It is difficult to find a more philosophical and comprehensive concept than the meaning of human life. For centuries philosophers and thinkers have been beating him, creative people find their inspiration, adventurers go on a long search, and rogues are cashing in on themselves. Almost every one of us thought about this issue. True, the answer to it are few. Mankind has developed quite a rich toolkit for self-knowledge. Religion and philosophy, science, occultism, mythology. They are united by the fact that at different times they offered people their own interpretation of the concept of the meaning of life. The article summarizes and unifies their views.
What is the meaning of life?
The meaning of life is the ultimate goal of human existence, its purpose in the world. There is also a closely related concept - the vocation of a person, that is, his abilities and interests. Not to be confused with the purpose - the highest goal entrusted to us even before our birth. Although, often there are egocentric interpretations denoting the meaning of human life. In their case, it is about the desires of man. About how he wants to spend his time.
Each of us has repeatedly heard someone say that his reason for living is to hang out at discos and drink alcohol. In general, lead a dissolute life. Most likely, the Universe has foreseen such a completely different mission for such a person. Simply, he has either not reached her yet, or has simply gone astray. In any case, I want to believe that the purpose of each person lies precisely in bringing benefits to this world. Although history remembers the names of cruel tyrants and sadists. Who knows, maybe evil deeds were supposed to be their meaning of being.
What did our ancestors say about this?
The great sages of the East and the West evaluated the destiny of man differently. Their views on destiny were especially distinguished. Some claimed that a person was given the right to choose, independently deciding his fate. Others differed in extreme fatalism, convincing their contemporaries that all roles were predetermined. You can not change them. Only humbly play your performance until the last act.
- The philosophers of ancient Greece saw the meaning of life in self-improvement (Socrates), the state of happiness (Aristotle), relief from suffering and anxiety (Epicurus);
- Representatives of Hinduism and Buddhism regard the meaning of human existence in the attainment of supreme bliss (nirvana), after the purification of karma;
- In ancient China, there were several philosophical schools with diametrically opposed views, some saw the meaning in harmony with the outside world, and others - in the service of Heaven;
- The meaning of human existence for the ancient Slavs was to live in harmony with nature, to continue his race, to defend his tribe and its values;
- Severe Scandinavians believed that there is nothing better than endless battles and death on the battlefield;
- Muslims, since the birth of their religion, see the meaning of life in serving Allah and his highest goal;
- Reflections on the meaning of life took place in the period of the European Middle Ages; to a greater extent they were permeated with theological views of Christianity.
The 21st century corrected the interpretation of this concept, which is largely connected with the achievements of scientific and technical progress and the free receipt of information. Cultural exchange has generated various combinations of traditional views, surprisingly mixing the traditions of the East and the West.
What questions should be answered, thinking about the meaning of life?
To find any answer, you must first ask the right question. Understand what we really want to know. In search of the causes and significance of his being, it is important for everyone to answer the main question - “What is the meaning of my life”.
Since the truth does not immediately open, it is best to break it into three subparagraphs, the understanding of which will considerably facilitate the initial search:
- What are my life values;
- What are my goals?
- Why do I live.
It is the understanding of these fundamental components that will help anyone who has thought about the topic of "what is my meaning in life". You can answer them either alone with yourself, or communicating with friends, or by finding yourself a spiritual mentor.
To understand your life values, you should analyze yourself and your environment. Self-analysis is not superfluous in any way. And the understanding of others is no less important, since, basically, on the way to those people whose values coincide. Here, looking at your friends, colleagues, relatives, you can learn more about your axiological reference points.
The next step is goal setting. After all, without a motion vector, you can always stray from the course. Therefore, an understanding of goals is necessary in order to find your meaning in life.
A continuation of the previous paragraph is the question "For the sake of which." When values are defined, goals are established, it is worthwhile to combine all this into a common task, for the sake of which it makes sense to open your eyes every day. Someone sees the meaning of life in their family, aiming at its well-being.
Family values are also in the first place for him. Another chooses the main motive of their existence work. His goal is career advancement, and values, respectively, coincide with the priorities of the company. For the third person, the meaning of life is travel. In this case, the value will be new impressions, and the goal - regular trips.
Regardless of what the main task of a person sets himself, it is important to preserve the integrity of this idea. It should be logically formed on the basis of our goals and values.
Why is it so important to find the meaning of life?
Psychologists have come to the conclusion that life is better for people who understood what they were born for. Until a very old age they preserve the sanity of their mind, live longer and get more pleasure from life. Such people quickly find themselves in society, achieve great results at work, enjoy prestige in their surroundings. Therefore, it is important to choose a suitable path that will allow you to become a happy and successful person.
The meaning of life - the concept of multifaceted and philosophical. But, as you know, all ingenious is simple. Perhaps the answer to this universal importance question is also under our very nose. And long-term searches and self-analysis only remove us from the obvious solution. Anyway, it is necessary to look for it, because only the meaning of a person’s life makes this life full and meaningful.
