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Effortlessly run deep research and get high-quality results powered with AI.
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import { JigsawStack } from "jigsawstack";
const jigsaw = JigsawStack({ apiKey: "your-api-key" });
const response = await jigsaw.web.deep_research({
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
})
Copy
{
"success": true,
"query": "What is the meaning of life?",
"results": "The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" has been a central concern across human history, addressed from multiple disciplinary perspectives—philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological. Each approach offers unique insights, and together they reveal the complexity and richness of this enduring inquiry.\n\nPhilosophical Perspectives\n\nPhilosophers have long debated whether life has an inherent meaning or whether meaning must be created by individuals. Existentialism, for example, posits that life has no predetermined purpose; instead, individuals are free—and responsible—to create their own meaning through choices and actions. Jean-Paul Sartre famously argued that \"existence precedes essence,\" emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility in constructing meaning [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)]. Similarly, Albert Camus explored the concept of the absurd, highlighting the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the universe's indifference. Camus suggested that, even in the face of meaninglessness, one can find value by embracing the struggle itself [[6](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[8](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)].\n\nIn contrast, nihilism asserts that life is inherently meaningless, and any search for purpose is ultimately futile [[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)][[10](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/)]. However, not all philosophical traditions are so bleak. Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, often translated as \"flourishing\" or \"well-being,\" suggests that the purpose of life is to live virtuously and fulfill one's potential [[5](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)]. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, proposes that the meaning of life lies in maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people [[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)].\n\nOther philosophical perspectives, such as Stoicism and Taoism, emphasize living in harmony with nature and accepting the things we cannot control, finding meaning in virtue, self-mastery, and balance [[7](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)]. Ultimately, many philosophers agree that the search for meaning is a deeply personal journey, shaped by individual values, experiences, and cultural context [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)].\n\nReligious Interpretations\n\nReligious traditions often provide structured answers to the question of life's meaning, typically rooted in the existence of a higher power or transcendent reality. In the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), life is seen as a gift from God, and its purpose is to serve, worship, and develop a relationship with the divine. Christianity, for example, teaches that humans are created in the image of God and are called to love God and others, seeking spiritual fulfillment and eternal life [[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)][[27](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)][[28](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)].\n\nIn Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the meaning of life is often linked to spiritual growth, self-realization, and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Taoism and Confucianism emphasize harmony, balance, and fulfilling one's role within the cosmos and society [[22](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)][[26](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)]. Religion also provides meaning through community, rituals, and shared beliefs, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, especially in times of crisis or loss [[19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)][[21](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[31](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)].\n\nScientific and Psychological Explanations\n\nFrom a scientific perspective, the question of life's meaning is often reframed in terms of biological imperatives—survival, reproduction, and the perpetuation of genes. Evolutionary theory explains the origins and development of life, but it does not address subjective experiences of meaning or purpose [[43](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)]. Some scientists and philosophers argue that science can describe how life works, but not why it exists or what it means [[30](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)].\n\nPsychology, particularly positive psychology, has explored how individuals find meaning in life. Research shows that having a sense of purpose, coherence, and significance is crucial for psychological well-being and resilience [[32](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)][[33](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)][[42](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)]. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, argued that the search for meaning is a fundamental human drive, and that even in the most difficult circumstances, people can find purpose through their attitudes and actions [[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[37](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)]. Psychological studies indicate that meaning in life is associated with greater happiness, lower rates of depression, and better coping with adversity [[34](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)][[41](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)].\n\nIntegration and Synthesis\n\nWhile philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological perspectives offer distinct answers, they are not mutually exclusive. Many contemporary thinkers suggest that meaning is multi-layered: it can be found in personal goals, relationships, contributions to society, spiritual beliefs, and the pursuit of knowledge or virtue [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[40](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)]. The meaning of life may not be a single, universal answer, but rather a tapestry woven from individual experiences, cultural narratives, and existential reflection. Ultimately, the search for meaning is a dynamic and ongoing process, shaped by the interplay of reason, faith, science, and personal growth.The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" remains one of humanity’s most profound and enduring inquiries, with no single, universally accepted answer. Instead, the meaning of life is explored through a tapestry of philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological perspectives, each offering unique insights and frameworks for understanding existence.\n\nPhilosophically, perspectives range from existentialism—which asserts that individuals must create their own meaning in an indifferent universe—to nihilism, which denies any inherent purpose, and to traditions like Aristotle’s eudaimonia, which sees meaning in the pursuit of virtue and flourishing. Other approaches, such as Stoicism and Taoism, emphasize harmony, self-mastery, and acceptance of life’s circumstances. Ultimately, many philosophers agree that meaning is a personal journey, shaped by individual values, choices, and cultural context [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)][[5](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[6](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[7](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)][[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)][[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)].\n\nReligious interpretations often root life’s meaning in a relationship with the divine or a transcendent reality. Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) teach that life’s purpose is to serve and connect with God, while Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism focus on spiritual growth and liberation. Religion also provides meaning through community, rituals, and shared beliefs, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, especially during times of crisis [[19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)][[21](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[22](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)][[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)][[26](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)][[27](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)][[28](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)][[31](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)].\n\nScientifically, the meaning of life is often reframed in terms of biological imperatives—survival, reproduction, and the perpetuation of genes. While evolutionary theory explains how life develops, it does not address subjective experiences of meaning. Many scientists and philosophers argue that science can describe the mechanisms of life, but not its ultimate purpose or value [[30](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[43](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)].\n\nPsychologically, research shows that having a sense of purpose, coherence, and significance is crucial for well-being and resilience. Meaning in life is associated with greater happiness, lower rates of depression, and better coping with adversity. Viktor Frankl’s work highlights the human drive to find meaning, even in suffering, and contemporary psychology emphasizes the importance of personal goals, relationships, and contributions to society [[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[32](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)][[33](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)][[34](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)][[37](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)][[41](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)][[42](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)].\n\nIn synthesis, the meaning of life is not a single, objective answer but a dynamic, multi-layered process. It can be found in personal growth, relationships, service, spiritual beliefs, and the pursuit of knowledge or virtue. The search for meaning is ongoing, shaped by the interplay of reason, faith, science, and personal experience. Ultimately, each person must navigate this journey for themselves, drawing from the diverse resources of human thought and culture [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[40](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)].\n\n\n\n## References\n\n1. [The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)\n2. [Meaning of life - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)\n3. [Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/)\n4. [Meaning of LIfe: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/)\n5. [The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)\n6. [4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)\n7. [7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)\n8. [nietzsche - Various Philosopher's Perspective on the Meaning or Purpose of Life - Philosophy Stack Exchange](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)\n9. [What is the Meaning of Life: A Comprehensive Exploration and Analysis](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)\n10. [r/askphilosophy on Reddit: What is truly the meaning of life?](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/)\n11. [The meaning of life: exploring different philosophical perspectives](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)\n12. [Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At Life | by Valerie | Dare To Be Better | Medium](https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/philosophies-that-can-change-the-way-you-look-at-life-92162c8427b5)\n13. [The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)\n14. [r/Existentialism on Reddit: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/Existentialism/comments/qhrf9q/what_is_the_meaning_of_life_why_are_we_here/)\n15. [What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense)\n16. [What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)\n17. [What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective. | by Amlesh Ranjan | Medium](https://amleshranjan.medium.com/what-is-life-the-philosophical-perspective-aa4055f1f3ea)\n18. [Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective | by Edward Reid | Medium](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)\n19. [The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)\n20. [Religion and the Meaning of Life](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E)\n21. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)\n22. [The Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)\n23. [Religion gives life meaning. Can anything else take its place? | Psyche Ideas](https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place)\n24. [The Image of God, Religion, and the Meaning of Life: Toward a Christian Philosophical Anthropology – In Pursuit of Truth | A Journal of Christian Scholarship](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)\n25. [What Is the Meaning of Life? | Desiring God](https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)\n26. [The Symbolism of the Tree of Life in Various Religions and Philosophies | | Alluring World](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)\n27. [The Meaning of Life - A Biblical Answer | Truth Story](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)\n28. [What is the Meaning of Life? Finding Your Purpose | Christianity.com](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)\n29. [On religion, faith and meaning of life | by Samuela Davidova | Medium](https://medium.com/@DavidovaSamuela/on-religion-faith-and-meaning-of-life-02439f35c31a)\n30. [Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)\n31. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)\n32. [What Is the Meaning of Life According to Positive Psychology](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)\n33. [The Science of Meaning in Life | Annual Reviews](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)\n34. [Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)\n35. [Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life)\n36. [The meaning of life – a psychologist’s view](https://theconversation.com/the-meaning-of-life-a-psychologists-view-129274)\n37. [What Is the Meaning of Life? | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)\n38. [The Meaning in Life: A Psychological Approach](https://www.byarcadia.org/post/the-meaning-in-life-a-psychological-approach)\n39. [Meaning of Life - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/meaning-of-life)\n40. [Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide - Sanford L. Drob, 2022](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)\n41. [The Science of Meaning in Life - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)\n42. [Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)\n43. [Life - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)\n44. [Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)\n45. [Explaining life: Synthetic biology and non-scientific understandings of life - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)\n",
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)",
"url": "https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/",
"description": "Seachris, J., 2021, “Meaning of Life: The <strong>Analytic Perspective</strong>”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
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"Goetz, S., 2012, The Purpose of Life: A Theistic Perspective, New York: Continuum. Goldman, A., 2018, Life’s Values: Pleasure, Happiness, Well-Being, and Meaning, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Greene, P., 2021, “It Doesn’t Matter Because One Day It Will End”, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 24: 165–82. Hanfling, O., 1987, The Quest for Meaning, New York: Basil Blackwell Inc. Hare, R. M., 1957, “Nothing Matters”, repr. in Applications of Moral Philosophy, London: Macmillan, 1972: 32–47.",
"Metz, T., 2021, “Life, Meaning of”, in Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, E. Mason (ed.). O’Brien, W., 2021, “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
"Seachris, J., 2021, “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
"Some think of the afterlife in terms of one’s soul entering a transcendent, spiritual realm (Heaven), while others conceive of one’s soul getting reincarnated into another body on Earth. According to the extreme version, if one has a soul but fails to put it in the right state (or if one lacks a soul altogether), then one’s life is meaningless. There are three prominent arguments for an extreme soul-based perspective."
],
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},
{
"title": "Meaning of life - Wikipedia",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "Wong has proposed that whether <strong>life</strong> is meaningful depends not only on subjective feelings but, more importantly, on whether a person's goal-striving and <strong>life</strong> as a whole is meaningful according to some objective normative standard. <strong>The</strong> <strong>philosophical</strong> <strong>perspectives</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> are those ...",
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"Wong has proposed that whether life is meaningful depends not only on subjective feelings but, more importantly, on whether a person's goal-striving and life as a whole is meaningful according to some objective normative standard. The philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life are those ideologies that explain life in terms of ideals or abstractions defined by humans.",
"The Legalists believed that finding the purpose of life was a meaningless effort. To the Legalists, only practical knowledge was valuable, especially as it related to the function and performance of the state. The religious perspectives on the meaning of life are those ideologies that explain life in terms of an implicit purpose not defined by humans.",
"The meaning of life is the concept of an individual's life, or existence in general, having an inherent significance or a philosophical point. There is no consensus on the specifics of such a concept or whether the concept itself even exists in any objective sense.",
"Thinking and discourse on the topic is sought in the English language through questions such as—but not limited to—\"What is the meaning of life?\", \"What is the purpose of existence?\", and \"Why are we here?\". There have been many proposed answers to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds. The search for life's meaning has produced much philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation throughout history.",
"Since a man does not alter, and his moral character remains absolutely the same all through his life; since he must play out the part which he has received, without the least deviation from the character; since neither experience, nor philosophy, nor religion can effect any improvement in him, the question arises, What is the meaning of life at all?"
],
"reference_number": 2
},
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"title": "Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"url": "https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/",
"description": "All of these set the table for ... followed shortly by Thomas Nagel’s important 1971 essay on “The Absurd.” See “Meaning of Life: <strong>The Analytic Perspective</strong>......",
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"All of these set the table for a veritable feast of philosophical writing on the meaning of life that began in the 1950s with Kurt Baier’s essay “The Meaning of Life,” followed in 1970 by Richard Taylor’s influential essay on the same topic, followed shortly by Thomas Nagel’s important 1971 essay on “The Absurd.” See “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective” for more on the course of the debate in analytic philosophy about the meaning of life.",
"Seachris, J., 2012, “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective,” The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Smith, S., (ed.), 1983, Ways of Wisdom: Readings on the Good Life, Lanham, MD: University Press of America.",
"For example, a person may be interested in his core or essence because he thinks that knowledge of that may reveal the goal or purpose of his life, a purpose that makes his life seem important and intelligible, and gives him a reason for going on, as well as insight into how he must live in order to have a meaningful life. It is commonly the case that several of the questions press themselves on the seeker all at the same time. One or more of these questions were of concern to the philosophers discussed below.",
"Distinct from all the above are second-order, analytic, conceptual questions of the sort that dominate current philosophical discussion of the issue in analytic circles. These questions are not so much about the meaning of life as about the meaning of “the meaning of life” and its component concepts (“meaning,” “life”), or related ones (“meaningfulness,” “meaninglessness,” “vanity,” “absurdity,” and so forth)."
],
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},
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"title": "Meaning of LIfe: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"url": "https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/",
"description": "Looking back further into the origin of <strong>the worldview</strong> concept strengthens the connection between worldview and life’s meaning, and offers important clues that a worldview provides a kind of sense-making meaning. Nineteenth century German historian and philosopher, Wilhelm Dilthey, spoke of ...",
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"Looking back further into the origin of the worldview concept strengthens the connection between worldview and life’s meaning, and offers important clues that a worldview provides a kind of sense-making meaning. Nineteenth century German historian and philosopher, Wilhelm Dilthey, spoke of a worldview as a concept that “. . . constitutes an overall perspective on life that sums up what we know about the world, how we evaluate it emotionally, and how we respond to it volitionally.” Worldviews possess three distinct yet interrelated dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical.",
"Seachris, Joshua W. “The Meaning of Life as Narrative: A New Proposal for Interpreting Philosophy’s ‘Primary’ Question.” Philo 12 (Spring-Summer 2009): 5-23. Seachris, Joshua W. “The Sub Specie Aeternitatis Perspective and Normative Evaluations of Life’s Meaningfulness: A Closer Look,” Ethical Theory and Moral Practice 16 (2013): 605-620.",
"Depending on whom one asks, the question, “What is the meaning of life?” is either the most profound question of human existence or else nothing more than a nonsensical request built on conceptual confusion, much like, “What does the color red taste like?” or “What is heavier than the heaviest object?” Ask a non-philosopher, “What do philosophers discuss?” and a likely answer will be, “The meaning of life.” Ask the same question of a philosopher within the analytic tradition, and you will rarely get this answer.",
"The sources of suspicion about the question within analytic philosophy, especially in earlier periods, are varied. First, the question of life’s meaning is conceptually challenging because of terms like “the” “meaning” and “life,” and especially given the grammatical form in which they are arranged."
