Religion have popularized the idea that life has a higher goal. By limitation of ego the acheivement of a higher goal is possible. For society the egocentricity of man is necessary. Ego is a source of energy, source of effort and striving. But it is also a source of conflict. You are a happy man when you have a successful ego. But for one ego to succeed ten egos have been bypassed. What about those ten egos? Most of the people have hard feelings if they do not succeed. But it is the nature of things that all people can not be equally successful in the same measure. So there will have to be some compensation. The compensation is that you raise your standard or drive it to some other direction. So life acquires a value if there is a mission in life.
Vedic literature teaches us to think each one of us that " I am not an ordinary person; I am somebody great or I am striving for something great. I will sacrifice for the sake of the country, I will sacrifice for God and I will undergo suffering. If suffering is a part of life and if society needs that suffering; I shall willingly endure it. The moment we have endured it, it will no more a suffering for us. We should think that it is our duty. Life acquires a special meaning when we bring a spiritual ideal, which encourages cultivation of higher virtues. Religion teaches us to work in three fields. First one is for the betterment of individual or satisfaction of Individual. A higher goal of life come only after the satisfaction of individual. Second aspect is social which is beneficial for the society. But the ultimate goal of life lies in realizing one's spiritual nature, realizing God which brings us permanent joy. A spirutual person also lives the normal life as the most selfish person. But a spiritual person brings in the spirutual idea: I do this for the sake of the good of the society, the good of the world or for pleasing the Lord.I shall share the goods of life for the greater good of the society.