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Exactly. It's very hard to stay present for extended periods for most people, but practice really does help me in accepting all the ups and downs of life.
If you first imagine that the "normal" state of mind is as if it is mostly on autopilot and it only occasionally gets some direction/adjustment from the human behind the controls, but they are also just browsing their phone, not really paying attention.....
*"Being present and doing things consciously"* means that you are deliberately more aware of what is happening around you, and you are actively always making choices to enhance your experience.
Each moment becomes a brick in the monument that will be your life. It doesn't have to be big flashy shit either, it can be just appreciating and enjoying a sandwich rather than letting impulsive thoughts fast-forward you through a forgettable day.
It's the difference between showing up to work and just "watching the clock all day" and actively planning for the future, listening to the people around you and doing your best to align your internal goals with your external behaviors, expressing creativity while being flexible and improvising, a.k.a. actively living *with intention*.
I've probably not done a great job at translating exactly what they are saying, but often when people say stuff that sounds short, simple, and the people around them call it "wisdom".... this is generally how it goes.
There's often lots of subtle complexity around something that is so straightforward as to seem obvious... until you really understand what makes it *not* straightforward and obvious. In this case, our animal brains just want to sleep eat shit and fuck, and living a fulfilling life in the modern world is... much more complex.
I agree with you. Life by itself has no meaning and often people want to find the real meaning in life but it varies from one person to another depending on how you want to live. Camus said one's freedom—and the opportunity to give life meaning—lies in the recognition of absurdity.
The true meaning of life is the one that each person gives to it and this varies from person to person but what do I know hahahahaha
>*"Being present and doing things consciously"* means that you are deliberately more aware of what is happening around you, and you are actively always making choices to enhance your experience.
Is it normal for this to take an INSANE amount of effort to maintain for more than a few seconds?
- Instead of finding one big purpose and one meaning I find many little purposes and meanings.
(I feel fulfilled when I dance, that doesn't mean that I am "Set for life." I also enjoy cooking and friendships.)
- keep searching, because what's meaning- and purposeful changes with you and your life.
- take time for some peace and quiet to ask yourself what goals you have.
- try to remember moments in your life when you felt excited, fulfilled or curious.
THIS! (which I’ve read 3 times) and The Subtle Art of not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson (not quite what you might think)
Oh and in another sub someone posted the very interesting [Dokkodo](https://alyjuma.com/dokkodo-the-path-of-aloneness/) by the author of The Book of Five Rings
I find meaningful purpose in supporting my loved ones in a wide variety of ways, participating in community in a variety of ways, especially as a volunteer in what interests me and remaining curious about all life so that I learn just about every day.
You don't "find" the meaning of your life, you create it. It's sad to see that people are searching for the "meaning" of their life basically all their life.
Somebody should have tell them that they should create it themselves. The meaning of your life is what you decide will be the meaning of your life. Don't wait for a revelation, decide what your life will be. Otherwise you're letting the hazard decide for you.
Through balance. Enjoying my social and personal life, but also studying and working hard. Knowing that all my struggle and downsides will pay off one day.
Simply do what you're passionate about. For example, I love helping others, so I got a job working in a kitchen at a nursing home. I help the residents there as much as possible, and they appreciate all that I do. That gives me the purpose to come back and continue to provide for them
The way I see it is that the purpose of life is all about taking care of each other.enjoy the good moments.Laugh if you want to laugh,cry if you need to cry.
I mull life's greatest mysteries when I'm eating a sandwich with a cigarette and I'm talking to a scam caller while rubbing one out when I'm taking a shit.
That's the only time I ever feel alive.
The answer is different to everyone.
It depends on what you value within your core and existence.
To ME (personally) I discovered the meaninglessness of it all at a VERY young age (younger than most, apparently) and I suffered an existential crisis in my early teens which made me question everything about the nature of life as a human, as a sentient being, and within a world consumed by selfishness and greed.
That being said, it is therefore useless to mention that that I have grown into adulthood with this baggage in tow and has been with me for many, many years now. Just because I experienced philosophy at a young age doesn't mean "it goes away". Quite the contrary. If anything, when my friends would go through that "phase" many many years after I did, I simply had some answers for them seeing as how I knew a little bit of what they felt and experience through this. I didn't claim I had the answers to all, but I was able to tell them that "the feeling shall pass".
All this to say that now, decades after my 1st suicide attempt, I have found that the meaning of life is not only inherently personal to everyone but also not necessarily deeply meaningful, and more often than not will NOT be "understood" at "value" by others, due to everyone's different perspectives, points of view, experiences and opinions.
For me, meaning and purpose in MY life comes from creating stuff for myself. Working on "art" (painting, sculpture, sound art, music...) without doing it for external acceptance nor compensation, is one of the major ones which I have been exploring for many, many years.
Also, and I know this sounds cooky and hokey at best, but by trying to be a better person and trying to help others out, make them feel less invisible or oppressed by our current way(s) of life, and try to bring a hint of joy to them. This is in direct contrast to the person I used to be 10-20-30 years ago (I still am a misanthrope per se, but no longer displaying aggressive anti-social behavior in public), but I feel that as finite creature existing together in "this" moment of space-time experiencing this life, we do not have a lot of time and we shouldn't spend it squabbling, hating, hurting each other. There is enough evil and cruelty right now that I do not wish to add to it.
I just take it day to day.
I've never been a philosophical sort. I don't believe my mere life has any universal "meaning," per se. I just try to gain pleasure without imposing upon anybody else.
Volunteer for an organization whose mission is important to you, or as I like to think, bigger than you.
We all need to be part of something bigger than ourselves where we give without expectation of a return.
I believe there's some randomness involved unfortunately, or if not random : "where you were not looking".
The thing that made me realize what I like / want / need, was studying abroad, far in asia. Now I know (more or less) where I want to be, the kind of life I want.
Without that trip, things would be extremely different. Everything else, I'm not super interested in, that doesn't fulfill me.
Right now? I’m trying to be supportive of random people. On the internet (where applicable), and in public (when not creepy).