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"title": "The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday",
"description": "<strong>Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find happiness and fulfillment, while others believe that the meaning of life is to serve a higher purpose or to make the world a better place</strong>. Still others believe that the meaning of life is simply to exist and to experience the world around us.",
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"This question has been asked by philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people alike, and it continues to be a topic of debate and contemplation today. There are many different theories and ideas about the meaning of life, and it is likely that there is no one \"correct\" answer.",
"Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find happiness and fulfillment, while others believe that the meaning of life is to serve a higher purpose or to make the world a better place. Still others believe that the meaning of life is simply to exist and to experience the world around us. One popular theory about the meaning of life is the idea of hedonism, which suggests that the purpose of life is to seek pleasure and avoid pain.",
"This theory is based on the belief that human beings are naturally driven to seek pleasure and avoid suffering, and that this is the ultimate goal of life. Another theory about the meaning of life is the idea of eudaimonia, which is a Greek term that translates to \"happiness\" or \"flourishing.\"",
"A third theory about the meaning of life is the idea of existentialism, which suggests that the meaning of life is something that each individual must create for themselves. This theory is based on the belief that life has no inherent meaning, and that it is up to each individual to give their own life meaning through their actions and choices."
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"title": "4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think",
"url": "https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/",
"description": "<strong>Existentialism</strong> is an approach to philosophy that focuses on the questions of human existence, including how to live a meaningful life in the face of a meaningless universe. Many thinkers and writers are associated with the movement, including Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.",
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"Many philosophical thinkers spent their careers finding a path to a meaningful life. While philosophers may disagree on the solution to the problem, they all offer interesting routes to a more meaningful existence.",
"A common question posed to philosophers and hermit gurus is, “What is the meaning of life?” It’s an important question. Having a sense of purpose in life is associated with positive health outcomes; conversely, not having one can leave a person feeling listless and lost.",
"Existentialism is an approach to philosophy that focuses on the questions of human existence, including how to live a meaningful life in the face of a meaningless universe. Many thinkers and writers are associated with the movement, including Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.",
"He can assert the value of his life and embrace the meaninglessness of his task. By doing so, he can find meaning in the absurdity — even if his work comes to naught in the end. Sisyphus is Camus’s absurdist hero. While the primary existentialist thinkers were all atheists — Nietzsche raised the alarm on nihilism when he declared “God is dead” — the founder of the school was an extremely religious thinker by the name of Søren Kierkegaard. A Danish philosopher working in the first half of the 19th century, he turned his rather angsty disposition into a major philosophy."
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"title": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf",
"description": "A German <strong>philosopher</strong> whose <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is defined as the denial of the will to live. He was wealthy but suffered with loneliness and isolation. These situations led him to the question: He…",
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"A Danish philosopher who proposed the idea that life can be meaningful and worth living only if one believes genuinely and passionately in the Christian God. Meaning, he said, is invaluably linked to unity — a sense of averageness. Nothing is uplifting than being surrounded with people with similar values as we do.",
"The entire picture of life is clearly seen if and only if the pieces are completely puzzled together. These pieces are us and the puzzle is where the meaning of existence is contained. What we call progress is really just the process of coordination and playing one’s role. This is the “Later Heidegger.” · A British philosopher who denied Nietzsche’s claim that life should be in pursuit of power.",
"Another influential figure whom I agree with is Martin Heidegger, a great German philosopher whose philosophy regarding the meaning of life is presented in living with authenticity.",
"This desire to leave something old and build something new is what we call improvement and there’s nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, it’s actually life-or-death essential to our well-being. And, it’s an opportunity to grow. But what happens when the purpose of everything we pursue lacks clear perspective or utterly wrong?"
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"title": "nietzsche - Various Philosopher's Perspective on the Meaning or Purpose of Life - Philosophy Stack Exchange",
"url": "https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life",
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"I'm teaching a high-school philosophy club at the school I work at, but the problem is that I haven't had any real formal education in philosophy and have only a novice knowledge of the subject, which comes from reading various philosophy books and watching youtube videos. Last meeting though, the students said that they want to talk about, \"the meaning of life,\" for our next meeting, and I though that it would be an apt subject, but I don't know where to start.",
"Camus takes it a bit further by saying that no meaning can be found, nevertheless we can find comfort in living a meaningless life. Finally, Nietzsche claims that life has absolutely no meaning. ... From the perspective of Stoicism and Buddhism, search the writings of Epictetus and Siddhartha (The Buddha).",
"My only problem is that I want to give them maybe 5-7 different sources, each from a different philosopher (however, not just western philosophy), that embodies how each philosopher views life, and I don't really know where to look. Not many philosophers seem to talk directly about the meaning of life nor how to live a successful one.",
"Soliciting and articulating viewpoints has not one iota of relevance to philosophy, i.e. love of wisdom (read: respect for obtaining knowledge). I am not saying that reading intelligent literature about imponderables such as the meaning or purpose of life is not a worthwhile endeavor."
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"title": "What is the Meaning of Life: A Comprehensive Exploration and Analysis",
"url": "https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/",
"description": "Philosophers have long grappled with the meaning of life. <strong>Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that life has no inherent meaning; instead, individuals must create their own purpose through choices and actions</strong>. Sartre’s famous dictum, “existence precedes essence,” suggests that ...",
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"Discover different perspectives on the meaning of life. Explore philosophical and scientific viewpoints on this thought-provoking topic. Another article from the Achology Knowledge Hub.",
"The question “What is the meaning of life?” has intrigued philosophers, scientists, and thinkers for centuries. It’s a profound query that delves into existential and metaphysical realms, seeking to understand the purpose and significance of human existence. This article explores various perspectives on the meaning of life, drawing from philosophy, religion, science, and personal reflection.",
"Philosophers have long grappled with the meaning of life. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that life has no inherent meaning; instead, individuals must create their own purpose through choices and actions. Sartre’s famous dictum, “existence precedes essence,” suggests that humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must forge their own paths. This perspective emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility, highlighting the role of individual agency in constructing meaning.",
"This personalized meaning-making process underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the search for life’s meaning. While philosophical, religious, and scientific views provide structured interpretations, integrating these perspectives can offer a more holistic understanding of the meaning of life."
],
"reference_number": 9
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"title": "r/askphilosophy on Reddit: What is truly the meaning of life?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/",
"description": "For many philosophers, (Fackenheim for example as well as tolstoy) the meaning of life is <strong>to connect to a divine reality and carry out gods laws</strong>. For other perspectives (like the Buddhist one), the meaning of life is also to connect to a reality outside of this one.",
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"87 votes, 56 comments. For me making your own meaning isn't satisfying. Is there a philosophy out there that can be better than this?",
"Posted by u/Peasant_hacking - 87 votes and 56 comments",
"First are those who believe meaning in life is solely subjective; they claim there is no inherent meaning, but rather meaning must be made. This includes several of the big · Existentialist philosophers (Sartre, Nietzsche) and is a common belief by laymen.",
"There are degrees and kinds of nihilism, but if we're talking strictly about value nihilism (that there exists no meaning in life at all), Camus can be counted among them, arguing that the meaning of Sartre and other Existentialists was a false hope, distracting them from facing their absurd, meaningless reality. This position is the most rare of them all for philosophers."
],
"reference_number": 10
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"title": "The meaning of life: exploring different philosophical perspectives",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee",
"description": "One of the most well-known philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life is <strong>existentialism</strong>. According to this perspective, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.",
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"One of the most well-known philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life is existentialism. According to this perspective, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.",
"This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom of choice, as each individual must create their own meaning in life. Another philosophical perspective on the meaning of life is utilitarianism. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people.",
"The meaning of life, according to this perspective, is to create as much happiness as possible and reduce suffering as much as possible. A third philosophical perspective on the meaning of life is found in the teachings of Aristotle.",
"While each of these philosophical perspectives provides a unique answer to the question of the meaning of life, there is no definitive answer. Ultimately, the meaning of life is a deeply personal question that each individual must answer for themselves. It may be helpful to consider different perspectives and find the one that resonates most with your own beliefs and values."
],
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"title": "Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At Life | by Valerie | Dare To Be Better | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/philosophies-that-can-change-the-way-you-look-at-life-92162c8427b5",
"description": "All of us relate more to one or more <strong>philosophical</strong> views on <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, even if we don’t name them. A <strong>life</strong> philosophy gives us an understanding of where we are going and what’s the point of…",
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"A philosophy of life is any general attitude towards the meaning of life or of the way life should be lived.",
"A life philosophy gives us an understanding of where we are going and what’s the point of it all. I’ve never heard of solipsism before so when I read an article about it, it got me thinking: What do people believe in? What are other popular philosophical views that shape who we are? This curious infographic can give you a general idea. For more, keep scrolling. ... If you are interested in philosophy but not to the point to become a Philosophy major, there is a fun little book by Paul Kleinman that I would recommend.",
"It covers the important philosophical ideas and milestones in a surprisingly non-boring way.",
"Solipsism And Other Amazing Theories About Life"
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"title": "The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes",
"url": "https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736",
"description": "From ancient sages to contemporary thinkers, the question of <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> or purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> has elicited diverse and often conflicting <strong>perspectives</strong>. This essay endeavors to delve into some of the most prominent <strong>philosophical</strong> viewpoints on this profound inquiry, ranging from existentialism and ...",
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"From ancient sages to contemporary thinkers, the question of the meaning or purpose of life has elicited diverse and often conflicting perspectives. This essay endeavors to delve into some of the most prominent philosophical viewpoints on this profound inquiry, ranging from existentialism and nihilism to religious interpretations, in an attempt to shed light on the elusive essence of human existence.",
"Integration and Synthesis: While existentialism, nihilism, and religious interpretations offer distinct perspectives on the meaning of life, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Indeed, individuals may draw insights from each philosophical framework, synthesizing existentialist notions of freedom and self-creation with religious beliefs in divine purpose or moral order.",
"Philosophy document from Harvard University, 2 pages, Title: Exploring the Essence of Existence: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Meaning of Life Introduction: The quest to unravel the mystery of human existence has been a perennial pursuit throughout the annals of philosophical discourse.",
"From the existentialist assertion of individual autonomy and self-creation to the nihilistic recognition of life's inherent absurdity and the religious quest for transcendent meaning, diverse philosophical perspectives offer illuminating insights into the enigma of human existence."
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"title": "r/Existentialism on Reddit: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/Existentialism/comments/qhrf9q/what_is_the_meaning_of_life_why_are_we_here/",
"description": "336 votes, 455 comments. I'm just asking this question because after realizing that religion is nothing but a fantasy story made to be fun for…",
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"Posted by u/kjwhimsical-91 - 336 votes and 455 comments",
"The meaning of 2+2=4 4 is the answer, but we are not completely Understand the universe, the universe cannot be explained by mathematics, so as a human being, having feelings can bring meaning, and then if you fully understand the universe, it can also bring meaning, but at present, you don’t know what meaning is, or you can enter the third-person perspective. draw completely life is meaningless conclusions",
"Please note posts should relate to Existential philosophy and literature. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism if you are unsure, and the reading list. ... I'm just asking this question because after realizing that religion is nothing but a fantasy story made to be fun for grown-ups, this made me question my existence as a human being. Do you know what life really means?",
"Yeah I'd be good at the sport to some degree if the dream was actually achieved (in this case it would be baseball), but I probably would feel dead on the inside mostly due to the things I mentioned already and the knowledge that I have acquired as I've aged and come to the realization of how life really is. I was embellished when I was younger and pretty much all the way up until I was in my mid 20's until I had some raw ass experiences that put reality into a much realer perspective."
],
"reference_number": 14
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"title": "What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora",
"url": "https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense",
"description": "Answer (1 of 94): My personal answer is going to be pretty religious, since I try to be. Anyone turned off by G-d talk should just skip to someone else’s answer. I believe the purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, to the best we can understand G-d’s motives for anything, is that “it’s the nature of good ...",
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"Answer (1 of 94): My personal answer is going to be pretty religious, since I try to be. Anyone turned off by G-d talk should just skip to someone else’s answer. I believe the purpose of life, to the best we can understand G-d’s motives for anything, is that “it’s the nature of good to have some..."
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"title": "What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now",
"url": "https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life",
"description": "The following answers to this fundamental question each win a random book.",
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"I listen enthralled to scientific debate on what, how, when and where life was created. However, questions remain which may never be resolved. In this vacuum, philosophers and religious thinkers have attempted to give meaning to life by suggesting goals: Plato suggested the acquisition of knowledge, Aristotle to practice virtue, and the Stoics, mental fortitude and self-control.",
"Today’s philosophers echo the existentialist view that life is full of absurdity, although they also tell us that we must put meaning into life by making our own values in an indifferent world.",
"You can read four articles free per month. To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please ... Life is the aspect of existence that processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and evolves through growth (reproduction and metabolism).",
"Life as fear and hatred is not real life at all. For some, life is God. We would all then be His children. We are nevertheless the spawn of the Earth. Human existence is freedom – an edifice of plurality. ... If the ancients could do philosophy in the marketplace, maybe I can too."
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"title": "What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective. | by Amlesh Ranjan | Medium",
"url": "https://amleshranjan.medium.com/what-is-life-the-philosophical-perspective-aa4055f1f3ea",
"description": "From a <strong>philosophical</strong> standpoint, we can see <strong>life</strong> as a profound and meaningful existence that goes beyond mere physical processes. <strong>Life</strong> involves the capacity for consciousness, self-awareness, and the…",
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"Member-only story · Amlesh Ranjan · 2 min read · ·Aug 22, 2023 · -- 1 · Share · Press enter or click to view image in full size · What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective: Amlesh Ranjan · Understanding life through philosophy means looking at more than just science and evidence.",
"From a philosophical standpoint, we can see life as a profound and meaningful existence that goes beyond mere physical processes. Here are some philosophical perspectives on life: CONSCIOUSNESS AND EXPERIENCE · Life involves the capacity for consciousness, self-awareness, and the ability to perceive and experience the world.",
"Life is about finding purpose and meaning by fulfilling a unique role or contributing to the greater good.. ... Life encompasses the capacity to make choices, exercise free will, and take responsibility for one’s actions. ... Life is about finding answers to questions about yourself and the world around you. These questions include who you are, why you're here, and how to be true to yourself.. ... II Supporting You to Flourish at the intersection of Work & Life through Coaching Conversations, Group Interventions, and Writing II Author, 'The Penta Life' II"
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"title": "Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective | by Edward Reid | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484",
"description": "Despite technological advancements, ... remains one of humanity’s deepest struggles. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor offers wise insights into this dilemma, reminding us that the quest for <strong>meaning</strong> is not just a psychological necessity but a <strong>philosophical</strong> imperative. In his seminal work Man’s Search for <strong>Meaning</strong>, he writes: “<strong>Life</strong> is never made ...",
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"Despite technological advancements, wealth, and comfort, searching for meaning remains one of humanity’s deepest struggles. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor offers wise insights into this dilemma, reminding us that the quest for meaning is not just a psychological necessity but a philosophical imperative. In his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning, he writes: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”",
"The search for meaning is not unique to Frankl; it has deep roots in philosophy. Socrates famously declared: ... What matters most to me? How do my actions align with my values? This process of self-reflection, while daunting, is the first step toward discovering what makes life meaningful. Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing,”- emphasizes living in accordance with virtue and striving to fulfill one’s potential.",
"I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a profound impact on my life, and a thought came to my mind: This…",
"I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a profound…"
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"reference_number": 18
},
{
"title": "The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC",
"url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/",
"description": "People turn to religious beliefs and activities in order to find meaning in complex and incomprehensible events. Religious interpretations <strong>enable individuals to perceive daily experiences in terms of universal goals and provide explanations for situations of high ambiguity and threat</strong>.",
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"Keywords: Meaning in life, Religious coping, Psychological well-being, Purpose and significance · One of the factors that affect human functioning is meaning in life. Many psychologists consider it to be a vital part of mental processes and behaviour (Frankl 1979; Steger 2012; Wong 1998). It enables individuals to interpret and organize their daily experience, achieve goals, and categorize important objects.",
"Finally, religion makes direct claims to provide a sense of significance as it facilitates people’s efforts to interpret their experiences in terms of existential intentions and meaning which is embedded within religion’s sacred character. The ability of religion to provide meaning in life is particularly noticeable in the context of coping with stress and major life events.",
"It is especially noticeable in the context of religious coping that is strongly connected to the domain of meaning (Pargament et al. 2004; Park 2005, 2013). Approaching challenging and problematic life circumstances, individuals draw on the orienting system of religion and meaning through which they interpret and handle stressful situations.",
"There are two questions that can arise in the context of the current research: why presence of meaning in life turned out to be a partial mediator and why only negative coping was related to PWB. According to recent research, meaning is a central element of religion because every religion addresses important questions related to a sense of purpose and significance (Hood et al. 2009; Park 2013). People turn to religious beliefs and activities in order to find meaning in complex and incomprehensible events. Religious interpretations enable individuals to perceive daily experiences in terms of universal goals and provide explanations for situations of high ambiguity and threat."
