According to Chapter 8, what is the true purpose of human life, and how does it differ from a life of mere survival?

Chapter 8 teaches that the true purpose of human life is the attainment of the Supreme Self, or Paramatman. The text argues that a life spent merely on basic activities like eating, sleeping, procreating, and avoiding fear is no different from the life of an animal, such as a dog or a pig. As explained in Chapter 8, if one's existence is limited to nourishing the body and pursuing sexual pleasure, then that human birth is considered useless. The chapter emphasizes that a human being is meant to be free and fearless, and that the true success of birth is the realization of the Eternal.