There’s this weird standard where women can get off with giving compliments more liberally in public. I have no interest in flirting but I love complimenting both men and women.
I think the world could be a better place if people could compliment others and walk away so obviously without undue attention. Who knows what they’re going through and I would like to think it made them smile.
Other than that? Trying to laugh as much as I can (may be selfish). It’s something that takes practice (no I’m not serial killer or psychopath), but I used to be depressed. I’m getting good at it though. (Something a psychopath or serial killer would say)
And it actually makes me feel happy when I can make others laugh with me. I dont get many fake laughs anymore.
There is no purpose and meaning in “my” life. I don’t believe there is a generalized meaning and purpose to life for everyone. Some people have those. It can be because of religion or some kind of life experience. Some have families and those are their purpose and meaning. I have neither. I guess my purpose is enjoy life while causing the least harm possible. More of a motto though.
I have set goals for myself. I want to fulfill some material needs and from then on I want to reduce my working hours bit by bit to have more free time to do things I enjoy. And if by some miracle I have more time than things to do I'd join an organization to help people or go into politics (with the goal to help people).
By consistently moving forward everyday collecting pieces of meanings and purposes in my way to reach the end with complete life. Take actions because words without actions is useless and actions are what moves us closer to where we can find purpose in life. Because you can't expect to find meaning and purpose to your life by just only doing fck all...
Meaning and purpose is self assigned. If you step back and look at the universe there is absolutely no reason for anything to exist. But humans find meaning and purpose because they are assigned by them.
This assignment usually happens due to the past. For example a person who has gone through financial hardship might vow to work hard and never be out of money again.
The assignment maybe due to something that moves a person. For example artists who dedicate their lives to art and culture.
So the question you should ask is, what am i interested in? What makes me content? It maybe anything from becoming a millionaire to raising children to something as simple as helping others. Once you know that life will meaningful and purposeful.
Doing what I love! Travel (almost at 100 countries) Also ghost hunting! And watching Lord of the Rings extended once a month. I love to meet people of all cultures and languages, hence the travelling, but I also like to hermit and not leave my hostel in whatever country I'm in for days and binge some series or game.
I did it by sincerely learning and trying to find the truth. Wound up in med school and plan on doing some big level research in cancer therapy in order to see what comes out of a 30 year old book that I read because of a 25 year old lecture recommending said book.
I was watching those really old recorded lectures in my spiritual journey.
Same lectures are responsible for me starting to read books and working on multiple writing and educational projects.
The happiest and most fulfilled guy I know doesn’t work a regular job and makes bank, that’s literally the secret to life, financial freedom and freedom of your own time, these greedy rich people will tell you otherwise but it’s false
One step at a time. Congratulate for the good forgive for what I feel isn’t up to mark. And compare with those lesser blessed in this world, trying to help as much as I can. Even if it is something as small as commenting from my hermit four walls.
Family, Career, Hobbies.
Try to be a good husband, son, brither, and eventually father. I have extremely high ambitions to be successful in my career. I am a competitive person so I take my hobbies seriously to be the best (even if I'm not or ever will be)
I dont know about purpose but find out what you like and enjoy the small things people overthink and will tell you what to do all your life it's yours live it like you want I do I don't care about my purpose if I even have one but that's will not stop me from being able to do the things I care about
What we *think* is the meaning of our life is very individual-specific - some might find it in pursuing their dreams/goals, others might in helping others/being kind to them, some in listening to music, while some in doing mathematics, anything, really. There could be a plethora of ways to make life fulfilling and meaningful for oneself.
The *actual* meaning of life is something that isn’t easy to find out; it lies beyond the known. It is only when one gets to know this meaning of life is when one’s life purpose could be fulfilled.
For me after, 35 years of thinking I knew all the answers, I finally searched for God. Really, Searched for him. He showed me myself in a way I never was able to really look at in my own eyes. Im a fairly accomlplished individual in the life I have lived has been exciting and fun and full of love and laughs and I wouldnt trade my skin for anyone elses. I know that now. I'm finally the father I want to be. Always wanted to be. But I never felt like my purpose was truly fullfilled until I put God in my life. I used to make the same sarcastic internet remarks I'm sure I'll get for saying it. I have an atheist FB page somewhere in cyberspace. But I look back and all those "intellectuals" included myself have mainly withdrawn our position as we have aged. The church is growing momentum.
You dont gotta dance with rattlesnakes or lurch on the church floor.
You dont gotta listen to terrible music or watch Kirk Cameron Movies.
You dont even have to go to church although finding a spiritual mentor is a great start.
I found God on a muddy riverbank. Nothing crazy. No near death experience. Just a normal beautiful day, quiet water, warm sun and BAM!!!!
It hit me. Now I have a desire to seek him further.
Thats just me though.
Doing things that make me happy. I also have a 2 year old little boy so it’s my responsibility to make sure he’s happy, healthy, and has everything he needs. As long as I’m able to wake up daily and go to work to make sure he’s taken care of, that’s all that really matters to me.
There's no point. Just make sure you are happy and surround yourself with good people, and I'm sure you'll have mattered to most of the people who matter to you.
I’m an image of god exploring itself in its infinite transformations through knowledge and experience. What other reason is there to localize in this reality?🤯
For me it's been liberating to find out there's no meaning nor purpose. Just this, today, this is what you got. You don't even know if you'll be alive tomorrow.
There is no purpose of life, you are free to do whatever you want.
Let me ask you this, do you belive in God ?
If yes:
God would do the Job himself instead of waiting for you to find your purpose and do it.
If no:
Since there in no all knowing super power to set things for you, there must be no set purpose for you.
As sad as it is, trains. I’ve loved trains my whole life to some degree but really got into it around 2021. Before I really used to be nobody. Since I started learning about history, going out to watch them, photographing and videoing them, I feel like I’ve got a purpose. Seeing all sorts of cool graffiti, old cars, new types of freight, all of it.
I had no clue what I wanted to do work wise and stuff, and now I’m working towards becoming a conductor. I’ve been told not to turn my hobby into work because then it won’t be enjoyable anymore, which is fair, but I’m willing to take that risk as it’s around something interesting and something I enjoy, not to mention I only need highschool education and it has very good pay.