],
"reference_number": 19
},
{
"title": "Religion and the Meaning of Life",
"url": "https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E",
"description": "This book is unique in its willingness to transcend a more secular stance and <strong>explore how one's belief in God may be relevant to life's meaning</strong>. Religion and the Meaning of Life's interdisciplinary approach makes it useful to philosophers, religious studies scholars, psychologists, students, ...",
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"Kiper, Jordan 2024. Moral Injury as a Precondition for Reconciliation: An Anthropology of Veterans’ Lives and Peacemaking. Religions, Vol. 15, Issue. 9, p. 1089. ... Attoe, Aribiah David 2024. A Patient-centred Concept(ion) of Life’s Meaningfulness: Lessons from African Perspectives.",
"This book is unique in its willingness to transcend a more secular stance and explore how one's belief in God may be relevant to life's meaning. Religion and the Meaning of Life's interdisciplinary approach makes it useful to philosophers, religious studies scholars, psychologists, students, and general readers alike.",
"Unlike many other works on life's meaning, it treats this topic with the vitality it rightly deserves, engaging desires of both heart and mind. Williams demonstrates a deep understanding of the human condition, the widespread hunger for meaning, and the unique and powerful ways that religion can satiate that hunger.'",
"Metz, Thaddeus 2021. Supernaturalist analytic existentialism: Critical notice of Clifford Williams’ Religion and the meaning of life. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, Vol. 89, Issue. 2, p."
],
"reference_number": 20
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"title": "Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect",
"url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064",
"description": "Religion is one of the major resources used to generate <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an invo…",
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"Religion is one of the major resources used to generate meaning in life. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an involvement in a community of like-minded others. The purpose of this study is to differentiate between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning at the end stage of life.",
"Twelve women, who resided at various assisted-living facilities, participated in qualitative interviews about the current and past meaning of religion in their lives. They were distributed among fundamental Christian, Catholic, liberal Protestant, and Jewish faiths. Differences between and within the groups were the result of the content, as well as certainty, of belief. These differences influenced the sufficiency of a belief system to construct life meaning.",
"When belief alone was insufficient, life meaning was supplemented with social and secular interactions. According to Marshall (1986, p. 125), humans must “create the meanings that allow us to make sense of, and to make our way in, the world”. Religious beliefs offer an explanation for the fundamental meaning of life (Stark, 1999) and have always been a viable source of meaning in individuals' lives through positive beliefs, rituals, symbols, traditions, and support Hadaway, 1978, Hadden, 1995.",
"The need to generate meaning may become more significant in old age, as societal roles and opportunities lessen, and death draws nearer. Rentsch (1997, p. 270) describes aging as “a communicative, self-reflective process of forming a unique totality, a forming that is essentially highlighted by a change of view towards a meaningful and enduring life”. Religion may be especially important in finding such meaning."
],
"reference_number": 21
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist",
"url": "https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/",
"description": "<strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is a philosophical question concerning the significance <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as "Why are we here?","What is <strong>life</strong> all about?", and "What is the purpose of existence?" It has been the subject of much philosophi...",
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"The meaning of life is a philosophical question concerning the significance of life or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as \"Why are we here?\",\"What is life all about?\", and \"What is the purpose of existence?\" It has been the subject of much philosophical,scientific, and theological speculation throughout history.",
"The meaning of life is in the philosophical and religious conceptions of existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness, and borders on many other issues, such as symbolic meaning, ontology, value, purpose, ethics, good and evil, free will, the existence of one or multiple Gods, conceptions of God, the soul, and the afterlife.",
"In other words, all existence is a kind of machine that came into existence by chance, or for an unknown reason and our sense of self and free will is merely an illusion which are a by-product of brain or this machine-like activity. Life in this belief in itself does not carry any meaning or purpose. Confucianism Confucianism is not officially considered a world religion because it is not organized as such.",
"The idea is for the student to find balance in life where yin represents inactivity, rest, and reflection, while yang represents activity and creativity. The basic feature of Taoism is to restore balance. Shinto Shinto is the native religion of Japan. Shinto means “the path of the kami”, but more specifically, it can be taken to mean “the divine crossroad where the kami chooses his way”. The “divine” crossroad signifies that all the universe is divine spirit."
],
"reference_number": 22
},
{
"title": "Religion gives life meaning. Can anything else take its place? | Psyche Ideas",
"url": "https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place",
"description": "<strong>Religious</strong> faith promotes a sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> – and it might take more than ‘social glue’ to duplicate the effect",
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"Whether you accept this philosophical claim or not, the fact that many people seem to believe that God or other supernatural entities are necessary for life to be meaningful suggests that, psychologically, there is some important connection between religious faith and the sense of meaning in life.",
"Although psychologists are divided on exactly how to define perceived meaning in life – some suggest it is about making sense of one’s life, others that it’s about seeing value and significance in it – they often assess meaning in life simply by asking how strongly people agree with statements such as: ‘At present, I find my life very meaningful.’ And research has consistently supported the idea that perceived meaning in life is tightly linked with religion.",
"Numerous other studies have found that religiousness is positively correlated with perceived meaning in life. There is also some experimental evidence that, when presented with a threat to their sense of meaning, people show increased belief in miraculous events – suggesting that they are turning to religion to bolster their perceptions of meaning in life.",
"Since the 19th century, philosophers (eg, Friedrich Nietzsche), novelists (eg, Fyodor Dostoyevsky) and sociologists (eg, Émile Durkheim) have speculated that societal trends away from religion would lead to a crisis of meaning. Since recent data indicate that people around the world are becoming less religious, it is natural to wonder whether secular society can duplicate the existential benefits of religion. In order to do so, we would need to understand how it is, exactly, that religious faith makes life feel meaningful."
],
"reference_number": 23
},
{
"title": "The Image of God, Religion, and the Meaning of Life: Toward a Christian Philosophical Anthropology – In Pursuit of Truth | A Journal of Christian Scholarship",
"url": "https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/",
"description": "Prospectus: This paper notes the challenge of scientific naturalism to religion and Christianity and briefly denies that naturalism is supported by science. It then outlines an alternative perspec…",
"content": null,
"site_name": "C.S. Lewis Foundation",
"site_long_name": "cslewis.org",
"age": "2012-02-09T02:37:49.000Z",
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"This paper notes the challenge of scientific naturalism to religion and Christianity and briefly denies that naturalism is supported by science. It then outlines an alternative perspective in two stages. The first is an account of the biblical doctrine of the image of God as the essence and meaning of human life.",
"Based on the first, the second stage outlines a Christian philosophical anthropology that challenges scientific naturalism by articulating the essentially religious nature of human life. The theme of Oxbridge 2008–the image of God, the self, and the search for meaning–is a profound engagement of the perennial philosophy–the universal human quest for wisdom—by the specific claims of Jesus Christ, who is “the very image of the invisible God” (Col.",
"Nothing human is beyond its scope. Thus it constitutes the generic meaning of life. We consider each dimension in turn. Most basically, humanity is defined in relation to God as his image and likeness. Genesis 1 responds to the cosmic theocracies of the ancient near-eastern religions.",
"Third, the nature of the whole is religious, which means that all the parts are ordered so that relating to God is a natural capacity, need, and activity that directly or indirectly orients and motivates how the parts are supported and operate. Our brains are designed for basic beliefs and values that shape life, and our brains in turn are affected by how we live out our basic beliefs and values."
],
"reference_number": 24
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{
"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life? | Desiring God",
"url": "https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life",
"description": "When <strong>life</strong> just doesn’t seem to make sense, or even when it seems void of any <strong>meaning</strong> at all, what can help us to know our purpose again?",
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"Oh, Abijah, that’s your life, right? The words for various trials mean “all kinds of trials” — literally, “many colors of trials and tests.” What an amazing interpretation of this world and our place in it! The meaning of suffering in this life is the refinement of faith by the fires of various trials, that we might know God, love God, show God as more precious than everything that the fires consume.",
"So, I have been dealing with much in life, which has been really hard for the past three years. Normally I could face life’s challenges with the assurance that God was in control and that I could trust him. But beginning in 2018, I started to get really depressed about the whole meaning of life and my own purpose.",
"It was in the midst of my challenges that I lost someone I really loved, and it broke me like nothing ever has. My entire view of God and life has been shattered. I can’t seem to get myself out of wondering why life is even a thing. Life, at least my life, often feels like it has no meaning.",
"Abijah, I hear three distinct and interrelated sorrows that have brought you to this place of doubt about the meaning of your life. I hear depression; I hear loss; I hear a kind of fixation in your mind. You say, “I can’t seem to get myself out of wondering why life is even a thing.” In other words, the tape keeps playing over and over in your mind: Is life really significant at all?"
],
"reference_number": 25
},
{
"title": "The Symbolism of the Tree of Life in Various Religions and Philosophies | | Alluring World",
"url": "https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/",
"description": "Discover the Tree <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, a timeless symbol of interconnectedness and creation. Explore its significance across religions, cultures, and spiritual beliefs.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Alluring World",
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"The powerful image of eternal life and God’s original plan for harmony continues to resonate, representing a longing for a lost paradise and a future restoration, and even though some interpretations within Judaism and Christianity link the Tree of Life in Genesis to later concepts like the Tree of Life mentioned in the Book of Revelation, it simply suggest a cyclical theme of loss and eventual redemption where access to eternal life is restored in God’s presence.",
"As a symbol of the soul’s journey toward divine unity, the Tree of Life provides a roadmap for spiritual ascent, where the individual soul seeks to reconnect with its divine source by traversing the pathways and understanding the sefirot. Different schools of Kabbalah offer various interpretations and practices related to the Tree of Life, making it a rich and multifaceted symbol within Jewish mysticism.",
"The absence of the specific term ‘Tree of Life‘ doesn’t diminish the presence of similar concepts; however, the Tree in Paradise (Shajarat al-Khald), as mentioned in the Qur’an, holds comparable significance. While sometimes linked to the tree from which Adam and Eve ate (and thus associated with the loss of immortality), the interpretation as a representation of divine knowledge and eternity offers a broader understanding.",
"The more abstract interpretation enables a deeper understanding of the tree not just as a physical entity, but as a symbol of the very essence of divine wisdom and the eternal nature of God and Paradise. Some Islamic scholars have also drawn parallels between this tree and concepts of heavenly blessings and the interconnectedness of creation within the Islamic worldview, and while not as elaborately detailed as the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the Tree in Paradise in Islam carries a similar weight in representing fundamental themes of eternity, knowledge, and the divine realm."
],
"reference_number": 26
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life - A Biblical Answer | Truth Story",
"url": "https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/",
"description": "How the world considers <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, contrasted with the Bible’s answer & why it matters from a Christian perspective. Short answer + long answer.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Truth Story",
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"Psychoanalyst Carl Jung wrote, “Really, I don’t know what the meaning or purpose of life is, but it looks exactly as if something were meant by it.” Novelist Joseph Heller said he had no answers to the meaning of life “and no longer want to search for any.” · From the lofty aspirations of religious leaders to the nonsensical pronouncements of potheads, everyone has a take on the meaning of life.",
"And through him we can understand the meaning of life and our ultimate destiny. ... Brandon Clay is a Christian (Reformed Baptist). He earned a BA in history from the University of Texas and an MA in theological studies from Southern Seminary. Brandon is married and has 4 children, one of whom (Knox) is now with the Lord. Pingback: Os assuntos mais pesquisados no Google sobre Deus, Religião, Fé, Bíblia.",
"“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, 20th century Comparative Religion Scholar",
"In this post, I aim to review explore the significance of “meaning”, review some false but popular musings on the meaning of life, and finally cover how the Bible answers the perennial question on what is the meaning of life."
],
"reference_number": 27
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{
"title": "What is the Meaning of Life? Finding Your Purpose | Christianity.com",
"url": "https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html",
"description": "<strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is connecting with the purpose, and for that purpose to guide us into development and service. We have this intrinsic, burning desire to know what we are made to do, but before can get on board with developing into that, we need to understand why we are here.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Christianity.com",
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"age": "2020-12-18T13:10:23.000Z",
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"James 1:12 - “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.” · The call to action for Christians is service. It isn’t sacrifice (Jesus did that), it isn’t religious practice, and it isn’t fame.",
"Life. (noun). 1. The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. 2. The existence of an individual human being or animal. If only it was this easy, right? Typically when we search for the meaning of life, we are searching from a painful and isolated place.",
"Oddly enough, a textbook definition like the above actually has the opposite effect of what we are looking for in these times. That’s because we aren’t looking for the shell of what life is. We are looking for what life is made up of and what it means for us.",
"If the meaning of life is to connect with purpose, we must connect with our source. To do that, we must connect with the Creator— that is to identify ourselves as made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created human beings in his own image.” Identifying ourselves with God is awfully difficult to do if we have not explored the character of God first."
