What Is The Meaning of Life?
What to do when you think you know what it is
All human suffering, whether necessary or self-created, is tied to obstacles that have meaning for us. Such an obstacle may be associated with some physical or psychological discomfort, or spiritually speaking, from the “pain of longing” — the seeking of something deeper than the world of form. Who can say what it might be?
Transcending obstacles define much of what goes on in life. Think about it. It is likely that you function day to day on “automatic pilot,” then suddenly you experience a usually unexpected obstacle. Now, this obstacle might walk up the steps of a non-functioning escalator, or waiting in a long line at the post office. It may be something equally annoying, like a sudden red light that causes you to hit the brakes on your car. These types of challenges get your attention.
When things, events, or people limit your freedom, these “obstacles” take on meaning. We are also often drawn to things of great beauty, sensuality, and elegance. These things also have meaning. So as you can see, to notice something, positive or negative, is to give it meaning.
“Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer.”
― Joseph Campbell
What does it mean for something to have meaning? This is an important question. Many great thinkers have proposed that all meaning is based on your perception as well as shifts in your perception.
Many of us go through life unconsciously. We each decide arbitrarily that some things are important while others are not. Something might have meaning now that did not have any meaning just a few moments ago.
The Takeaway
Does ‘meaning’ have to have a particular quality or quantity to it? Will any sense of meaning do? How would you even know if something had more than a superficial meaning? What’s the link between meaning and significance in daily action? If something has meaning for you, does it have ‘meaning’ because it reinforces your sense of being — or is something deeper going on? Is meaning anything more than what grabs your attention?
Your answers to these questions about the “meaning of life” may have great implications for how you think, make choices, use language, and communicate with others in the process of daily living. Without this inquiry, you may be destined to a life of confusion or intellectual, emotional, and spiritual numbness.
Author: Lewis Harrison is a serial entrepreneur, writer, teacher, public speaker, and seminar leader. He focuses on problem-solving, self-improvement, personal development, and sharing love with the world. He has suffered from depression earlier in his life.
I am the former host of an absurdist, contrarian, and humor-based Q & A talk radio show on an NPR-affiliated station in NY.
Here is a short excerpt from the show to make you smile.
I have a bottomless passion for the application of game theory in decision-making. My game theory/business website is AskLewisGameTheory.com.
“I am always exploring trends, areas of interest, and solutions to build new stories upon. Again, if you have any ideas, you would like me to write about just email me at [email protected].”
……………..Lewis
A Final Thought
To be able to achieve our full potential, we need to know how to distinguish between actual and ideas born of cognitive bias, fear, and intentional ignorance. We all are seeking love and also searching for ways to connect. The clearer our thinking, and the greater our ability to negotiate, the more likely this will happen. The Medium stories below explore simple ways to stay data-informed and to develop a more meaningful, healthier, and more productive life.