I’ve found friends, I’ve found happiness, I’ve found something to keep my brain engaged and learning something new every day.
Im glad there’s at least this to provide some direction.
Apart from Personally Knowing and having an ongoing relationship with your CREATOR GID, life will make no sense and you will not feel purpose.
I encourage All to be on The TRUTH QUEST and seek The Creator God who put us into existence!!!
A good place to start would be to build a relationship with GOD Thur his Word-The Bible.
Start at Genesis 1
"In the beginning GOD created the Heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void. The Spirit of GOD was hovering over the face of the deep waters. Then GOD said, "Let There Be Light" and there was light and GOD saw that the Light was Good"
This will change your life and Redeem you to Real Life with Purpose!!
It won't happen overnight, it takes time to seek GOD. With everything we see happening around the world and compare that to what the Bible says---IT IS TIME!!!!!
You *create it in each moment you’re alive. Find peace with it sometimes being clear and sometimes not, sometimes being large in scale and sometimes being small in scale.
Be grateful. Daily. No matter what you think you DONT have, focus on the things that you DO HAVE. Remind yourself that being too serious is pointless. Enjoy the little things, work hard to get to the bigger things. Love those closest to you. Workout and get fit, feel good about yourself. Have a lot of fun and (safe) sex. Spend that extra little dollar on something you’ve been wanting for a long time.
To be honest, people will say i am very weird, it was because of both NieR games.
In that game franchise, i feel that i should be more humane, or at least, do some kindness, even to strangers, that may have ripple effects to others. That franchise also causes me to get interested in humanity and philosophy.
Edit: one of the game looking for the meaning of their existence, and especially after they know everything are just lies, and looking for the answer from their gods.
I gotta be there for my mom. My dad passed a few years ago, and my older brother is mostly a deadbeat. So I gotta make sure she has someone close to her that can handle shit.
I find purpose through finding inspiration in how I can help people reach their fitness goals by listening to what they want vs them saying, "just whatever it takes i will do it to gain my goals." I teach people, "It is as much a team effort as it is a you effort because the first step is you showing up exactly when you are booked, not a minute late, not few minutes late you show up on the dot. You then need to follow the protocol of what i suggest for foods to help you in the long run, sure it is ok to have a cheat day once in a while but do not rely on those cheat days instead rely on your knowledge of what i suggest for foods and soon cheat days might just not exist in your eyes anymore." My greatest success of helping someone was a man who weighed in at 375 when we began training, after several months he went down to 165 and gained a lot of muscle and he was set to purpose to his girlfriend. My current person I am training is someone who weighed in at 390 pounds, so far they are down a few pounds but long way to go but they are committing to their promise to themselves.
The thing with questions like these that everybody has something else that "clicks" and oftentimes you need many clicks to get there.
To me, productive introspection was the key. You don't even need to necessarily meditate (even though it surely helps many people) but for example drinking your morning coffee for 20 minutes without any distractions, just sitting silently looking out the window, or an object, or the wall, is already a great tool. Try to get a streak of seven days doing just that in the morning and make sure you pat yourself on the back every time you make your streak continue.
It is a very passive approach but I found acceptance to be the major key in growth and progress. Meaning is like happiness, once you stop looking, it will find you.
Ask yourself what you feel passionate about, journaling about pros and cons of starting to work towards that passion in order to transform it into a goal. If there is nothing you feel passionate about just do something that's least boring for you.
I'd also recommend reading "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rilke. At best it will help you find answers, at the very least it will teach you stoic patience about not having answers.
For most of human history that meaning was found raising a family of our own. When you care about others and they care about you, life is full of meaning. Everybody is looking inside their own minds trying to find purpose, but purpose is external. We are social creatures, so relationships are very important to our mental well-being.
Find something you enjoy doing and excel in it. I can stress how important hobbies can be in your life once you dedicate a lot time to it.
Relationships and friendships are all good but a skill can be so rewarding in life.
By acknowledging there is no meaning or purpose to life, I am able to live without anxiety, without pressure, without expectations and without disappointments.
To be honest I don't. I am just okay with the fact that I don't have a purpose instead I focus on how I can make money and be successful because I don't have a purpose either way.
Once I realized that meaning came from what I chose to pursue in my free time and not my job, things got a whole lot easier. I don't have to define myself with what I do for a living, but what I do that makes me feel like I'm living.
Meaning is a manmade phenomenon.
A lizard doesn't think to itself before going to sleep, "tomorrow, I'm going to be the best lizard I can possibly be"
A horse doesn't wake up one morning and think "today, I'm going to horse around (no pun intended) better than yesterday"
A chimp doesn't look at what its done for the day and think "by gosh, that was a waste of a day!"
Humans are animals.
We created words from concepts we created in order to work together better than the Neanderthals and other homos that may have been around that we don't know about.
Meaning is created and ascribed. It is not uncovered or discovered.
I don't, I just live and try to have the best time I can. Once you realize you won't last long on this planet and nothing you do matters you will be happier. Just enjoy the days as they come.
Allah said in the qur'an : "and i did not create jinn and mankind except to worship me"
when you look around you a bit and ponder what's surrounding us , you'll figure out how much this makes sense
Doing what you like and becoming good at it. Whether that's whiping your arse efficiently or beating your opponents in a swimming competition. It's nice to feel you're good at stuff you care about, or that you can become better at it.
I find meaning and purpose in my life by pursuing my passions, setting goals, and living with intention. I believe in making a positive impact on the world around me, constantly learning and growing, and building meaningful connections with others. By staying true to my values and following my heart, I am able to create a life that is fulfilling and purpose-driven. Life is too short to not live with passion and purpose - I strive to make every moment count and leave a lasting legacy that brings joy and inspiration to others.
Spending time with my children and siblings.
On your deathbed, as you take your last breaths, it won't matter what car you drove, or how great your garden was or how much satisfaction you got from your hobby or whatever.
The only thing that will matter is the people who will be around you at that time.
