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

Chapter 8 presents a profound philosophy on human life. It argues that the true duty of human birth is the attainment of the Supreme Self (Paramatman). The chapter critically questions a life spent merely on basic survival activities like eating, sleeping, fear, and mating, suggesting that if these are the only goals, then there is no difference between a human and a dog or a pig. As mentioned in Chapter 8, dogs also fill their bellies and reproduce. The text emphasizes that the real success of human birth, which makes it superior, is the realization of the Eternal, because a human being is uniquely free, fearless, and independent. Wasting life on bodily pleasures alone is deemed useless.