],
"reference_number": 28
},
{
"title": "On religion, faith and meaning of life | by Samuela Davidova | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@DavidovaSamuela/on-religion-faith-and-meaning-of-life-02439f35c31a",
"description": "I aim to point out to <strong>the</strong> <strong>interpretation</strong>: be it the infantile compensation in the institutionalized religion (above the individual), or people who practice praying and in the psychological sense they unconsciously start taking actions towards achieving the desired objective. If it succeeds, then god heard me; if it does not, then god had a higher plans. It helps psychologically to process the reality <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>...",
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"I aim to point out to the interpretation: be it the infantile compensation in the institutionalized religion (above the individual), or people who practice praying and in the psychological sense they unconsciously start taking actions towards achieving the desired objective. If it succeeds, then god heard me; if it does not, then god had a higher plans. It helps psychologically to process the reality of life: someone dies and the reality is our own mortality, whereas many religions or other fairytales help to narrate interpretation of loss (death, relationship, friendship…) or other things which are hard to process (shame, guilt, sadness…).",
"My friend asked about my current perception of religion as I’ve been invalidating it in the way he saw it, so I decided to elaborate on it since he asked and it’s been ~ 3 months since we’ve been discussing it, and meanwhile, I formed a more complex view. Enjoy. I’ve been talking to a few religious people and asking about their motivations and stuff. I think it’s good to see the different. sides, which are to me: institutionalized religion (purely power thing, parental figure, they interpret the sayings for people and usually do not permit other versions; the problem is this is common)",
"2. religion individually interpreted (e.g. *** one guy - has this position, but anyway the writings are narrated certain way): person who questioned religion and then returned to it as a source of faith and god creating sort of meaning of life for the person.",
"My friend asked about my current perception of religion as I’ve been invalidating it in the way he saw it, so I decided to elaborate on it since he asked and it’s been ~ 3 months since we’ve been…"
],
"reference_number": 29
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{
"title": "Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia",
"url": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "While scientific approaches to <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> aim to describe relevant empirical facts about human existence, philosophers are concerned about the relationship between ideas such as the proper <strong>interpretation</strong> <strong>of</strong> empirical data.",
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"The question of the meaning of life is perhaps the most fundamental \"why?\" in human existence. It relates to the purpose, use, value, and reason for individual existence and that of the universe. This question has resulted in a wide range of competing answers and explanations, from scientific to philosophical and religious explanations, to explorations in literature.",
"Science, while providing theories about the How and What of life, has been of limited value in answering questions of meaning—the Why of human existence. Philosophy and religion have been of greater relevance, as has literature. Diverse philosophical positions include essentialist, existentialist, skeptic, nihilist, pragmatist, humanist, and atheist.",
"The essentialist position, which states that a purpose is given to our life, usually by a supreme being, closely resembles the viewpoint of the Abrahamic religions. ... While philosophy approaches the question of meaning by reason and reflection, religions approach the question from the perspectives of revelation, enlightenment, and doctrine.",
"Generally, religions have in common two most important teachings regarding the meaning of life: 1) the ethic of the reciprocity of love among fellow humans for the purpose of uniting with a Supreme Being, the provider of that ethic; and 2) spiritual formation towards an afterlife or eternal life as a continuation of physical life."
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"reference_number": 30
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"title": "Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning",
"url": "https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning",
"description": "Religion teaches one a sense of ... sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong>, belongingness, and attachment which then serve as a source of emotional and psychological comfort to individuals in times of stressful and <strong>life</strong>-threatening situations · (Fletcher, 2004;Gall, Miguez de Renart, & Boonstra, 2000;Koenig, 2013). Another reason is that religion may provide a guiding context for how individuals will view, <strong>interpret</strong>, perceive, ...",
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"Religion teaches one a sense of self-acceptance and provides one with a deeper sense of meaning, belongingness, and attachment which then serve as a source of emotional and psychological comfort to individuals in times of stressful and life-threatening situations · (Fletcher, 2004;Gall, Miguez de Renart, & Boonstra, 2000;Koenig, 2013). Another reason is that religion may provide a guiding context for how individuals will view, interpret, perceive, and approach stressful life events.",
"With the aid of a scale to measure extrinsic and intrinsic orientation this research confirmed previous findings and added a 4th: people who are indiscriminately proreligious are the most prejudiced of all. The interpretations offered are in terms of cognitive style. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) ... This study explores how religion constructs a meaning and provides a guiding view of life for the rural elderly in upstate New York.",
"Findings by Campbell et al. in The Quality of American Life suggesting that religious people tend to be somewhat less satisfied with their lives than the nonreligious are reexamined in this paper. Using the same data source and variables it is shown that their interpretation is in error, and that to the contrary, religion functions more as a resource than as compensation.",
"Download Citation | Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning | Religion is one of the major resources used to generate meaning in life. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an..."
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"reference_number": 31
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"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life According to Positive Psychology",
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"description": ""What is <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>?" How would a positive <strong>psychology</strong> practitioner answer this question? Let's take a deep dive into <strong>meaning</strong>.",
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"\"What is the meaning of life?\" How would a positive psychology practitioner answer this question? Let's take a look!",
"How would a positive psychology practitioner answer to the meaning of life?",
"They do not necessarily reject science or its findings, but they may see scientific theories as more like “descriptions” of the world than explanations or true understanding (Burnham & Papandreopoulos, n.d.). In this school of thought, the idea that there could be an actual “meaning” to life is absurd.",
"Scientifically reviewed by Maike Neuhaus Ph.D. ... Positive psychology explores the meaning of life by focusing on personal strengths, purpose & the pursuit of fulfilling experiences, enhancing overall wellbeing."
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"reference_number": 32
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"title": "The Science of Meaning in Life | Annual Reviews",
"url": "https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921",
"description": "<strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>for</strong> ...",
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"Meaning in life has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience of meaning in life, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that meaning in life, for all its mystery, is a rather commonplace experience.",
"Ebersole P. 1998. Types and depth of written life meanings. The Human Quest for Meaning: A Handbook of Psychological Research and Clinical Applications PTP Wong, PS Fry 179–91 Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc.",
"Klinger E. 1998. The search for meaning in evolutionary perspective and its clinical implications. The Human Quest for Meaning: A Handbook of Psychological Research and Clinical Applications PTP Wong, PS Fry 27–50 Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum [Google Scholar]",
"Martin LL, Campbell WK, Henry CD 2004. The roar of awakening: mortality acknowledgment as a call to authentic living. Handbook of Experimental Existential Psychology J Greenberg, SL Koole, T Pyszczynski 431–48 New York: Guilford [Google Scholar]"
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"reference_number": 33
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"title": "Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC",
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"description": "This study aimed to investigate 2 dimensions <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>—Presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> (i.e., the perception of your <strong>life</strong> as significant, purposeful, and valuable) and Search <strong>for</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> (i.e., the strength, intensity, and activity of people's efforts ...",
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"Janoff-Bulman R. Posttraumatic growth: Three explanatory models. Psychological Inquiry. 2004;15:30–34. [Google Scholar] King LA, Hicks JA, Krull JL, Del Gaiso AK. Positive affect and the experience of meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.",
"As a library, NLM provides access to scientific literature. Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health. Learn more: PMC Disclaimer | PMC Copyright Notice · Rehabil Psychol. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Jul 28. Published in final edited form as: Rehabil Psychol. 2013 Nov;58(4):334–341. doi: 10.1037/a0034393 ... 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Group Clinical Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium",
"Treatment providers should pay attention to how their patients experience meaning in their life. If patients are struggling with finding meaning of life, this should be a topic of psychotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life. The first author is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO).",
"A composite well-being score was computed including both life satisfaction and feelings of optimism. Acceptance is treated as an additional factor besides well-being. Cluster analyses were conducted on the dimensions of Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning. A 4-cluster solution was retained based on explanatory power (change in η2; Milligan & Cooper, 1985, Calinski-Harabasz index, CH; Steinley, 2006), parsimony, and interpretability."
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"title": "Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life",
"url": "https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life",
"description": "Struggling to find a sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Researchers have identified three different pathways to it.",
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"For most of the 20th century, philosophers, psychologists, and psychiatrists argued that meaning in life is a rare, profound experience, attainable through an active search, deep self-reflection, or some other arduous way of creating meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.",
"Of all of the facets of meaning, coherence likely represents a basic psychological need. Similar to the anguish we feel when our need to belong is thwarted, our world seems to fall apart when things suddenly do not make sense.",
"Joshua A. Hicks, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University.",
"Laura A. King, Ph.D., is the Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri."
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"reference_number": 35
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"title": "The meaning of life – a psychologist’s view",
"url": "https://theconversation.com/the-meaning-of-life-a-psychologists-view-129274",
"description": "Douglas Adams claimed the answer was 42. But there are other interpretations.",
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"Instead, my perspective is informed by my scientific research over the past ten years with people who have undergone what I call “suffering-induced transformational experiences”."
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"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life? | Psychology Today",
"url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life",
"description": "Still today, many people believe that we, humankind, are the creation of a supernatural entity called God, that <strong>God had an intelligent purpose in creating us, and that this intelligent purpose is "the meaning of life".</strong>",
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"Life never gets easier. Fortunately, psychology is keeping up, uncovering new ways to maintain mental and physical health, and positivity and confidence, through manageable daily habits like these. How many are you ready to try?",
"\"The point,\" said Frankl, '\"is not what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us.\" Read more in The Art of Failure: The Anti Self-Help Guide. ... Neel Burton, M.D., is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and writer who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. ... More from Neel Burton M.A., M.D. ... Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.",
"Still today, many people believe that we, humankind, are the creation of a supernatural entity called God, that God had an intelligent purpose in creating us, and that this intelligent purpose is \"the meaning of life\".",
"Reliance on an eternal afterlife not only postpones the question of life’s purpose but also dissuades or at least discourages us from determining a purpose or purposes for what may be the only life that we do have."
],
"reference_number": 37
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"title": "The Meaning in Life: A Psychological Approach",
"url": "https://www.byarcadia.org/post/the-meaning-in-life-a-psychological-approach",
"description": "<strong>To feel that one's life is important for someone or something is what psychologists understand as existential mattering or significance</strong>. This is not a narcissistic perception of life. Instead, this feeling of significance derives not from an overestimation of our virtues but for a humble need ...",
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"Humans, by nature, ask questions about purpose in life and how to achieve its meaning while psychology, helps us to find an answer.",
"Humans, by nature, ask questions about purpose in life and how to achieve its meaning. There might be several answers to this but one that can appeal to the modern mentality is the scientific one. Indeed, in the current positivist society, scientific answers are a good starting point for dialogue, which is a necessity in any collaborative endeavor. This article aims to look at the scientific efforts in answering these questions from the viewpoint of psychology.",
"To feel that one's life is important for someone or something is what psychologists understand as existential mattering or significance. This is not a narcissistic perception of life. Instead, this feeling of significance derives not from an overestimation of our virtues but for a humble need to “live a life you will remember” (Avicii, 2014), to believe that one's life counts (King & Hicks, 2021). This is the trickiest one to measure from a scientific perspective: how can someone be objectively sure that their lives would be significant as Alexander the Great, Napoleon, or Elvis Presley?",
"Of course, these three aspects of life are not everything there is to meaning in life, but they are the best answer so far in scientific terms. More research is currently being done in this direction and more insights will be found in the future about these fundamental aspects of human existence. This is what psychology has to say about meaning in life, this is how it has been studied so far."
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"title": "Meaning of Life - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics",
"url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/meaning-of-life",
"description": "In subject area: Social Sciences · <strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> refers to the unique and specific significance that each individual assigns to their existence at any given moment, which varies from person to person and is tied to their individual responsibilities and vocations.",
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"The phenomenal world is not, in other words, or at least not originally, the array of objects imagined by physical science; nor is it the world spontaneously interpreted by a form of life. To that most impartial of observers, the infant, it is, rather, what William James in The Principles of Psychology described as “one great blooming, buzzing confusion” that assails the infant's “eyes, ears, nose, skin, and entrails at once …",
"Melton and Schulenberg (2008) attribute the sparseness of studies in this area to previous difficulties inherent in quantifying inner experiences, and psychological testing has not been embraced by the humanistic psychologists.",
"Frankl cannot tell us the meaning of life. Clinical psychologists cannot tell their clients the meaning of life.",
"‘Perseverance’ and ‘rationality’ were emphasized in the business classes, such as in the sixteenth-century Protestant Ethic (Weber, 1905). Personal ‘autonomy’ is more central among contemporary psychologists and pedagogues, who see the good life more in terms of ‘mental health’ than of ‘morality.’"
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"title": "Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide - Sanford L. Drob, 2022",
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"A “psycho-axiological” model is presented that addresses both the psychological question of subjective “life-meaning” and the philosophical question of “the meaning of life.” The author establishes the relationship between 14 essential “modes of mind” and human values and shows how these modes provide the basis for philosophical theories of the meaning of life and psychological research concerning life-meaning.",
"Intrinsic value and the meaning of life. In Seachris J. (Ed.), Exploring the meaning of life: An anthology and guide (pp. 219–334). John Wiley & Sons. (Originally published in Philosophical Papers, 34(3), 331–355). ... Auhagen A. (2000). On the psychology of the meaning of life.",
"Swiss Journal of Psychology, 59(1), 34–38. ... Baldwin M., Landau M. J., Swanson T. J. (2017). Metaphors can give life-meaning. Self and Identity, 17(2), 163–193.",
"Baumeister R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. Guilford Press. ... Baumeister R. F., Leary M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 497–529."
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"reference_number": 40
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"title": "The Science of Meaning in Life - PubMed",
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"description": "<strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>for</strong> ...",
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"Keywords: existential psychology; meaning in life; meaning making; positive affect; purpose; well-being.",
"On the relation between meaning in life and psychological well-being.",
"The relationship between meaning in life and self-regulated learning among college students: the mediating effect of psychological capital and the moderating effect of phubbing."
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"title": "Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing",
"url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full",
"description": "AbstractResearch in the social, behavioral, and health sciences indicates that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is important for both mental and physical health. Despite the ...",
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"Meaning in life reflects the feeling that one's existence has significance, purpose, and coherence (see Heintzelman and King, 2014). A growing body of research identifies meaning in life as a fundamental human need that strongly influences both psychological and physical well-being (see Vail and Routledge, 2020).",
"Scholars have long recognized that meaning in life is an important psychological need. The more people feel meaningful, the more they experience overall positive psychological well-being (e.g., Steger and Frazier, 2005). Moreover, meaning reduces the risk for depression (e.g., Disabato et al., 2017), addiction (e.g., Kinnier et al., 1994), and suicide (e.g., Edwards and Holden, 2001).",
"Understanding why meaning matters so much for health and well-being paves the way for a broader analysis of existential health and the role it plays in societal flourishing. Meaning positively contributes to psychological and physical health because of its motivational and self-regulatory nature (see Hooker et al., 2018; Routledge, 2018).",
"Indeed, people with greater perceptions of meaning respond more positively to psychotherapy (Debats, 1996). Life often involves experiences of uncertainty, stress, sadness, and loss. Eventually, we all lose loved ones and must face death ourselves. Critically, meaning is a vital psychological resource for coping with these challenges (Park and Folkman, 1997)."
],
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"title": "Life - Wikipedia",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life",
"description": "This account is consistent with teleological <strong>explanations</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, which account for phenomena in terms of purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality (from the future to the past) is in contradiction with <strong>the</strong> <strong>scientific</strong> ...",
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"This account is consistent with teleological explanations of life, which account for phenomena in terms of purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality (from the future to the past) is in contradiction with the scientific evidence for natural selection, which explains the consequence in terms of a prior cause.",
"This idea was developed further by Julien Offray de La Mettrie (1709–1750) in his book L'Homme Machine. In the 19th century the advances in cell theory in biological science encouraged this view. The evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin (1859) is a mechanistic explanation for the origin of species by means of natural selection.",
"During the 1850s Hermann von Helmholtz, anticipated by Julius Robert von Mayer, demonstrated that no energy is lost in muscle movement, suggesting that there were no \"vital forces\" necessary to move a muscle. These results led to the abandonment of scientific interest in vitalistic theories, especially after Eduard Buchner's demonstration that alcoholic fermentation could occur in cell-free extracts of yeast.",
"The theory of spontaneous generation was proposed by Aristotle, who compiled and expanded the work of prior natural philosophers and the various ancient explanations of the appearance of organisms; it was considered the best explanation for two millennia. It was decisively dispelled by the experiments of Louis Pasteur in 1859, who expanded upon the investigations of predecessors such as Francesco Redi.",
"In the late 1740s, Carl Linnaeus introduced his system of binomial nomenclature for the classification of species. Linnaeus attempted to improve the composition and reduce the length of the previously used many-worded names by abolishing unnecessary rhetoric, introducing new descriptive terms and precisely defining their meaning."