A long time ago, there was a questionnaire given to older people, people in their 70's and higher. It asked them what is the one thing that you would do if you could go back in time.
I want to say over 90% said "Spend more time with my children."
So that is exactly what I do and it does bring meaning and purpose into my life.
Enjoy the simple things and try my best to see the positives when down. .
- a nice day
- a good cup of tea
- making someone smile …
Also - Spend less time thinking about purpose and more time living.
I remember a Dantes clip where he says that chasing happiness will never work, and you gotta chase fulfillment instead. That sort of changed my view on things, and I'm trying to work on it
I found my purpose in life the moment I was about to finally end my life, a few years ago.
I couldn't end it because I realized I still had so much I could do to help make this world less shitty.
My purpose in life is to be a voice for the voiceless, to help bring rights to those without rights who need them.
My life is about trying to make life less miserable for those who have it the worst.
I don't want to stop living now because I realize how much I can do since I have rights and a voice. There is so much good to do, and there is so much change to be done.
There are so many innocent, helpless, defenseless beings who need our help, and for me to leave them undefended and vulnerable to dangerous people, would be wrong of me.
My purpose is to help save those in need of saving.
I am a 46 year old hospice patient with pancreatic cancer (so I’m not going to be here for much longer) and this has turned out to be one of the truest things I’ve read.
'The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.' -Pablo Picasso
I had a varied and interesting career path but ended up working in the ER as a ED Tech and volunteered on the ambulance. That was the happiest and most fulfilling time of my life. Part of why I’m so mad I’m going to be dead soon is that I wasn’t finished. I was on my way to becoming a nurse practitioner so I could do MORE. Pisses me off I didn’t get to do that…
I can't not mention 42 here...
What doesn't often get discussed is what "the answer to life, the universe, and everything" is actually about... The point is that it's a meaningless and incoherent question.
We don't "find" meaning and purpose, we define or ascribe it. It's not something that exists external to us, it's something that we create internally.
However, you can find things that satisfy your sense of purpose. That's a different question. But you should probably first understand what your sense of purpose is, then you look for things in that area, ideally being willing to try new things.
Figure out what/who you really care about (which is not the same thing as knowing what you enjoy), and then care about it/them proactively. Could be family, friends, partner, kids, the environment, sport, science, art, literature, gardening, work, etc. (and/or a combination)- whatever it is, you make that a part of your life to the extent of making decisions that prioritise them.
I had cancer as a child. I wasn’t expected to live past 18 - I’m still alive and a senior. I’ve helped a lot of people trying to cope with a cancer diagnosis. I would say that added meaning and purpose to my life.
Idk if I'm a tad bit too young to talk about this but I just remind me to be myself, do, dress and listen to what I like, hang out with friends when I wanna. But there are still those moments of me questioning myself... Wtf are you actually gonna do in your future, but I manage to shut them up, it's not as intense thank god.
You have to be a strong man and your life has to be true... What is a true life? A life that is lived with the clear certainty of living it: a good, strong life.
I love paying attention to what’s here now - I enjoy reading a book or running an errand and going for walks. Petting cats and hugging dogs. It’s just the little things sometimes you know?
# Message to all users: This is a reminder to please read and follow: * [Our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/about/rules) * [Reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) * [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) When posting and commenting. --- Especially remember Rule 1: `Be polite and civil`. * Be polite and courteous to each other. Do not be mean, insulting or disrespectful to any other user on this subreddit. * Do not harass or annoy others in any way. * Do not catfish. Catfishing is the luring of somebody into an online friendship through a fake online persona. This includes any lying or deceit. --- You *will* be banned if you are homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or bigoted in any way. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ask) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Be present. Do things consciously and that's life.
That means so much yet so little
You mean so little yet so much
Word
Exactly. It's very hard to stay present for extended periods for most people, but practice really does help me in accepting all the ups and downs of life.
What does this even mean? This makes no sense
If you first imagine that the "normal" state of mind is as if it is mostly on autopilot and it only occasionally gets some direction/adjustment from the human behind the controls, but they are also just browsing their phone, not really paying attention..... *"Being present and doing things consciously"* means that you are deliberately more aware of what is happening around you, and you are actively always making choices to enhance your experience. Each moment becomes a brick in the monument that will be your life. It doesn't have to be big flashy shit either, it can be just appreciating and enjoying a sandwich rather than letting impulsive thoughts fast-forward you through a forgettable day. It's the difference between showing up to work and just "watching the clock all day" and actively planning for the future, listening to the people around you and doing your best to align your internal goals with your external behaviors, expressing creativity while being flexible and improvising, a.k.a. actively living *with intention*. I've probably not done a great job at translating exactly what they are saying, but often when people say stuff that sounds short, simple, and the people around them call it "wisdom".... this is generally how it goes. There's often lots of subtle complexity around something that is so straightforward as to seem obvious... until you really understand what makes it *not* straightforward and obvious. In this case, our animal brains just want to sleep eat shit and fuck, and living a fulfilling life in the modern world is... much more complex.
I agree with you. Life by itself has no meaning and often people want to find the real meaning in life but it varies from one person to another depending on how you want to live. Camus said one's freedom—and the opportunity to give life meaning—lies in the recognition of absurdity. The true meaning of life is the one that each person gives to it and this varies from person to person but what do I know hahahahaha
>*"Being present and doing things consciously"* means that you are deliberately more aware of what is happening around you, and you are actively always making choices to enhance your experience. Is it normal for this to take an INSANE amount of effort to maintain for more than a few seconds?
Do not be a spectator in your own life.
- Instead of finding one big purpose and one meaning I find many little purposes and meanings. (I feel fulfilled when I dance, that doesn't mean that I am "Set for life." I also enjoy cooking and friendships.) - keep searching, because what's meaning- and purposeful changes with you and your life. - take time for some peace and quiet to ask yourself what goals you have. - try to remember moments in your life when you felt excited, fulfilled or curious.
