Finding Personal Purpose in a World Without Inherent Meaning
The idea that life has no inherent meaning is a heavy one. As someone deeply enthralled with the study of existentialism, I play with this thought daily.
According to existentialist philosophers, meaning isn’t something we’re born with. Instead, we’re the creator of meaning in our life by the experiences we have and the choices we make.
Let’s dive into how various thinkers have shaped my understanding of purpose and how societal pressures can either fuel, or stifle, our quest for meaning.
Philosophical Insight and Rebellion
My philosophical journey kicked off with Voltaire, the original troublemaker. Reading his Philosophical Dictionary was like a breath of fresh air. He wasn’t afraid to call out the absurdities of societal power structures, even if it landed him in hot water. His line, “It is dangerous to be right in matters on which the established authorities are wrong,” gives a little flavor of his style. He knew that it was risky to go against the grain, but he also knew that that’s often where the truth lies.
Then came Nietzsche, who’s often misunderstood. He has this whole “bad-boy of philosophy” vibe. His genius is compelling. In Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche showcases a profound spirituality and a celebration of humanity that you might not expect. He famously said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how,” which underscores the power of having a personal reason for existence.
Heraclitus and Sartre also made their marks—Heraclitus with his idea that “The only constant in life is change,” and Sartre with “Existence precedes essence,” both challenging us to think beyond predefined roles.
From Heraclitus to Voltaire to Nietzsche to Sartre, there’s a common thread: a rebellion against conformity and absurdity. This rebellious spirit is what drew me into existentialism. Each philosopher encourages us to break free from societal expectations and forge our own paths to meaning and happiness.
The Weight of Societal Expectations
Throughout life, society is all about defining us by roles. As we grow up, society tries to shove us into pre-defined molds. For women, this often means juggling numerous roles: professional, provider, caregiver, and more.
It’s like being handed a script and expected to play every part perfectly for the audience.
For me, I’ve done all the role-play. Now I’m tired. Working in a job that uses my brainpower can be exhausting. The relentless drive to problem-solve and optimize can overshadow my real dreams—like living in a cozy cabin, barefoot in the dirt, baking cobbler, and gardening. But instead, society expects me to focus on making money, supporting my kids, and being a role model for others. I wear multiple masks and can often forget what my real face looks like.
Sylvia Plath nailed it when she said, “I am obsessed with the idea that I am living my life by rote.” The pressure to conform to various roles can lead to a sense of living inauthentically, and that’s something I grapple with the older I get.
The Role of Personal Choice and Reflection
I’m inclined to agree that life lacks inherent meaning. Yet, I hold onto a glimmer of hope that there might be some underlying purpose waiting to be discovered. This belief keeps me curious and pushes me to continuously explore myself and the world.
Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning was a game-changer for me. Frankl’s ability to find meaning, even in the most horrendous circumstances, made me rethink how I approach my own life. His insights, especially after a near-death experience I had at 39, have prompted me to make significant changes.
Alternative Perspectives on Meaning
There’s another perspective that posits inherent meaning is out there, discovered through spiritual or religious beliefs. This view suggests that our purpose aligns with a divine plan or cosmic order. However, I find that relying on an external source for meaning complicates things. If a divine or supernatural force exists, I’d prefer it to be a simple presence rather than something requiring worship or rigid adherence.
Conclusion
The search for personal purpose in a seemingly meaningless world is a deeply personal adventure. Through existentialist philosophy and self-reflection, I’ve learned to embrace the idea that meaning is something we create, not something we inherit. While societal expectations often complicate this quest, recognizing our own power to shape meaning helps us navigate life with greater authenticity and purpose.