# meaning

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [April 6, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901 "2017-04-06T17:10:57Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 8\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![bladerunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e5b9ba/32.png) [@bladerunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bladerunner)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/1 "2017-04-06T17:10:57Z")

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can some one help me break this quote down to more of understanding".There was, though, a difference between obeying commands and having a purpose, a reason for being."

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**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/2 "2017-04-06T17:17:54Z")

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What book is this from? What’s the context? When is it due?

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**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/3 "2017-04-06T17:19:01Z")

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Can you give us some context - where is it from, why are you asking?

ETA: suspicious minds think alike…

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**Author:** ![bladerunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e5b9ba/32.png) [@bladerunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bladerunner)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/4 "2017-04-06T17:19:50Z")

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a book called a dogs purpose… trying to break it down to some kids…

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**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/5 "2017-04-06T17:22:34Z")

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I’ll take, “[What is a dog’s purpose?](http://keendogtraining.com/2017/02/13/not-average-dogs-purpose-charlotte-dog-trainer-ashley/)”, for $200, Alex.

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**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/6 "2017-04-06T17:24:58Z")

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Well if they are kids then you can break it down just about any reasonable way, right?

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**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/7 "2017-04-06T17:27:06Z")

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Obeying a command:  
Hey, you! Walk in that door!  
OK, I’ll walk in that door.

Having a purpose:  
The house is on fire and my baby is in there!  
(Runs in the door.)  
Is that clear enough?

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**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\
**Post date:** [April 6, 2017, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meaning/783901/8 "2017-04-06T18:21:57Z")

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_There is a difference between following orders and following a plan._