No, it is not a question taken from a philosophy class or a personal development podcast.

This is the question my little son asked us the other day in the car on a trip.

What would you answer to that?

Many reach the end of their lives without having asked this question. Others need “something strong” to happen to them to do it: an illness, a loss…

Then there are “age crises” – that of 30, 40… – also called “existential”, precisely because it invites you – in a more or less abrupt way – to ask yourself this question that naturally and calmly arises. an 8 year old boy ago.

My friend Alba Olmedo reminded me yesterday, from the (great) BeForGet newsletter, the importance of spending some time alone with ourselves (she launches the 15 minute challenge) to dream; to wander and think about your “why am I here”…and start writing everything that comes to mind: the big and the small.

Especially the “small”, what seems inconsequential.

Some need 15 minutes. Another 38 years. Some is yet to come.

“I think we exist to help others and the planet. But sometimes we don’t do it very well,” he said.