],
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},
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"title": "Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing - PMC",
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"Meaning in life reflects the feeling that one's existence has significance, purpose, and coherence (see Heintzelman and King, 2014). A growing body of research identifies meaning in life as a fundamental human need that strongly influences both psychological and physical well-being (see Vail and Routledge, 2020).",
"Scholars have long recognized that meaning in life is an important psychological need. The more people feel meaningful, the more they experience overall positive psychological well-being (e.g., Steger and Frazier, 2005). Moreover, meaning reduces the risk for depression (e.g., Disabato et al., 2017), addiction (e.g., Kinnier et al., 1994), and suicide (e.g., Edwards and Holden, 2001).",
"Understanding why meaning matters so much for health and well-being paves the way for a broader analysis of existential health and the role it plays in societal flourishing. Meaning positively contributes to psychological and physical health because of its motivational and self-regulatory nature (see Hooker et al., 2018; Routledge, 2018).",
"Indeed, people with greater perceptions of meaning respond more positively to psychotherapy (Debats, 1996). Life often involves experiences of uncertainty, stress, sadness, and loss. Eventually, we all lose loved ones and must face death ourselves. Critically, meaning is a vital psychological resource for coping with these challenges (Park and Folkman, 1997)."
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"title": "Explaining life: Synthetic biology and non-scientific understandings of life - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/",
"description": "Most biocentrists are so-called ... significance [19]. This <strong>means</strong> that, for instance, vertebrates with the capacity to feel pain would deserve more moral consideration than would bacteria or plants. In addition to <strong>scientific</strong> <strong>and</strong> philosophical <strong>explanations</strong>, there are also religious ...",
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"Most biocentrists are so-called ‘non-egalitarian biocentrists’, which is to say that they argue that although all living organisms deserve moral consideration, they do not have equal moral significance [19]. This means that, for instance, vertebrates with the capacity to feel pain would deserve more moral consideration than would bacteria or plants. In addition to scientific and philosophical explanations, there are also religious views about life, which usually refer to a supernatural source of explanation such as a divine creator or an eternal law.",
"But this analysis would tell us nothing about the topic of the painting, the effect that it has on the viewer, the meaning that it may convey or its aesthetic value. An art lover might be impressed by the detailed scientific explanation of the composition and the origin of his or her favourite piece of art, but such an explanation would not address those aspects of the painting that he or she considers most important.",
"What is the meaning of life? How do we perceive life? The responses to these questions explain different aspects of life: biological explanations of the molecules and processes of living organisms; ontological explanations that aim to capture the essence or the abstract idea of life; phenomenological explanations for how humans perceive their own existence and that of other beings; religious explanations of non-material aspects of life such as a soul; and axiological explanations about the value of living organisms.",
"Ultimately, synthetic biologists ought to be aware of other explanations of life because this enables them to understand the limits of the explanatory power of their own models. This field is expected to provide important findings about the composition, function and evolutionary origin of living organisms. However, as discussed above, there are many other questions about life, which cannot be addressed by the methods of synthetic biology or science in general. Science alone cannot tell us anything about the meaning or value of life, nor can it explain the subjective perception of our own lives, because these aspects are not detectable by scientific methods."
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Body
The search value. The maximum query character length is 400.
Controls the inclusion of offensive results in the search results.
moderatestrictoff
Spell check the search query.
Specifies the depth of research by controlling the number of recursive iterations the framework performs. A higher value enables more thorough but longer searches.
Determines the breadth of research by limiting the number of parallel subqueries generated at each depth level. A higher value provides wider coverage of related topics.
The maximum number of tokens in the generated output report.
The target number of tokens for the generated output report.
Header
Your JigsawStack API key
Response
Indicates whether the call was successful.
Copy
import { JigsawStack } from "jigsawstack";
const jigsaw = JigsawStack({ apiKey: "your-api-key" });
const response = await jigsaw.web.deep_research({
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
})
Copy
{
"success": true,
"query": "What is the meaning of life?",
"results": "The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" has been a central concern across human history, addressed from multiple disciplinary perspectives—philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological. Each approach offers unique insights, and together they reveal the complexity and richness of this enduring inquiry.\n\nPhilosophical Perspectives\n\nPhilosophers have long debated whether life has an inherent meaning or whether meaning must be created by individuals. Existentialism, for example, posits that life has no predetermined purpose; instead, individuals are free—and responsible—to create their own meaning through choices and actions. Jean-Paul Sartre famously argued that \"existence precedes essence,\" emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility in constructing meaning [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)]. Similarly, Albert Camus explored the concept of the absurd, highlighting the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the universe's indifference. Camus suggested that, even in the face of meaninglessness, one can find value by embracing the struggle itself [[6](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[8](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)].\n\nIn contrast, nihilism asserts that life is inherently meaningless, and any search for purpose is ultimately futile [[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)][[10](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/)]. However, not all philosophical traditions are so bleak. Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, often translated as \"flourishing\" or \"well-being,\" suggests that the purpose of life is to live virtuously and fulfill one's potential [[5](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)]. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, proposes that the meaning of life lies in maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people [[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)].\n\nOther philosophical perspectives, such as Stoicism and Taoism, emphasize living in harmony with nature and accepting the things we cannot control, finding meaning in virtue, self-mastery, and balance [[7](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)]. Ultimately, many philosophers agree that the search for meaning is a deeply personal journey, shaped by individual values, experiences, and cultural context [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)].\n\nReligious Interpretations\n\nReligious traditions often provide structured answers to the question of life's meaning, typically rooted in the existence of a higher power or transcendent reality. In the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), life is seen as a gift from God, and its purpose is to serve, worship, and develop a relationship with the divine. Christianity, for example, teaches that humans are created in the image of God and are called to love God and others, seeking spiritual fulfillment and eternal life [[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)][[27](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)][[28](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)].\n\nIn Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the meaning of life is often linked to spiritual growth, self-realization, and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Taoism and Confucianism emphasize harmony, balance, and fulfilling one's role within the cosmos and society [[22](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)][[26](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)]. Religion also provides meaning through community, rituals, and shared beliefs, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, especially in times of crisis or loss [[19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)][[21](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[31](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)].\n\nScientific and Psychological Explanations\n\nFrom a scientific perspective, the question of life's meaning is often reframed in terms of biological imperatives—survival, reproduction, and the perpetuation of genes. Evolutionary theory explains the origins and development of life, but it does not address subjective experiences of meaning or purpose [[43](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)]. Some scientists and philosophers argue that science can describe how life works, but not why it exists or what it means [[30](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)].\n\nPsychology, particularly positive psychology, has explored how individuals find meaning in life. Research shows that having a sense of purpose, coherence, and significance is crucial for psychological well-being and resilience [[32](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)][[33](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)][[42](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)]. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, argued that the search for meaning is a fundamental human drive, and that even in the most difficult circumstances, people can find purpose through their attitudes and actions [[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[37](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)]. Psychological studies indicate that meaning in life is associated with greater happiness, lower rates of depression, and better coping with adversity [[34](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)][[41](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)].\n\nIntegration and Synthesis\n\nWhile philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological perspectives offer distinct answers, they are not mutually exclusive. Many contemporary thinkers suggest that meaning is multi-layered: it can be found in personal goals, relationships, contributions to society, spiritual beliefs, and the pursuit of knowledge or virtue [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[40](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)]. The meaning of life may not be a single, universal answer, but rather a tapestry woven from individual experiences, cultural narratives, and existential reflection. Ultimately, the search for meaning is a dynamic and ongoing process, shaped by the interplay of reason, faith, science, and personal growth.The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" remains one of humanity’s most profound and enduring inquiries, with no single, universally accepted answer. Instead, the meaning of life is explored through a tapestry of philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological perspectives, each offering unique insights and frameworks for understanding existence.\n\nPhilosophically, perspectives range from existentialism—which asserts that individuals must create their own meaning in an indifferent universe—to nihilism, which denies any inherent purpose, and to traditions like Aristotle’s eudaimonia, which sees meaning in the pursuit of virtue and flourishing. Other approaches, such as Stoicism and Taoism, emphasize harmony, self-mastery, and acceptance of life’s circumstances. Ultimately, many philosophers agree that meaning is a personal journey, shaped by individual values, choices, and cultural context [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)][[5](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[6](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[7](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)][[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)][[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)].\n\nReligious interpretations often root life’s meaning in a relationship with the divine or a transcendent reality. Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) teach that life’s purpose is to serve and connect with God, while Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism focus on spiritual growth and liberation. Religion also provides meaning through community, rituals, and shared beliefs, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, especially during times of crisis [[19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)][[21](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[22](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)][[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)][[26](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)][[27](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)][[28](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)][[31](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)].\n\nScientifically, the meaning of life is often reframed in terms of biological imperatives—survival, reproduction, and the perpetuation of genes. While evolutionary theory explains how life develops, it does not address subjective experiences of meaning. Many scientists and philosophers argue that science can describe the mechanisms of life, but not its ultimate purpose or value [[30](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[43](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)].\n\nPsychologically, research shows that having a sense of purpose, coherence, and significance is crucial for well-being and resilience. Meaning in life is associated with greater happiness, lower rates of depression, and better coping with adversity. Viktor Frankl’s work highlights the human drive to find meaning, even in suffering, and contemporary psychology emphasizes the importance of personal goals, relationships, and contributions to society [[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[32](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)][[33](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)][[34](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)][[37](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)][[41](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)][[42](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)].\n\nIn synthesis, the meaning of life is not a single, objective answer but a dynamic, multi-layered process. It can be found in personal growth, relationships, service, spiritual beliefs, and the pursuit of knowledge or virtue. The search for meaning is ongoing, shaped by the interplay of reason, faith, science, and personal experience. Ultimately, each person must navigate this journey for themselves, drawing from the diverse resources of human thought and culture [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[40](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)].\n\n\n\n## References\n\n1. [The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)\n2. [Meaning of life - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)\n3. [Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/)\n4. [Meaning of LIfe: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/)\n5. [The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)\n6. [4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)\n7. [7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)\n8. [nietzsche - Various Philosopher's Perspective on the Meaning or Purpose of Life - Philosophy Stack Exchange](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)\n9. [What is the Meaning of Life: A Comprehensive Exploration and Analysis](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)\n10. [r/askphilosophy on Reddit: What is truly the meaning of life?](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/)\n11. [The meaning of life: exploring different philosophical perspectives](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)\n12. [Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At Life | by Valerie | Dare To Be Better | Medium](https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/philosophies-that-can-change-the-way-you-look-at-life-92162c8427b5)\n13. [The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)\n14. [r/Existentialism on Reddit: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/Existentialism/comments/qhrf9q/what_is_the_meaning_of_life_why_are_we_here/)\n15. [What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense)\n16. [What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)\n17. [What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective. | by Amlesh Ranjan | Medium](https://amleshranjan.medium.com/what-is-life-the-philosophical-perspective-aa4055f1f3ea)\n18. [Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective | by Edward Reid | Medium](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)\n19. [The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)\n20. [Religion and the Meaning of Life](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E)\n21. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)\n22. [The Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)\n23. [Religion gives life meaning. Can anything else take its place? | Psyche Ideas](https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place)\n24. [The Image of God, Religion, and the Meaning of Life: Toward a Christian Philosophical Anthropology – In Pursuit of Truth | A Journal of Christian Scholarship](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)\n25. [What Is the Meaning of Life? | Desiring God](https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)\n26. [The Symbolism of the Tree of Life in Various Religions and Philosophies | | Alluring World](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)\n27. [The Meaning of Life - A Biblical Answer | Truth Story](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)\n28. [What is the Meaning of Life? Finding Your Purpose | Christianity.com](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)\n29. [On religion, faith and meaning of life | by Samuela Davidova | Medium](https://medium.com/@DavidovaSamuela/on-religion-faith-and-meaning-of-life-02439f35c31a)\n30. [Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)\n31. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)\n32. [What Is the Meaning of Life According to Positive Psychology](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)\n33. [The Science of Meaning in Life | Annual Reviews](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)\n34. [Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)\n35. [Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life)\n36. [The meaning of life – a psychologist’s view](https://theconversation.com/the-meaning-of-life-a-psychologists-view-129274)\n37. [What Is the Meaning of Life? | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)\n38. [The Meaning in Life: A Psychological Approach](https://www.byarcadia.org/post/the-meaning-in-life-a-psychological-approach)\n39. [Meaning of Life - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/meaning-of-life)\n40. [Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide - Sanford L. Drob, 2022](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)\n41. [The Science of Meaning in Life - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)\n42. [Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)\n43. [Life - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)\n44. [Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)\n45. [Explaining life: Synthetic biology and non-scientific understandings of life - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)\n",
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)",
"url": "https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/",
"description": "Seachris, J., 2021, “Meaning of Life: The <strong>Analytic Perspective</strong>”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
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"Goetz, S., 2012, The Purpose of Life: A Theistic Perspective, New York: Continuum. Goldman, A., 2018, Life’s Values: Pleasure, Happiness, Well-Being, and Meaning, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Greene, P., 2021, “It Doesn’t Matter Because One Day It Will End”, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 24: 165–82. Hanfling, O., 1987, The Quest for Meaning, New York: Basil Blackwell Inc. Hare, R. M., 1957, “Nothing Matters”, repr. in Applications of Moral Philosophy, London: Macmillan, 1972: 32–47.",
"Metz, T., 2021, “Life, Meaning of”, in Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, E. Mason (ed.). O’Brien, W., 2021, “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
"Seachris, J., 2021, “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
"Some think of the afterlife in terms of one’s soul entering a transcendent, spiritual realm (Heaven), while others conceive of one’s soul getting reincarnated into another body on Earth. According to the extreme version, if one has a soul but fails to put it in the right state (or if one lacks a soul altogether), then one’s life is meaningless. There are three prominent arguments for an extreme soul-based perspective."
],
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"title": "Meaning of life - Wikipedia",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "Wong has proposed that whether <strong>life</strong> is meaningful depends not only on subjective feelings but, more importantly, on whether a person's goal-striving and <strong>life</strong> as a whole is meaningful according to some objective normative standard. <strong>The</strong> <strong>philosophical</strong> <strong>perspectives</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> are those ...",
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"Wong has proposed that whether life is meaningful depends not only on subjective feelings but, more importantly, on whether a person's goal-striving and life as a whole is meaningful according to some objective normative standard. The philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life are those ideologies that explain life in terms of ideals or abstractions defined by humans.",
"The Legalists believed that finding the purpose of life was a meaningless effort. To the Legalists, only practical knowledge was valuable, especially as it related to the function and performance of the state. The religious perspectives on the meaning of life are those ideologies that explain life in terms of an implicit purpose not defined by humans.",
"The meaning of life is the concept of an individual's life, or existence in general, having an inherent significance or a philosophical point. There is no consensus on the specifics of such a concept or whether the concept itself even exists in any objective sense.",
"Thinking and discourse on the topic is sought in the English language through questions such as—but not limited to—\"What is the meaning of life?\", \"What is the purpose of existence?\", and \"Why are we here?\". There have been many proposed answers to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds. The search for life's meaning has produced much philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation throughout history.",
"Since a man does not alter, and his moral character remains absolutely the same all through his life; since he must play out the part which he has received, without the least deviation from the character; since neither experience, nor philosophy, nor religion can effect any improvement in him, the question arises, What is the meaning of life at all?"
