Does Buddhism explicitly state that the "goal" of existence is to end suffering, or rather just lay a roadmap for those who recognize the existence of suffering and wish to see its cessation? A friend and I were having an interesting discussion. He was saying that he appreciates the tools that Buddhism has given him, but is not sure he agrees with the goal of Buddhism (to end all suffering). I realized that I had never thought about it that way, where Buddhism has a goal, or is prescribing a purpose to existence. I always just thought it was kind of a guide for those who wish to see the end of suffering.

Does Buddhism explicitly make a disctinction between these two, or is it somewhat implied that to recognize that suffering exists and can have an end would motivate one to pursue that end?