It is a purpose that is available. Within such systems faith in the purpose of life which is living reinforces it's availability and reinforces it's generality. The parents of those living reinforce the purpose of life as living just by staying alive.
When death appears, the purpose of life is first questioned, then weakened by the fact of death. Without purpose the act of dying is easier and the purpose of living in order to die is reinforced. It is at such a time that faith needs life to reinforce purpose. Thus, a strong life force in any member of the social network creates a revision of purpose back to living and away from death.
We need to have strong life forces present in our social networks. The older person needs a younger person to take an interest in their life so that they can have purpose. Similarly, a young person needs an older person to reinforce their purpose of life, which is to live.
Should a society focus on the after life instead of living, or focus on death instead of living? Surely, there is a cost to a society that focuses on a purpose which is it's elimination from a living environment to one that is either dead or hypothetical.
Thus can Gurdieff speak of the living dead. Such are those whose purpose is focused on death rather than life.
Death will come. Premature death will come to some of us. For the living dead, premature death is a consequence of a weakening purpose in living. It seems ironic that some who want to die will live much longer productive lives than their purpose for living.
Will ye no think kindly on those who would be your friends! May the sun shine with your thoughts, today, and happiness grow in your heart! May you allow yourself some peace of mind.