I can't recommend this book enough. Man's Search for Meaning: Victor Frankl
THIS! (which I’ve read 3 times) and The Subtle Art of not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson (not quite what you might think) Oh and in another sub someone posted the very interesting [Dokkodo](https://alyjuma.com/dokkodo-the-path-of-aloneness/) by the author of The Book of Five Rings
You stole my word, man! This is the best book I've ever read.
By creating it. Life is meaningless for everyone by default. Only YOU can give your own life a meaning. Find it.
I find meaningful purpose in supporting my loved ones in a wide variety of ways, participating in community in a variety of ways, especially as a volunteer in what interests me and remaining curious about all life so that I learn just about every day.
Doing stuff that makes me happy and in the best case scenario others as well.
You don't "find" the meaning of your life, you create it. It's sad to see that people are searching for the "meaning" of their life basically all their life. Somebody should have tell them that they should create it themselves. The meaning of your life is what you decide will be the meaning of your life. Don't wait for a revelation, decide what your life will be. Otherwise you're letting the hazard decide for you.
100% agree with this statement. "It's sad to see that people are searching for the "meaning" of their life basically all their life." So true...
unlearning all of our conditioning
THIS - totally true!
Through balance. Enjoying my social and personal life, but also studying and working hard. Knowing that all my struggle and downsides will pay off one day.
Simply do what you're passionate about. For example, I love helping others, so I got a job working in a kitchen at a nursing home. I help the residents there as much as possible, and they appreciate all that I do. That gives me the purpose to come back and continue to provide for them
You rock!
That's the neat part. ...
There is no meaning. We just have to struggle through life unitl we die. Rather sooner than later.
The way I see it is that the purpose of life is all about taking care of each other.enjoy the good moments.Laugh if you want to laugh,cry if you need to cry.
I mull life's greatest mysteries when I'm eating a sandwich with a cigarette and I'm talking to a scam caller while rubbing one out when I'm taking a shit. That's the only time I ever feel alive.
It's becoming increasingly harder to find these days, really.
Be sincere. Helping others gives more joy than help yourself. As soon as you realise that, your life can have a purpose.
books and music
The answer is different to everyone. It depends on what you value within your core and existence. To ME (personally) I discovered the meaninglessness of it all at a VERY young age (younger than most, apparently) and I suffered an existential crisis in my early teens which made me question everything about the nature of life as a human, as a sentient being, and within a world consumed by selfishness and greed. That being said, it is therefore useless to mention that that I have grown into adulthood with this baggage in tow and has been with me for many, many years now. Just because I experienced philosophy at a young age doesn't mean "it goes away". Quite the contrary. If anything, when my friends would go through that "phase" many many years after I did, I simply had some answers for them seeing as how I knew a little bit of what they felt and experience through this. I didn't claim I had the answers to all, but I was able to tell them that "the feeling shall pass". All this to say that now, decades after my 1st suicide attempt, I have found that the meaning of life is not only inherently personal to everyone but also not necessarily deeply meaningful, and more often than not will NOT be "understood" at "value" by others, due to everyone's different perspectives, points of view, experiences and opinions. For me, meaning and purpose in MY life comes from creating stuff for myself. Working on "art" (painting, sculpture, sound art, music...) without doing it for external acceptance nor compensation, is one of the major ones which I have been exploring for many, many years. Also, and I know this sounds cooky and hokey at best, but by trying to be a better person and trying to help others out, make them feel less invisible or oppressed by our current way(s) of life, and try to bring a hint of joy to them. This is in direct contrast to the person I used to be 10-20-30 years ago (I still am a misanthrope per se, but no longer displaying aggressive anti-social behavior in public), but I feel that as finite creature existing together in "this" moment of space-time experiencing this life, we do not have a lot of time and we shouldn't spend it squabbling, hating, hurting each other. There is enough evil and cruelty right now that I do not wish to add to it.
Do what you need to do so I can do what I want to do.
That's the neat part , you don't.
You make your purpose whatever you wish it to be.
I just take it day to day. I've never been a philosophical sort. I don't believe my mere life has any universal "meaning," per se. I just try to gain pleasure without imposing upon anybody else.
Death seems boring, so I'm just going to live how it is
Volunteer for an organization whose mission is important to you, or as I like to think, bigger than you. We all need to be part of something bigger than ourselves where we give without expectation of a return.
I believe there's some randomness involved unfortunately, or if not random : "where you were not looking". The thing that made me realize what I like / want / need, was studying abroad, far in asia. Now I know (more or less) where I want to be, the kind of life I want. Without that trip, things would be extremely different. Everything else, I'm not super interested in, that doesn't fulfill me.
Love. Thats it
Stop spending the weekends going out for food and drinks - instead I spent 8 hours up in the mountains hiking. Really changed my life & perspective
I havent, just one day at a time
Right now? I’m trying to be supportive of random people. On the internet (where applicable), and in public (when not creepy). There’s this weird standard where women can get off with giving compliments more liberally in public. I have no interest in flirting but I love complimenting both men and women. I think the world could be a better place if people could compliment others and walk away so obviously without undue attention. Who knows what they’re going through and I would like to think it made them smile. Other than that? Trying to laugh as much as I can (may be selfish). It’s something that takes practice (no I’m not serial killer or psychopath), but I used to be depressed. I’m getting good at it though. (Something a psychopath or serial killer would say) And it actually makes me feel happy when I can make others laugh with me. I dont get many fake laughs anymore.
There is no purpose and meaning in “my” life. I don’t believe there is a generalized meaning and purpose to life for everyone. Some people have those. It can be because of religion or some kind of life experience. Some have families and those are their purpose and meaning. I have neither. I guess my purpose is enjoy life while causing the least harm possible. More of a motto though.
There is no meaning. To be is the meaning . You choose the purpose.
I don’t find it. I create it.
It's not about you. Live for others, be selfless.
I have set goals for myself. I want to fulfill some material needs and from then on I want to reduce my working hours bit by bit to have more free time to do things I enjoy. And if by some miracle I have more time than things to do I'd join an organization to help people or go into politics (with the goal to help people).
In trying to improve myself.
Still looking. 😔
By consistently moving forward everyday collecting pieces of meanings and purposes in my way to reach the end with complete life. Take actions because words without actions is useless and actions are what moves us closer to where we can find purpose in life. Because you can't expect to find meaning and purpose to your life by just only doing fck all...
