Classy Problems launched last week – a daily email intended to develop awareness and intention with the gift of our attention. Here is an example:
FUNCTION AND PURPOSE
Function is about WHAT something does – the specific actions or tasks it performs.
Purpose is about WHY it exists or is used – the reason or goal behind its use.
This is a useful framework for understanding parts and systems. Function provides the effort and purpose provides the intent.
We more commonly refer to a mechanistic system as a machine. In a machine, the function and purpose align so closely they overlap. For example, a watch’s function and purpose are both to tell time. This doesn’t make the words synonymous; it means that in simple systems, function and purpose can be the same.
However, in more complex systems or when considering actions outside of a machine, it is more effective to start with WHY before asking WHAT.
Understanding our purpose first will allow us to align our actions with our intention.
Here we go!