose for a picture they started dancing and kissing in the middle of the street. Garcia said she thinks the purpose of life is, “Have fun, it’s too short.” Cress said he thinks the purpose of life is, “To grow.”
Adriana Cisneros walks in downtown Denver, Colorado on April, 30 2024. Cisneros started crying when asked what she thinks the purpose of life is. She said she’s going through a break up and has been thinking a lot about this lately. Her answer was, “Finding yourself.”
Jesse Lee Pacheco stands outside Garage Sale Vintage in Larimer Square in downtown Denver, Colorado on April 30, 2024. Pacheco said he thinks the purpose of life is, “Show love man. Find the things that make you happy and the people that do and and give them all your attention.”
Connor Bailey stands outside Barcelona WIne Bar in Denver, Colorado on April 30, 2024. Bailey just moved to Denver and said he thinks the purpose of life is, “To be present. To be mindful in the moment. The pursuit of happiness is to do the things you love with the people you love.”
Sarah Shears stands outside Barcelona Wine Bar in Denver, Colorado on April 30, 2024. When asked what she thinks the purpose of life is she said, “Thats a deep one. Honestly, I think the purpose of life is to do what makes you feel good. Being you.”
Tommy Mizwicki runs through RiNo in Denver, Colorado on April 30, 2024. When asked what he thinks the purpose of life is he quoted as much of his favorite John Lennon quote as he could remember. The original quote reads, “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life."