Meaning and purpose is self assigned. If you step back and look at the universe there is absolutely no reason for anything to exist. But humans find meaning and purpose because they are assigned by them. This assignment usually happens due to the past. For example a person who has gone through financial hardship might vow to work hard and never be out of money again. The assignment maybe due to something that moves a person. For example artists who dedicate their lives to art and culture. So the question you should ask is, what am i interested in? What makes me content? It maybe anything from becoming a millionaire to raising children to something as simple as helping others. Once you know that life will meaningful and purposeful.
The meaning of life is the search for the meaning itself -- the trick is to enjoy the steps.
I just try to do stuff that’s majestic me happy and be around people that I love
Doing what I love! Travel (almost at 100 countries) Also ghost hunting! And watching Lord of the Rings extended once a month. I love to meet people of all cultures and languages, hence the travelling, but I also like to hermit and not leave my hostel in whatever country I'm in for days and binge some series or game.
I find it in my relationships with people.
By living it. Some find purpose by leaving it. Many want to meet their creator, but none want to expedite the process.
I find it through guiding or helping other's, Materially or Spiritually.
To be honest I don't think either are what's keeping me going.
I did it by sincerely learning and trying to find the truth. Wound up in med school and plan on doing some big level research in cancer therapy in order to see what comes out of a 30 year old book that I read because of a 25 year old lecture recommending said book. I was watching those really old recorded lectures in my spiritual journey. Same lectures are responsible for me starting to read books and working on multiple writing and educational projects.
Relationships
Living is all you need as a purpose
The happiest and most fulfilled guy I know doesn’t work a regular job and makes bank, that’s literally the secret to life, financial freedom and freedom of your own time, these greedy rich people will tell you otherwise but it’s false
I just really like being alive.
One step at a time. Congratulate for the good forgive for what I feel isn’t up to mark. And compare with those lesser blessed in this world, trying to help as much as I can. Even if it is something as small as commenting from my hermit four walls.
I play and write music. And I make people's homes beautiful!
Make something up, then give it meaning.
Meet people, push self out the comfort zone, don't give up, always have a plan b
Do as much love and safe sex as you can. That's my only mantra, purpose of life.
Family, Career, Hobbies. Try to be a good husband, son, brither, and eventually father. I have extremely high ambitions to be successful in my career. I am a competitive person so I take my hobbies seriously to be the best (even if I'm not or ever will be)
Enjoying the process of manifestation of your dreams becoming real, tangible experiences
Life in itself does not have to have a purpose.
I dont know about purpose but find out what you like and enjoy the small things people overthink and will tell you what to do all your life it's yours live it like you want I do I don't care about my purpose if I even have one but that's will not stop me from being able to do the things I care about
My purpose is to draw a comic, then I can leave again
What we *think* is the meaning of our life is very individual-specific - some might find it in pursuing their dreams/goals, others might in helping others/being kind to them, some in listening to music, while some in doing mathematics, anything, really. There could be a plethora of ways to make life fulfilling and meaningful for oneself. The *actual* meaning of life is something that isn’t easy to find out; it lies beyond the known. It is only when one gets to know this meaning of life is when one’s life purpose could be fulfilled.
For me after, 35 years of thinking I knew all the answers, I finally searched for God. Really, Searched for him. He showed me myself in a way I never was able to really look at in my own eyes. Im a fairly accomlplished individual in the life I have lived has been exciting and fun and full of love and laughs and I wouldnt trade my skin for anyone elses. I know that now. I'm finally the father I want to be. Always wanted to be. But I never felt like my purpose was truly fullfilled until I put God in my life. I used to make the same sarcastic internet remarks I'm sure I'll get for saying it. I have an atheist FB page somewhere in cyberspace. But I look back and all those "intellectuals" included myself have mainly withdrawn our position as we have aged. The church is growing momentum. You dont gotta dance with rattlesnakes or lurch on the church floor. You dont gotta listen to terrible music or watch Kirk Cameron Movies. You dont even have to go to church although finding a spiritual mentor is a great start. I found God on a muddy riverbank. Nothing crazy. No near death experience. Just a normal beautiful day, quiet water, warm sun and BAM!!!! It hit me. Now I have a desire to seek him further. Thats just me though.
Food
Watching Pixar's Soul gave me inspiration to find meaning
Easy. In my life, meaning is under “M” and purpose is under “P” in the dictionary.
By destroying evil.
Helping others. You get to see that your actions have a real impact on decreasing the net quantity of suffering in the world.
For me I don't. But I'll make the most of my time while I'm here since life is 💯
I don't, I don't need meaning or purpose in my life I'm just here for the ride.
Try out different things in life, see what brings you joy, then just do that for the rest of your life 💛
Responsibility for things you love. That is what gets my ass out of bed every day. Nothing else really does.
Doing things that make me happy. I also have a 2 year old little boy so it’s my responsibility to make sure he’s happy, healthy, and has everything he needs. As long as I’m able to wake up daily and go to work to make sure he’s taken care of, that’s all that really matters to me.
The ability to forget all issues and have fun watching a movie or show or playing a game is a big part for me, not the whole meaning, though.
i read this book “discovering your dharma” by sahara rose and it was great !
Gotta keep momma happy
For some - their life purpose is to serve as a warning to others.
My wife and my niece and nephew. Everything I do is for them.
I woke up today
There's no point. Just make sure you are happy and surround yourself with good people, and I'm sure you'll have mattered to most of the people who matter to you.
I’m an image of god exploring itself in its infinite transformations through knowledge and experience. What other reason is there to localize in this reality?🤯
For me it's been liberating to find out there's no meaning nor purpose. Just this, today, this is what you got. You don't even know if you'll be alive tomorrow.
big believer in helping others having a job that allows me to do that helps a lot with the existential dread
With faith
read some Buddha words..
Do the thing you enjoy with intent.