],
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"title": "Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"url": "https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/",
"description": "All of these set the table for ... followed shortly by Thomas Nagel’s important 1971 essay on “The Absurd.” See “Meaning of Life: <strong>The Analytic Perspective</strong>......",
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"All of these set the table for a veritable feast of philosophical writing on the meaning of life that began in the 1950s with Kurt Baier’s essay “The Meaning of Life,” followed in 1970 by Richard Taylor’s influential essay on the same topic, followed shortly by Thomas Nagel’s important 1971 essay on “The Absurd.” See “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective” for more on the course of the debate in analytic philosophy about the meaning of life.",
"Seachris, J., 2012, “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective,” The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Smith, S., (ed.), 1983, Ways of Wisdom: Readings on the Good Life, Lanham, MD: University Press of America.",
"For example, a person may be interested in his core or essence because he thinks that knowledge of that may reveal the goal or purpose of his life, a purpose that makes his life seem important and intelligible, and gives him a reason for going on, as well as insight into how he must live in order to have a meaningful life. It is commonly the case that several of the questions press themselves on the seeker all at the same time. One or more of these questions were of concern to the philosophers discussed below.",
"Distinct from all the above are second-order, analytic, conceptual questions of the sort that dominate current philosophical discussion of the issue in analytic circles. These questions are not so much about the meaning of life as about the meaning of “the meaning of life” and its component concepts (“meaning,” “life”), or related ones (“meaningfulness,” “meaninglessness,” “vanity,” “absurdity,” and so forth)."
],
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"title": "Meaning of LIfe: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"url": "https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/",
"description": "Looking back further into the origin of <strong>the worldview</strong> concept strengthens the connection between worldview and life’s meaning, and offers important clues that a worldview provides a kind of sense-making meaning. Nineteenth century German historian and philosopher, Wilhelm Dilthey, spoke of ...",
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"Looking back further into the origin of the worldview concept strengthens the connection between worldview and life’s meaning, and offers important clues that a worldview provides a kind of sense-making meaning. Nineteenth century German historian and philosopher, Wilhelm Dilthey, spoke of a worldview as a concept that “. . . constitutes an overall perspective on life that sums up what we know about the world, how we evaluate it emotionally, and how we respond to it volitionally.” Worldviews possess three distinct yet interrelated dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical.",
"Seachris, Joshua W. “The Meaning of Life as Narrative: A New Proposal for Interpreting Philosophy’s ‘Primary’ Question.” Philo 12 (Spring-Summer 2009): 5-23. Seachris, Joshua W. “The Sub Specie Aeternitatis Perspective and Normative Evaluations of Life’s Meaningfulness: A Closer Look,” Ethical Theory and Moral Practice 16 (2013): 605-620.",
"Depending on whom one asks, the question, “What is the meaning of life?” is either the most profound question of human existence or else nothing more than a nonsensical request built on conceptual confusion, much like, “What does the color red taste like?” or “What is heavier than the heaviest object?” Ask a non-philosopher, “What do philosophers discuss?” and a likely answer will be, “The meaning of life.” Ask the same question of a philosopher within the analytic tradition, and you will rarely get this answer.",
"The sources of suspicion about the question within analytic philosophy, especially in earlier periods, are varied. First, the question of life’s meaning is conceptually challenging because of terms like “the” “meaning” and “life,” and especially given the grammatical form in which they are arranged."
],
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"title": "The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday",
"description": "<strong>Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find happiness and fulfillment, while others believe that the meaning of life is to serve a higher purpose or to make the world a better place</strong>. Still others believe that the meaning of life is simply to exist and to experience the world around us.",
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"This question has been asked by philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people alike, and it continues to be a topic of debate and contemplation today. There are many different theories and ideas about the meaning of life, and it is likely that there is no one \"correct\" answer.",
"Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find happiness and fulfillment, while others believe that the meaning of life is to serve a higher purpose or to make the world a better place. Still others believe that the meaning of life is simply to exist and to experience the world around us. One popular theory about the meaning of life is the idea of hedonism, which suggests that the purpose of life is to seek pleasure and avoid pain.",
"This theory is based on the belief that human beings are naturally driven to seek pleasure and avoid suffering, and that this is the ultimate goal of life. Another theory about the meaning of life is the idea of eudaimonia, which is a Greek term that translates to \"happiness\" or \"flourishing.\"",
"A third theory about the meaning of life is the idea of existentialism, which suggests that the meaning of life is something that each individual must create for themselves. This theory is based on the belief that life has no inherent meaning, and that it is up to each individual to give their own life meaning through their actions and choices."
],
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"title": "4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think",
"url": "https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/",
"description": "<strong>Existentialism</strong> is an approach to philosophy that focuses on the questions of human existence, including how to live a meaningful life in the face of a meaningless universe. Many thinkers and writers are associated with the movement, including Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.",
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"Many philosophical thinkers spent their careers finding a path to a meaningful life. While philosophers may disagree on the solution to the problem, they all offer interesting routes to a more meaningful existence.",
"A common question posed to philosophers and hermit gurus is, “What is the meaning of life?” It’s an important question. Having a sense of purpose in life is associated with positive health outcomes; conversely, not having one can leave a person feeling listless and lost.",
"Existentialism is an approach to philosophy that focuses on the questions of human existence, including how to live a meaningful life in the face of a meaningless universe. Many thinkers and writers are associated with the movement, including Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.",
"He can assert the value of his life and embrace the meaninglessness of his task. By doing so, he can find meaning in the absurdity — even if his work comes to naught in the end. Sisyphus is Camus’s absurdist hero. While the primary existentialist thinkers were all atheists — Nietzsche raised the alarm on nihilism when he declared “God is dead” — the founder of the school was an extremely religious thinker by the name of Søren Kierkegaard. A Danish philosopher working in the first half of the 19th century, he turned his rather angsty disposition into a major philosophy."
],
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"title": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf",
"description": "A German <strong>philosopher</strong> whose <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is defined as the denial of the will to live. He was wealthy but suffered with loneliness and isolation. These situations led him to the question: He…",
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"A Danish philosopher who proposed the idea that life can be meaningful and worth living only if one believes genuinely and passionately in the Christian God. Meaning, he said, is invaluably linked to unity — a sense of averageness. Nothing is uplifting than being surrounded with people with similar values as we do.",
"The entire picture of life is clearly seen if and only if the pieces are completely puzzled together. These pieces are us and the puzzle is where the meaning of existence is contained. What we call progress is really just the process of coordination and playing one’s role. This is the “Later Heidegger.” · A British philosopher who denied Nietzsche’s claim that life should be in pursuit of power.",
"Another influential figure whom I agree with is Martin Heidegger, a great German philosopher whose philosophy regarding the meaning of life is presented in living with authenticity.",
"This desire to leave something old and build something new is what we call improvement and there’s nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, it’s actually life-or-death essential to our well-being. And, it’s an opportunity to grow. But what happens when the purpose of everything we pursue lacks clear perspective or utterly wrong?"
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"title": "nietzsche - Various Philosopher's Perspective on the Meaning or Purpose of Life - Philosophy Stack Exchange",
"url": "https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life",
"description": "I'm teaching a high-school philosophy club at the school I work at, but the problem is that I haven't had any real formal education in philosophy and have only a novice knowledge of the subject, wh...",
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"I'm teaching a high-school philosophy club at the school I work at, but the problem is that I haven't had any real formal education in philosophy and have only a novice knowledge of the subject, which comes from reading various philosophy books and watching youtube videos. Last meeting though, the students said that they want to talk about, \"the meaning of life,\" for our next meeting, and I though that it would be an apt subject, but I don't know where to start.",
"Camus takes it a bit further by saying that no meaning can be found, nevertheless we can find comfort in living a meaningless life. Finally, Nietzsche claims that life has absolutely no meaning. ... From the perspective of Stoicism and Buddhism, search the writings of Epictetus and Siddhartha (The Buddha).",
"My only problem is that I want to give them maybe 5-7 different sources, each from a different philosopher (however, not just western philosophy), that embodies how each philosopher views life, and I don't really know where to look. Not many philosophers seem to talk directly about the meaning of life nor how to live a successful one.",
"Soliciting and articulating viewpoints has not one iota of relevance to philosophy, i.e. love of wisdom (read: respect for obtaining knowledge). I am not saying that reading intelligent literature about imponderables such as the meaning or purpose of life is not a worthwhile endeavor."
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"title": "What is the Meaning of Life: A Comprehensive Exploration and Analysis",
"url": "https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/",
"description": "Philosophers have long grappled with the meaning of life. <strong>Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that life has no inherent meaning; instead, individuals must create their own purpose through choices and actions</strong>. Sartre’s famous dictum, “existence precedes essence,” suggests that ...",
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"Discover different perspectives on the meaning of life. Explore philosophical and scientific viewpoints on this thought-provoking topic. Another article from the Achology Knowledge Hub.",
"The question “What is the meaning of life?” has intrigued philosophers, scientists, and thinkers for centuries. It’s a profound query that delves into existential and metaphysical realms, seeking to understand the purpose and significance of human existence. This article explores various perspectives on the meaning of life, drawing from philosophy, religion, science, and personal reflection.",
"Philosophers have long grappled with the meaning of life. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that life has no inherent meaning; instead, individuals must create their own purpose through choices and actions. Sartre’s famous dictum, “existence precedes essence,” suggests that humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must forge their own paths. This perspective emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility, highlighting the role of individual agency in constructing meaning.",
"This personalized meaning-making process underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the search for life’s meaning. While philosophical, religious, and scientific views provide structured interpretations, integrating these perspectives can offer a more holistic understanding of the meaning of life."
],
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"title": "r/askphilosophy on Reddit: What is truly the meaning of life?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/",
"description": "For many philosophers, (Fackenheim for example as well as tolstoy) the meaning of life is <strong>to connect to a divine reality and carry out gods laws</strong>. For other perspectives (like the Buddhist one), the meaning of life is also to connect to a reality outside of this one.",
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"87 votes, 56 comments. For me making your own meaning isn't satisfying. Is there a philosophy out there that can be better than this?",
"Posted by u/Peasant_hacking - 87 votes and 56 comments",
"First are those who believe meaning in life is solely subjective; they claim there is no inherent meaning, but rather meaning must be made. This includes several of the big · Existentialist philosophers (Sartre, Nietzsche) and is a common belief by laymen.",
"There are degrees and kinds of nihilism, but if we're talking strictly about value nihilism (that there exists no meaning in life at all), Camus can be counted among them, arguing that the meaning of Sartre and other Existentialists was a false hope, distracting them from facing their absurd, meaningless reality. This position is the most rare of them all for philosophers."
],
"reference_number": 10
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"title": "The meaning of life: exploring different philosophical perspectives",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee",
"description": "One of the most well-known philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life is <strong>existentialism</strong>. According to this perspective, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.",
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"One of the most well-known philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life is existentialism. According to this perspective, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.",
"This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom of choice, as each individual must create their own meaning in life. Another philosophical perspective on the meaning of life is utilitarianism. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people.",
"The meaning of life, according to this perspective, is to create as much happiness as possible and reduce suffering as much as possible. A third philosophical perspective on the meaning of life is found in the teachings of Aristotle.",
"While each of these philosophical perspectives provides a unique answer to the question of the meaning of life, there is no definitive answer. Ultimately, the meaning of life is a deeply personal question that each individual must answer for themselves. It may be helpful to consider different perspectives and find the one that resonates most with your own beliefs and values."
],
"reference_number": 11
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"title": "Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At Life | by Valerie | Dare To Be Better | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/philosophies-that-can-change-the-way-you-look-at-life-92162c8427b5",
"description": "All of us relate more to one or more <strong>philosophical</strong> views on <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, even if we don’t name them. A <strong>life</strong> philosophy gives us an understanding of where we are going and what’s the point of…",
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"A philosophy of life is any general attitude towards the meaning of life or of the way life should be lived.",
"A life philosophy gives us an understanding of where we are going and what’s the point of it all. I’ve never heard of solipsism before so when I read an article about it, it got me thinking: What do people believe in? What are other popular philosophical views that shape who we are? This curious infographic can give you a general idea. For more, keep scrolling. ... If you are interested in philosophy but not to the point to become a Philosophy major, there is a fun little book by Paul Kleinman that I would recommend.",
"It covers the important philosophical ideas and milestones in a surprisingly non-boring way.",
"Solipsism And Other Amazing Theories About Life"
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"title": "The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes",
"url": "https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736",
"description": "From ancient sages to contemporary thinkers, the question of <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> or purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> has elicited diverse and often conflicting <strong>perspectives</strong>. This essay endeavors to delve into some of the most prominent <strong>philosophical</strong> viewpoints on this profound inquiry, ranging from existentialism and ...",
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"From ancient sages to contemporary thinkers, the question of the meaning or purpose of life has elicited diverse and often conflicting perspectives. This essay endeavors to delve into some of the most prominent philosophical viewpoints on this profound inquiry, ranging from existentialism and nihilism to religious interpretations, in an attempt to shed light on the elusive essence of human existence.",
"Integration and Synthesis: While existentialism, nihilism, and religious interpretations offer distinct perspectives on the meaning of life, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Indeed, individuals may draw insights from each philosophical framework, synthesizing existentialist notions of freedom and self-creation with religious beliefs in divine purpose or moral order.",
"Philosophy document from Harvard University, 2 pages, Title: Exploring the Essence of Existence: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Meaning of Life Introduction: The quest to unravel the mystery of human existence has been a perennial pursuit throughout the annals of philosophical discourse.",
"From the existentialist assertion of individual autonomy and self-creation to the nihilistic recognition of life's inherent absurdity and the religious quest for transcendent meaning, diverse philosophical perspectives offer illuminating insights into the enigma of human existence."
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"reference_number": 13
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"title": "r/Existentialism on Reddit: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/Existentialism/comments/qhrf9q/what_is_the_meaning_of_life_why_are_we_here/",
"description": "336 votes, 455 comments. I'm just asking this question because after realizing that religion is nothing but a fantasy story made to be fun for…",
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"Posted by u/kjwhimsical-91 - 336 votes and 455 comments",
"The meaning of 2+2=4 4 is the answer, but we are not completely Understand the universe, the universe cannot be explained by mathematics, so as a human being, having feelings can bring meaning, and then if you fully understand the universe, it can also bring meaning, but at present, you don’t know what meaning is, or you can enter the third-person perspective. draw completely life is meaningless conclusions",
"Please note posts should relate to Existential philosophy and literature. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism if you are unsure, and the reading list. ... I'm just asking this question because after realizing that religion is nothing but a fantasy story made to be fun for grown-ups, this made me question my existence as a human being. Do you know what life really means?",
"Yeah I'd be good at the sport to some degree if the dream was actually achieved (in this case it would be baseball), but I probably would feel dead on the inside mostly due to the things I mentioned already and the knowledge that I have acquired as I've aged and come to the realization of how life really is. I was embellished when I was younger and pretty much all the way up until I was in my mid 20's until I had some raw ass experiences that put reality into a much realer perspective."
],
"reference_number": 14
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"title": "What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora",
"url": "https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense",
"description": "Answer (1 of 94): My personal answer is going to be pretty religious, since I try to be. Anyone turned off by G-d talk should just skip to someone else’s answer. I believe the purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, to the best we can understand G-d’s motives for anything, is that “it’s the nature of good ...",
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"Answer (1 of 94): My personal answer is going to be pretty religious, since I try to be. Anyone turned off by G-d talk should just skip to someone else’s answer. I believe the purpose of life, to the best we can understand G-d’s motives for anything, is that “it’s the nature of good to have some..."
