# The purpose of human life > [!summary] > *Unlike animals who are driven by eating, sleeping, mating, and defending, human beings have the unique capacity for self-inquiry and spiritual realization. The Vedic scriptures emphasize that this rare human birth should not be wasted on mere sense gratification.* ## Meant for Self-Realization %%![[vedanta-sutra/1/1/1]]%% <!-- Vedānta-sūtra not available --> ![[sb/1/2/10]] ## The Rarity and Value of Human Birth ![[cc/madhya/19/138]] ![[sb/3/31/19]] ## Should Not Be Wasted ![[sb/5/5/1]] ![[sb/5/5/4]] ## The Four Goals of Human Life ![[sb/4/22/34]] ![[sb/1/2/9]] ## Real Success Is Developing Love for Kṛṣṇa ![[sb/1/2/6]] ![[cc/adi/7/84]] ## Without Spiritual Knowledge, Life Is Wasted ![[sb/5/5/5]] ![[iso/3]] ## The Urgency of Spiritual Practice ![[sb/7/6/1]] ![[sb/7/6/2]] ![[sb/7/6/3]] ## Related Articles - [[wiki/articles/the-philosophy-of-bhagavad-gita|The philosophy of Bhagavad-gītā]] — Foundational teachings - [[wiki/articles/surrender-to-the-lord|Surrender to the Lord]] — Essential principle - [[wiki/articles/the-science-of-reincarnation|The science of reincarnation]] — Why human life is rare - [[wiki/articles/the-nature-of-the-soul|The nature of the soul]] — Who we really are - [[wiki/articles/love-for-krsna|Love for Kṛṣṇa]] — The ultimate goal ## From the Index - [[index/entries/human-life|Human Life]] — Its purpose - [[index/entries/self-realization|Self-realization]] — Goal of life - [[index/entries/dharma|Dharma]] — Religious principles - [[index/entries/perfection|Perfection]] — Life's goal