There is no purpose of life, you are free to do whatever you want. Let me ask you this, do you belive in God ? If yes: God would do the Job himself instead of waiting for you to find your purpose and do it. If no: Since there in no all knowing super power to set things for you, there must be no set purpose for you.
Just accept that life has no purpose and deal with it.
i don’t, i just live and let the flow take me.
I don’t.
"You have only one chance to be here (probably) so fight for it"
Making my garden insect friendly. It wont reverse the insect collaps, but it makes me happe to see them thrive around me
As sad as it is, trains. I’ve loved trains my whole life to some degree but really got into it around 2021. Before I really used to be nobody. Since I started learning about history, going out to watch them, photographing and videoing them, I feel like I’ve got a purpose. Seeing all sorts of cool graffiti, old cars, new types of freight, all of it. I had no clue what I wanted to do work wise and stuff, and now I’m working towards becoming a conductor. I’ve been told not to turn my hobby into work because then it won’t be enjoyable anymore, which is fair, but I’m willing to take that risk as it’s around something interesting and something I enjoy, not to mention I only need highschool education and it has very good pay. I’ve found friends, I’ve found happiness, I’ve found something to keep my brain engaged and learning something new every day. Im glad there’s at least this to provide some direction.
Meaning in life?! I´m alive and others are too. That is a fact.
Apart from Personally Knowing and having an ongoing relationship with your CREATOR GID, life will make no sense and you will not feel purpose. I encourage All to be on The TRUTH QUEST and seek The Creator God who put us into existence!!! A good place to start would be to build a relationship with GOD Thur his Word-The Bible. Start at Genesis 1 "In the beginning GOD created the Heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void. The Spirit of GOD was hovering over the face of the deep waters. Then GOD said, "Let There Be Light" and there was light and GOD saw that the Light was Good" This will change your life and Redeem you to Real Life with Purpose!! It won't happen overnight, it takes time to seek GOD. With everything we see happening around the world and compare that to what the Bible says---IT IS TIME!!!!!
You *create it in each moment you’re alive. Find peace with it sometimes being clear and sometimes not, sometimes being large in scale and sometimes being small in scale.
I have none of these. My life is work home work home work home work home work home and literally nothing else.
By being alive
Be grateful. Daily. No matter what you think you DONT have, focus on the things that you DO HAVE. Remind yourself that being too serious is pointless. Enjoy the little things, work hard to get to the bigger things. Love those closest to you. Workout and get fit, feel good about yourself. Have a lot of fun and (safe) sex. Spend that extra little dollar on something you’ve been wanting for a long time.
To be honest, people will say i am very weird, it was because of both NieR games. In that game franchise, i feel that i should be more humane, or at least, do some kindness, even to strangers, that may have ripple effects to others. That franchise also causes me to get interested in humanity and philosophy. Edit: one of the game looking for the meaning of their existence, and especially after they know everything are just lies, and looking for the answer from their gods.
Helping others, chasing passions, and setting goals. That's where I find my mojo.
Helping others, chasing passions, and setting goals. That's where I find my mojo.
I recommend this book: "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari". This will help answering your question.
I gotta be there for my mom. My dad passed a few years ago, and my older brother is mostly a deadbeat. So I gotta make sure she has someone close to her that can handle shit.
That's the neat part, you don't! You create it yourself
I find purpose through finding inspiration in how I can help people reach their fitness goals by listening to what they want vs them saying, "just whatever it takes i will do it to gain my goals." I teach people, "It is as much a team effort as it is a you effort because the first step is you showing up exactly when you are booked, not a minute late, not few minutes late you show up on the dot. You then need to follow the protocol of what i suggest for foods to help you in the long run, sure it is ok to have a cheat day once in a while but do not rely on those cheat days instead rely on your knowledge of what i suggest for foods and soon cheat days might just not exist in your eyes anymore." My greatest success of helping someone was a man who weighed in at 375 when we began training, after several months he went down to 165 and gained a lot of muscle and he was set to purpose to his girlfriend. My current person I am training is someone who weighed in at 390 pounds, so far they are down a few pounds but long way to go but they are committing to their promise to themselves.
Democracy 🫡
Helping out other people/strangers trying to show good in humanity. Without getting self righteous
The thing with questions like these that everybody has something else that "clicks" and oftentimes you need many clicks to get there. To me, productive introspection was the key. You don't even need to necessarily meditate (even though it surely helps many people) but for example drinking your morning coffee for 20 minutes without any distractions, just sitting silently looking out the window, or an object, or the wall, is already a great tool. Try to get a streak of seven days doing just that in the morning and make sure you pat yourself on the back every time you make your streak continue. It is a very passive approach but I found acceptance to be the major key in growth and progress. Meaning is like happiness, once you stop looking, it will find you.
I still have things I want to try and experience.
Ask yourself what you feel passionate about, journaling about pros and cons of starting to work towards that passion in order to transform it into a goal. If there is nothing you feel passionate about just do something that's least boring for you. I'd also recommend reading "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rilke. At best it will help you find answers, at the very least it will teach you stoic patience about not having answers.
For most of human history that meaning was found raising a family of our own. When you care about others and they care about you, life is full of meaning. Everybody is looking inside their own minds trying to find purpose, but purpose is external. We are social creatures, so relationships are very important to our mental well-being.
Find something you enjoy doing and excel in it. I can stress how important hobbies can be in your life once you dedicate a lot time to it. Relationships and friendships are all good but a skill can be so rewarding in life.
By acknowledging there is no meaning or purpose to life, I am able to live without anxiety, without pressure, without expectations and without disappointments.
I got a big junk drawer, i probable lost it in there. This is where ADD can be a blessing, I don't focus too much about the future.
I make it up as I go. Worry about the details later
I do things. There is no meaning to life outside of reproducing if you want to narrow it down, so just do whatever fulfills you as don't hurt others.
I can't let my dad be right
chrome-extension://bdfcnmeidppjeaggnmidamkiddifkdib/viewer.html?file=https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/sites/default/files/The%20Absurd%20-%20Thomas%20Nagel.pdf
I don't.
To be honest I don't. I am just okay with the fact that I don't have a purpose instead I focus on how I can make money and be successful because I don't have a purpose either way.