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"reference_number": 15
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"title": "What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now",
"url": "https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life",
"description": "The following answers to this fundamental question each win a random book.",
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"I listen enthralled to scientific debate on what, how, when and where life was created. However, questions remain which may never be resolved. In this vacuum, philosophers and religious thinkers have attempted to give meaning to life by suggesting goals: Plato suggested the acquisition of knowledge, Aristotle to practice virtue, and the Stoics, mental fortitude and self-control.",
"Today’s philosophers echo the existentialist view that life is full of absurdity, although they also tell us that we must put meaning into life by making our own values in an indifferent world.",
"You can read four articles free per month. To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please ... Life is the aspect of existence that processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and evolves through growth (reproduction and metabolism).",
"Life as fear and hatred is not real life at all. For some, life is God. We would all then be His children. We are nevertheless the spawn of the Earth. Human existence is freedom – an edifice of plurality. ... If the ancients could do philosophy in the marketplace, maybe I can too."
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"reference_number": 16
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"title": "What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective. | by Amlesh Ranjan | Medium",
"url": "https://amleshranjan.medium.com/what-is-life-the-philosophical-perspective-aa4055f1f3ea",
"description": "From a <strong>philosophical</strong> standpoint, we can see <strong>life</strong> as a profound and meaningful existence that goes beyond mere physical processes. <strong>Life</strong> involves the capacity for consciousness, self-awareness, and the…",
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"Member-only story · Amlesh Ranjan · 2 min read · ·Aug 22, 2023 · -- 1 · Share · Press enter or click to view image in full size · What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective: Amlesh Ranjan · Understanding life through philosophy means looking at more than just science and evidence.",
"From a philosophical standpoint, we can see life as a profound and meaningful existence that goes beyond mere physical processes. Here are some philosophical perspectives on life: CONSCIOUSNESS AND EXPERIENCE · Life involves the capacity for consciousness, self-awareness, and the ability to perceive and experience the world.",
"Life is about finding purpose and meaning by fulfilling a unique role or contributing to the greater good.. ... Life encompasses the capacity to make choices, exercise free will, and take responsibility for one’s actions. ... Life is about finding answers to questions about yourself and the world around you. These questions include who you are, why you're here, and how to be true to yourself.. ... II Supporting You to Flourish at the intersection of Work & Life through Coaching Conversations, Group Interventions, and Writing II Author, 'The Penta Life' II"
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"title": "Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective | by Edward Reid | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484",
"description": "Despite technological advancements, ... remains one of humanity’s deepest struggles. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor offers wise insights into this dilemma, reminding us that the quest for <strong>meaning</strong> is not just a psychological necessity but a <strong>philosophical</strong> imperative. In his seminal work Man’s Search for <strong>Meaning</strong>, he writes: “<strong>Life</strong> is never made ...",
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"Despite technological advancements, wealth, and comfort, searching for meaning remains one of humanity’s deepest struggles. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor offers wise insights into this dilemma, reminding us that the quest for meaning is not just a psychological necessity but a philosophical imperative. In his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning, he writes: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”",
"The search for meaning is not unique to Frankl; it has deep roots in philosophy. Socrates famously declared: ... What matters most to me? How do my actions align with my values? This process of self-reflection, while daunting, is the first step toward discovering what makes life meaningful. Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing,”- emphasizes living in accordance with virtue and striving to fulfill one’s potential.",
"I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a profound impact on my life, and a thought came to my mind: This…",
"I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a profound…"
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"title": "The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC",
"url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/",
"description": "People turn to religious beliefs and activities in order to find meaning in complex and incomprehensible events. Religious interpretations <strong>enable individuals to perceive daily experiences in terms of universal goals and provide explanations for situations of high ambiguity and threat</strong>.",
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"Keywords: Meaning in life, Religious coping, Psychological well-being, Purpose and significance · One of the factors that affect human functioning is meaning in life. Many psychologists consider it to be a vital part of mental processes and behaviour (Frankl 1979; Steger 2012; Wong 1998). It enables individuals to interpret and organize their daily experience, achieve goals, and categorize important objects.",
"Finally, religion makes direct claims to provide a sense of significance as it facilitates people’s efforts to interpret their experiences in terms of existential intentions and meaning which is embedded within religion’s sacred character. The ability of religion to provide meaning in life is particularly noticeable in the context of coping with stress and major life events.",
"It is especially noticeable in the context of religious coping that is strongly connected to the domain of meaning (Pargament et al. 2004; Park 2005, 2013). Approaching challenging and problematic life circumstances, individuals draw on the orienting system of religion and meaning through which they interpret and handle stressful situations.",
"There are two questions that can arise in the context of the current research: why presence of meaning in life turned out to be a partial mediator and why only negative coping was related to PWB. According to recent research, meaning is a central element of religion because every religion addresses important questions related to a sense of purpose and significance (Hood et al. 2009; Park 2013). People turn to religious beliefs and activities in order to find meaning in complex and incomprehensible events. Religious interpretations enable individuals to perceive daily experiences in terms of universal goals and provide explanations for situations of high ambiguity and threat."
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"reference_number": 19
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"title": "Religion and the Meaning of Life",
"url": "https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E",
"description": "This book is unique in its willingness to transcend a more secular stance and <strong>explore how one's belief in God may be relevant to life's meaning</strong>. Religion and the Meaning of Life's interdisciplinary approach makes it useful to philosophers, religious studies scholars, psychologists, students, ...",
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"Kiper, Jordan 2024. Moral Injury as a Precondition for Reconciliation: An Anthropology of Veterans’ Lives and Peacemaking. Religions, Vol. 15, Issue. 9, p. 1089. ... Attoe, Aribiah David 2024. A Patient-centred Concept(ion) of Life’s Meaningfulness: Lessons from African Perspectives.",
"This book is unique in its willingness to transcend a more secular stance and explore how one's belief in God may be relevant to life's meaning. Religion and the Meaning of Life's interdisciplinary approach makes it useful to philosophers, religious studies scholars, psychologists, students, and general readers alike.",
"Unlike many other works on life's meaning, it treats this topic with the vitality it rightly deserves, engaging desires of both heart and mind. Williams demonstrates a deep understanding of the human condition, the widespread hunger for meaning, and the unique and powerful ways that religion can satiate that hunger.'",
"Metz, Thaddeus 2021. Supernaturalist analytic existentialism: Critical notice of Clifford Williams’ Religion and the meaning of life. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, Vol. 89, Issue. 2, p."
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"reference_number": 20
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"title": "Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect",
"url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064",
"description": "Religion is one of the major resources used to generate <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an invo…",
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"Religion is one of the major resources used to generate meaning in life. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an involvement in a community of like-minded others. The purpose of this study is to differentiate between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning at the end stage of life.",
"Twelve women, who resided at various assisted-living facilities, participated in qualitative interviews about the current and past meaning of religion in their lives. They were distributed among fundamental Christian, Catholic, liberal Protestant, and Jewish faiths. Differences between and within the groups were the result of the content, as well as certainty, of belief. These differences influenced the sufficiency of a belief system to construct life meaning.",
"When belief alone was insufficient, life meaning was supplemented with social and secular interactions. According to Marshall (1986, p. 125), humans must “create the meanings that allow us to make sense of, and to make our way in, the world”. Religious beliefs offer an explanation for the fundamental meaning of life (Stark, 1999) and have always been a viable source of meaning in individuals' lives through positive beliefs, rituals, symbols, traditions, and support Hadaway, 1978, Hadden, 1995.",
"The need to generate meaning may become more significant in old age, as societal roles and opportunities lessen, and death draws nearer. Rentsch (1997, p. 270) describes aging as “a communicative, self-reflective process of forming a unique totality, a forming that is essentially highlighted by a change of view towards a meaningful and enduring life”. Religion may be especially important in finding such meaning."
],
"reference_number": 21
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"title": "The Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist",
"url": "https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/",
"description": "<strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is a philosophical question concerning the significance <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as "Why are we here?","What is <strong>life</strong> all about?", and "What is the purpose of existence?" It has been the subject of much philosophi...",
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"The meaning of life is a philosophical question concerning the significance of life or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as \"Why are we here?\",\"What is life all about?\", and \"What is the purpose of existence?\" It has been the subject of much philosophical,scientific, and theological speculation throughout history.",
"The meaning of life is in the philosophical and religious conceptions of existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness, and borders on many other issues, such as symbolic meaning, ontology, value, purpose, ethics, good and evil, free will, the existence of one or multiple Gods, conceptions of God, the soul, and the afterlife.",
"In other words, all existence is a kind of machine that came into existence by chance, or for an unknown reason and our sense of self and free will is merely an illusion which are a by-product of brain or this machine-like activity. Life in this belief in itself does not carry any meaning or purpose. Confucianism Confucianism is not officially considered a world religion because it is not organized as such.",
"The idea is for the student to find balance in life where yin represents inactivity, rest, and reflection, while yang represents activity and creativity. The basic feature of Taoism is to restore balance. Shinto Shinto is the native religion of Japan. Shinto means “the path of the kami”, but more specifically, it can be taken to mean “the divine crossroad where the kami chooses his way”. The “divine” crossroad signifies that all the universe is divine spirit."
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"reference_number": 22
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"title": "Religion gives life meaning. Can anything else take its place? | Psyche Ideas",
"url": "https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place",
"description": "<strong>Religious</strong> faith promotes a sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> – and it might take more than ‘social glue’ to duplicate the effect",
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"Whether you accept this philosophical claim or not, the fact that many people seem to believe that God or other supernatural entities are necessary for life to be meaningful suggests that, psychologically, there is some important connection between religious faith and the sense of meaning in life.",
"Although psychologists are divided on exactly how to define perceived meaning in life – some suggest it is about making sense of one’s life, others that it’s about seeing value and significance in it – they often assess meaning in life simply by asking how strongly people agree with statements such as: ‘At present, I find my life very meaningful.’ And research has consistently supported the idea that perceived meaning in life is tightly linked with religion.",
"Numerous other studies have found that religiousness is positively correlated with perceived meaning in life. There is also some experimental evidence that, when presented with a threat to their sense of meaning, people show increased belief in miraculous events – suggesting that they are turning to religion to bolster their perceptions of meaning in life.",
"Since the 19th century, philosophers (eg, Friedrich Nietzsche), novelists (eg, Fyodor Dostoyevsky) and sociologists (eg, Émile Durkheim) have speculated that societal trends away from religion would lead to a crisis of meaning. Since recent data indicate that people around the world are becoming less religious, it is natural to wonder whether secular society can duplicate the existential benefits of religion. In order to do so, we would need to understand how it is, exactly, that religious faith makes life feel meaningful."
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"reference_number": 23
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"title": "The Image of God, Religion, and the Meaning of Life: Toward a Christian Philosophical Anthropology – In Pursuit of Truth | A Journal of Christian Scholarship",
"url": "https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/",
"description": "Prospectus: This paper notes the challenge of scientific naturalism to religion and Christianity and briefly denies that naturalism is supported by science. It then outlines an alternative perspec…",
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"This paper notes the challenge of scientific naturalism to religion and Christianity and briefly denies that naturalism is supported by science. It then outlines an alternative perspective in two stages. The first is an account of the biblical doctrine of the image of God as the essence and meaning of human life.",
"Based on the first, the second stage outlines a Christian philosophical anthropology that challenges scientific naturalism by articulating the essentially religious nature of human life. The theme of Oxbridge 2008–the image of God, the self, and the search for meaning–is a profound engagement of the perennial philosophy–the universal human quest for wisdom—by the specific claims of Jesus Christ, who is “the very image of the invisible God” (Col.",
"Nothing human is beyond its scope. Thus it constitutes the generic meaning of life. We consider each dimension in turn. Most basically, humanity is defined in relation to God as his image and likeness. Genesis 1 responds to the cosmic theocracies of the ancient near-eastern religions.",
"Third, the nature of the whole is religious, which means that all the parts are ordered so that relating to God is a natural capacity, need, and activity that directly or indirectly orients and motivates how the parts are supported and operate. Our brains are designed for basic beliefs and values that shape life, and our brains in turn are affected by how we live out our basic beliefs and values."
],
"reference_number": 24
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{
"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life? | Desiring God",
"url": "https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life",
"description": "When <strong>life</strong> just doesn’t seem to make sense, or even when it seems void of any <strong>meaning</strong> at all, what can help us to know our purpose again?",
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"Oh, Abijah, that’s your life, right? The words for various trials mean “all kinds of trials” — literally, “many colors of trials and tests.” What an amazing interpretation of this world and our place in it! The meaning of suffering in this life is the refinement of faith by the fires of various trials, that we might know God, love God, show God as more precious than everything that the fires consume.",
"So, I have been dealing with much in life, which has been really hard for the past three years. Normally I could face life’s challenges with the assurance that God was in control and that I could trust him. But beginning in 2018, I started to get really depressed about the whole meaning of life and my own purpose.",
"It was in the midst of my challenges that I lost someone I really loved, and it broke me like nothing ever has. My entire view of God and life has been shattered. I can’t seem to get myself out of wondering why life is even a thing. Life, at least my life, often feels like it has no meaning.",
"Abijah, I hear three distinct and interrelated sorrows that have brought you to this place of doubt about the meaning of your life. I hear depression; I hear loss; I hear a kind of fixation in your mind. You say, “I can’t seem to get myself out of wondering why life is even a thing.” In other words, the tape keeps playing over and over in your mind: Is life really significant at all?"
],
"reference_number": 25
},
{
"title": "The Symbolism of the Tree of Life in Various Religions and Philosophies | | Alluring World",
"url": "https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/",
"description": "Discover the Tree <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, a timeless symbol of interconnectedness and creation. Explore its significance across religions, cultures, and spiritual beliefs.",
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"The powerful image of eternal life and God’s original plan for harmony continues to resonate, representing a longing for a lost paradise and a future restoration, and even though some interpretations within Judaism and Christianity link the Tree of Life in Genesis to later concepts like the Tree of Life mentioned in the Book of Revelation, it simply suggest a cyclical theme of loss and eventual redemption where access to eternal life is restored in God’s presence.",
"As a symbol of the soul’s journey toward divine unity, the Tree of Life provides a roadmap for spiritual ascent, where the individual soul seeks to reconnect with its divine source by traversing the pathways and understanding the sefirot. Different schools of Kabbalah offer various interpretations and practices related to the Tree of Life, making it a rich and multifaceted symbol within Jewish mysticism.",
"The absence of the specific term ‘Tree of Life‘ doesn’t diminish the presence of similar concepts; however, the Tree in Paradise (Shajarat al-Khald), as mentioned in the Qur’an, holds comparable significance. While sometimes linked to the tree from which Adam and Eve ate (and thus associated with the loss of immortality), the interpretation as a representation of divine knowledge and eternity offers a broader understanding.",
"The more abstract interpretation enables a deeper understanding of the tree not just as a physical entity, but as a symbol of the very essence of divine wisdom and the eternal nature of God and Paradise. Some Islamic scholars have also drawn parallels between this tree and concepts of heavenly blessings and the interconnectedness of creation within the Islamic worldview, and while not as elaborately detailed as the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the Tree in Paradise in Islam carries a similar weight in representing fundamental themes of eternity, knowledge, and the divine realm."