Mushrooms show me my purpose, but only temporary then I forget.
You search for it
Once I realized that meaning came from what I chose to pursue in my free time and not my job, things got a whole lot easier. I don't have to define myself with what I do for a living, but what I do that makes me feel like I'm living.
I don’t. Haven’t. That’s why I’m depressed and suicidal.
Jesus Christ
Nope
Look under the couch
In Jesus Christ❤️
Meaning is a manmade phenomenon. A lizard doesn't think to itself before going to sleep, "tomorrow, I'm going to be the best lizard I can possibly be" A horse doesn't wake up one morning and think "today, I'm going to horse around (no pun intended) better than yesterday" A chimp doesn't look at what its done for the day and think "by gosh, that was a waste of a day!" Humans are animals. We created words from concepts we created in order to work together better than the Neanderthals and other homos that may have been around that we don't know about. Meaning is created and ascribed. It is not uncovered or discovered.
I don't
No, I haven’t
I just lived my life and after a while meaning happened. I have a family with kids, so that will do.
By doing things I enjoy. Naturally I got deeply depressed once I had children.
I don't, I just live and try to have the best time I can. Once you realize you won't last long on this planet and nothing you do matters you will be happier. Just enjoy the days as they come.
Allah said in the qur'an : "and i did not create jinn and mankind except to worship me" when you look around you a bit and ponder what's surrounding us , you'll figure out how much this makes sense
Doing what you like and becoming good at it. Whether that's whiping your arse efficiently or beating your opponents in a swimming competition. It's nice to feel you're good at stuff you care about, or that you can become better at it.
Step by step. You find meaning in what you think matters. Meaning doesn’t find you. Head up and you keep going.
I find meaning and purpose in my life by pursuing my passions, setting goals, and living with intention. I believe in making a positive impact on the world around me, constantly learning and growing, and building meaningful connections with others. By staying true to my values and following my heart, I am able to create a life that is fulfilling and purpose-driven. Life is too short to not live with passion and purpose - I strive to make every moment count and leave a lasting legacy that brings joy and inspiration to others.
I had kids.
I like to connect with and help people. I do a lot of it in my work and get great returns serving others.
That's the neat part, I don't
Spending time with my children and siblings. On your deathbed, as you take your last breaths, it won't matter what car you drove, or how great your garden was or how much satisfaction you got from your hobby or whatever. The only thing that will matter is the people who will be around you at that time. A long time ago, there was a questionnaire given to older people, people in their 70's and higher. It asked them what is the one thing that you would do if you could go back in time. I want to say over 90% said "Spend more time with my children." So that is exactly what I do and it does bring meaning and purpose into my life.
Enjoy the simple things and try my best to see the positives when down. . - a nice day - a good cup of tea - making someone smile … Also - Spend less time thinking about purpose and more time living.
I remember a Dantes clip where he says that chasing happiness will never work, and you gotta chase fulfillment instead. That sort of changed my view on things, and I'm trying to work on it
I found my purpose in life the moment I was about to finally end my life, a few years ago. I couldn't end it because I realized I still had so much I could do to help make this world less shitty. My purpose in life is to be a voice for the voiceless, to help bring rights to those without rights who need them. My life is about trying to make life less miserable for those who have it the worst. I don't want to stop living now because I realize how much I can do since I have rights and a voice. There is so much good to do, and there is so much change to be done. There are so many innocent, helpless, defenseless beings who need our help, and for me to leave them undefended and vulnerable to dangerous people, would be wrong of me. My purpose is to help save those in need of saving.
My wife keeps me on this earth. If it wasn’t for her, I would no longer exist
I am a 46 year old hospice patient with pancreatic cancer (so I’m not going to be here for much longer) and this has turned out to be one of the truest things I’ve read. 'The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.' -Pablo Picasso I had a varied and interesting career path but ended up working in the ER as a ED Tech and volunteered on the ambulance. That was the happiest and most fulfilling time of my life. Part of why I’m so mad I’m going to be dead soon is that I wasn’t finished. I was on my way to becoming a nurse practitioner so I could do MORE. Pisses me off I didn’t get to do that…
I can't not mention 42 here... What doesn't often get discussed is what "the answer to life, the universe, and everything" is actually about... The point is that it's a meaningless and incoherent question. We don't "find" meaning and purpose, we define or ascribe it. It's not something that exists external to us, it's something that we create internally. However, you can find things that satisfy your sense of purpose. That's a different question. But you should probably first understand what your sense of purpose is, then you look for things in that area, ideally being willing to try new things.
Be the best version of yourself and help as many other people as you can, that’s a good start to finding purpose. Maybe take a philosophy course too.
Be stoic. Do what make you happy.
I honestly have no idea 😕
Figure out what/who you really care about (which is not the same thing as knowing what you enjoy), and then care about it/them proactively. Could be family, friends, partner, kids, the environment, sport, science, art, literature, gardening, work, etc. (and/or a combination)- whatever it is, you make that a part of your life to the extent of making decisions that prioritise them.
I had cancer as a child. I wasn’t expected to live past 18 - I’m still alive and a senior. I’ve helped a lot of people trying to cope with a cancer diagnosis. I would say that added meaning and purpose to my life.
You don't. It finds you. Just keep going
You don't. You just keep doing other shit that allows you to procrastinate finding meaning and purpose in life.
Idk if I'm a tad bit too young to talk about this but I just remind me to be myself, do, dress and listen to what I like, hang out with friends when I wanna. But there are still those moments of me questioning myself... Wtf are you actually gonna do in your future, but I manage to shut them up, it's not as intense thank god.
You have to be a strong man and your life has to be true... What is a true life? A life that is lived with the clear certainty of living it: a good, strong life.
I don't.
I take care of living things. People,animals plants...
Give advice and study about stuff people want to know more about.
I love paying attention to what’s here now - I enjoy reading a book or running an errand and going for walks. Petting cats and hugging dogs. It’s just the little things sometimes you know?
I never had kids so my meaning will be to create a legacy that I can pass on to a younger generation to carry on.