],
"reference_number": 26
},
{
"title": "The Meaning of Life - A Biblical Answer | Truth Story",
"url": "https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/",
"description": "How the world considers <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, contrasted with the Bible’s answer & why it matters from a Christian perspective. Short answer + long answer.",
"content": null,
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"Psychoanalyst Carl Jung wrote, “Really, I don’t know what the meaning or purpose of life is, but it looks exactly as if something were meant by it.” Novelist Joseph Heller said he had no answers to the meaning of life “and no longer want to search for any.” · From the lofty aspirations of religious leaders to the nonsensical pronouncements of potheads, everyone has a take on the meaning of life.",
"And through him we can understand the meaning of life and our ultimate destiny. ... Brandon Clay is a Christian (Reformed Baptist). He earned a BA in history from the University of Texas and an MA in theological studies from Southern Seminary. Brandon is married and has 4 children, one of whom (Knox) is now with the Lord. Pingback: Os assuntos mais pesquisados no Google sobre Deus, Religião, Fé, Bíblia.",
"“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, 20th century Comparative Religion Scholar",
"In this post, I aim to review explore the significance of “meaning”, review some false but popular musings on the meaning of life, and finally cover how the Bible answers the perennial question on what is the meaning of life."
],
"reference_number": 27
},
{
"title": "What is the Meaning of Life? Finding Your Purpose | Christianity.com",
"url": "https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html",
"description": "<strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is connecting with the purpose, and for that purpose to guide us into development and service. We have this intrinsic, burning desire to know what we are made to do, but before can get on board with developing into that, we need to understand why we are here.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Christianity.com",
"site_long_name": "christianity.com",
"age": "2020-12-18T13:10:23.000Z",
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"James 1:12 - “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.” · The call to action for Christians is service. It isn’t sacrifice (Jesus did that), it isn’t religious practice, and it isn’t fame.",
"Life. (noun). 1. The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. 2. The existence of an individual human being or animal. If only it was this easy, right? Typically when we search for the meaning of life, we are searching from a painful and isolated place.",
"Oddly enough, a textbook definition like the above actually has the opposite effect of what we are looking for in these times. That’s because we aren’t looking for the shell of what life is. We are looking for what life is made up of and what it means for us.",
"If the meaning of life is to connect with purpose, we must connect with our source. To do that, we must connect with the Creator— that is to identify ourselves as made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created human beings in his own image.” Identifying ourselves with God is awfully difficult to do if we have not explored the character of God first."
],
"reference_number": 28
},
{
"title": "On religion, faith and meaning of life | by Samuela Davidova | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@DavidovaSamuela/on-religion-faith-and-meaning-of-life-02439f35c31a",
"description": "I aim to point out to <strong>the</strong> <strong>interpretation</strong>: be it the infantile compensation in the institutionalized religion (above the individual), or people who practice praying and in the psychological sense they unconsciously start taking actions towards achieving the desired objective. If it succeeds, then god heard me; if it does not, then god had a higher plans. It helps psychologically to process the reality <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>...",
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"I aim to point out to the interpretation: be it the infantile compensation in the institutionalized religion (above the individual), or people who practice praying and in the psychological sense they unconsciously start taking actions towards achieving the desired objective. If it succeeds, then god heard me; if it does not, then god had a higher plans. It helps psychologically to process the reality of life: someone dies and the reality is our own mortality, whereas many religions or other fairytales help to narrate interpretation of loss (death, relationship, friendship…) or other things which are hard to process (shame, guilt, sadness…).",
"My friend asked about my current perception of religion as I’ve been invalidating it in the way he saw it, so I decided to elaborate on it since he asked and it’s been ~ 3 months since we’ve been discussing it, and meanwhile, I formed a more complex view. Enjoy. I’ve been talking to a few religious people and asking about their motivations and stuff. I think it’s good to see the different. sides, which are to me: institutionalized religion (purely power thing, parental figure, they interpret the sayings for people and usually do not permit other versions; the problem is this is common)",
"2. religion individually interpreted (e.g. *** one guy - has this position, but anyway the writings are narrated certain way): person who questioned religion and then returned to it as a source of faith and god creating sort of meaning of life for the person.",
"My friend asked about my current perception of religion as I’ve been invalidating it in the way he saw it, so I decided to elaborate on it since he asked and it’s been ~ 3 months since we’ve been…"
],
"reference_number": 29
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{
"title": "Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia",
"url": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "While scientific approaches to <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> aim to describe relevant empirical facts about human existence, philosophers are concerned about the relationship between ideas such as the proper <strong>interpretation</strong> <strong>of</strong> empirical data.",
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"The question of the meaning of life is perhaps the most fundamental \"why?\" in human existence. It relates to the purpose, use, value, and reason for individual existence and that of the universe. This question has resulted in a wide range of competing answers and explanations, from scientific to philosophical and religious explanations, to explorations in literature.",
"Science, while providing theories about the How and What of life, has been of limited value in answering questions of meaning—the Why of human existence. Philosophy and religion have been of greater relevance, as has literature. Diverse philosophical positions include essentialist, existentialist, skeptic, nihilist, pragmatist, humanist, and atheist.",
"The essentialist position, which states that a purpose is given to our life, usually by a supreme being, closely resembles the viewpoint of the Abrahamic religions. ... While philosophy approaches the question of meaning by reason and reflection, religions approach the question from the perspectives of revelation, enlightenment, and doctrine.",
"Generally, religions have in common two most important teachings regarding the meaning of life: 1) the ethic of the reciprocity of love among fellow humans for the purpose of uniting with a Supreme Being, the provider of that ethic; and 2) spiritual formation towards an afterlife or eternal life as a continuation of physical life."
],
"reference_number": 30
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{
"title": "Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning",
"url": "https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning",
"description": "Religion teaches one a sense of ... sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong>, belongingness, and attachment which then serve as a source of emotional and psychological comfort to individuals in times of stressful and <strong>life</strong>-threatening situations · (Fletcher, 2004;Gall, Miguez de Renart, & Boonstra, 2000;Koenig, 2013). Another reason is that religion may provide a guiding context for how individuals will view, <strong>interpret</strong>, perceive, ...",
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"Religion teaches one a sense of self-acceptance and provides one with a deeper sense of meaning, belongingness, and attachment which then serve as a source of emotional and psychological comfort to individuals in times of stressful and life-threatening situations · (Fletcher, 2004;Gall, Miguez de Renart, & Boonstra, 2000;Koenig, 2013). Another reason is that religion may provide a guiding context for how individuals will view, interpret, perceive, and approach stressful life events.",
"With the aid of a scale to measure extrinsic and intrinsic orientation this research confirmed previous findings and added a 4th: people who are indiscriminately proreligious are the most prejudiced of all. The interpretations offered are in terms of cognitive style. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) ... This study explores how religion constructs a meaning and provides a guiding view of life for the rural elderly in upstate New York.",
"Findings by Campbell et al. in The Quality of American Life suggesting that religious people tend to be somewhat less satisfied with their lives than the nonreligious are reexamined in this paper. Using the same data source and variables it is shown that their interpretation is in error, and that to the contrary, religion functions more as a resource than as compensation.",
"Download Citation | Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning | Religion is one of the major resources used to generate meaning in life. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an..."
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"reference_number": 31
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{
"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life According to Positive Psychology",
"url": "https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/",
"description": ""What is <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>?" How would a positive <strong>psychology</strong> practitioner answer this question? Let's take a deep dive into <strong>meaning</strong>.",
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"\"What is the meaning of life?\" How would a positive psychology practitioner answer this question? Let's take a look!",
"How would a positive psychology practitioner answer to the meaning of life?",
"They do not necessarily reject science or its findings, but they may see scientific theories as more like “descriptions” of the world than explanations or true understanding (Burnham & Papandreopoulos, n.d.). In this school of thought, the idea that there could be an actual “meaning” to life is absurd.",
"Scientifically reviewed by Maike Neuhaus Ph.D. ... Positive psychology explores the meaning of life by focusing on personal strengths, purpose & the pursuit of fulfilling experiences, enhancing overall wellbeing."
],
"reference_number": 32
},
{
"title": "The Science of Meaning in Life | Annual Reviews",
"url": "https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921",
"description": "<strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>for</strong> ...",
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"Meaning in life has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience of meaning in life, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that meaning in life, for all its mystery, is a rather commonplace experience.",
"Ebersole P. 1998. Types and depth of written life meanings. The Human Quest for Meaning: A Handbook of Psychological Research and Clinical Applications PTP Wong, PS Fry 179–91 Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc.",
"Klinger E. 1998. The search for meaning in evolutionary perspective and its clinical implications. The Human Quest for Meaning: A Handbook of Psychological Research and Clinical Applications PTP Wong, PS Fry 27–50 Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum [Google Scholar]",
"Martin LL, Campbell WK, Henry CD 2004. The roar of awakening: mortality acknowledgment as a call to authentic living. Handbook of Experimental Existential Psychology J Greenberg, SL Koole, T Pyszczynski 431–48 New York: Guilford [Google Scholar]"
],
"reference_number": 33
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{
"title": "Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/",
"description": "This study aimed to investigate 2 dimensions <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>—Presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> (i.e., the perception of your <strong>life</strong> as significant, purposeful, and valuable) and Search <strong>for</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> (i.e., the strength, intensity, and activity of people's efforts ...",
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"Janoff-Bulman R. Posttraumatic growth: Three explanatory models. Psychological Inquiry. 2004;15:30–34. [Google Scholar] King LA, Hicks JA, Krull JL, Del Gaiso AK. Positive affect and the experience of meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.",
"As a library, NLM provides access to scientific literature. Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health. Learn more: PMC Disclaimer | PMC Copyright Notice · Rehabil Psychol. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Jul 28. Published in final edited form as: Rehabil Psychol. 2013 Nov;58(4):334–341. doi: 10.1037/a0034393 ... 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Group Clinical Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium",
"Treatment providers should pay attention to how their patients experience meaning in their life. If patients are struggling with finding meaning of life, this should be a topic of psychotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life. The first author is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO).",
"A composite well-being score was computed including both life satisfaction and feelings of optimism. Acceptance is treated as an additional factor besides well-being. Cluster analyses were conducted on the dimensions of Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning. A 4-cluster solution was retained based on explanatory power (change in η2; Milligan & Cooper, 1985, Calinski-Harabasz index, CH; Steinley, 2006), parsimony, and interpretability."
],
"reference_number": 34
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"title": "Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life",
"url": "https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life",
"description": "Struggling to find a sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Researchers have identified three different pathways to it.",
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"For most of the 20th century, philosophers, psychologists, and psychiatrists argued that meaning in life is a rare, profound experience, attainable through an active search, deep self-reflection, or some other arduous way of creating meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.",
"Of all of the facets of meaning, coherence likely represents a basic psychological need. Similar to the anguish we feel when our need to belong is thwarted, our world seems to fall apart when things suddenly do not make sense.",
"Joshua A. Hicks, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University.",
"Laura A. King, Ph.D., is the Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri."
],
"reference_number": 35
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"title": "The meaning of life – a psychologist’s view",
"url": "https://theconversation.com/the-meaning-of-life-a-psychologists-view-129274",
"description": "Douglas Adams claimed the answer was 42. But there are other interpretations.",
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"Instead, my perspective is informed by my scientific research over the past ten years with people who have undergone what I call “suffering-induced transformational experiences”."
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"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life? | Psychology Today",
"url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life",
"description": "Still today, many people believe that we, humankind, are the creation of a supernatural entity called God, that <strong>God had an intelligent purpose in creating us, and that this intelligent purpose is "the meaning of life".</strong>",
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"Life never gets easier. Fortunately, psychology is keeping up, uncovering new ways to maintain mental and physical health, and positivity and confidence, through manageable daily habits like these. How many are you ready to try?",
"\"The point,\" said Frankl, '\"is not what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us.\" Read more in The Art of Failure: The Anti Self-Help Guide. ... Neel Burton, M.D., is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and writer who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. ... More from Neel Burton M.A., M.D. ... Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.",
"Still today, many people believe that we, humankind, are the creation of a supernatural entity called God, that God had an intelligent purpose in creating us, and that this intelligent purpose is \"the meaning of life\".",
"Reliance on an eternal afterlife not only postpones the question of life’s purpose but also dissuades or at least discourages us from determining a purpose or purposes for what may be the only life that we do have."
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"reference_number": 37
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{
"title": "The Meaning in Life: A Psychological Approach",
"url": "https://www.byarcadia.org/post/the-meaning-in-life-a-psychological-approach",
"description": "<strong>To feel that one's life is important for someone or something is what psychologists understand as existential mattering or significance</strong>. This is not a narcissistic perception of life. Instead, this feeling of significance derives not from an overestimation of our virtues but for a humble need ...",
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"Humans, by nature, ask questions about purpose in life and how to achieve its meaning while psychology, helps us to find an answer.",
"Humans, by nature, ask questions about purpose in life and how to achieve its meaning. There might be several answers to this but one that can appeal to the modern mentality is the scientific one. Indeed, in the current positivist society, scientific answers are a good starting point for dialogue, which is a necessity in any collaborative endeavor. This article aims to look at the scientific efforts in answering these questions from the viewpoint of psychology.",
"To feel that one's life is important for someone or something is what psychologists understand as existential mattering or significance. This is not a narcissistic perception of life. Instead, this feeling of significance derives not from an overestimation of our virtues but for a humble need to “live a life you will remember” (Avicii, 2014), to believe that one's life counts (King & Hicks, 2021). This is the trickiest one to measure from a scientific perspective: how can someone be objectively sure that their lives would be significant as Alexander the Great, Napoleon, or Elvis Presley?",
"Of course, these three aspects of life are not everything there is to meaning in life, but they are the best answer so far in scientific terms. More research is currently being done in this direction and more insights will be found in the future about these fundamental aspects of human existence. This is what psychology has to say about meaning in life, this is how it has been studied so far."
],
"reference_number": 38
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"title": "Meaning of Life - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics",
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"description": "In subject area: Social Sciences · <strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> refers to the unique and specific significance that each individual assigns to their existence at any given moment, which varies from person to person and is tied to their individual responsibilities and vocations.",
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"The phenomenal world is not, in other words, or at least not originally, the array of objects imagined by physical science; nor is it the world spontaneously interpreted by a form of life. To that most impartial of observers, the infant, it is, rather, what William James in The Principles of Psychology described as “one great blooming, buzzing confusion” that assails the infant's “eyes, ears, nose, skin, and entrails at once …",
"Melton and Schulenberg (2008) attribute the sparseness of studies in this area to previous difficulties inherent in quantifying inner experiences, and psychological testing has not been embraced by the humanistic psychologists.",
"Frankl cannot tell us the meaning of life. Clinical psychologists cannot tell their clients the meaning of life.",
"‘Perseverance’ and ‘rationality’ were emphasized in the business classes, such as in the sixteenth-century Protestant Ethic (Weber, 1905). Personal ‘autonomy’ is more central among contemporary psychologists and pedagogues, who see the good life more in terms of ‘mental health’ than of ‘morality.’"
],
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"title": "Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide - Sanford L. Drob, 2022",
"url": "https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170",
"description": "A “psycho-axiological” model is presented that addresses both <strong>the</strong> <strong>psychological</strong> question of subjective “<strong>life</strong>-<strong>meaning</strong>” <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> philosophical question of “the mea...",
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"A “psycho-axiological” model is presented that addresses both the psychological question of subjective “life-meaning” and the philosophical question of “the meaning of life.” The author establishes the relationship between 14 essential “modes of mind” and human values and shows how these modes provide the basis for philosophical theories of the meaning of life and psychological research concerning life-meaning.",
"Intrinsic value and the meaning of life. In Seachris J. (Ed.), Exploring the meaning of life: An anthology and guide (pp. 219–334). John Wiley & Sons. (Originally published in Philosophical Papers, 34(3), 331–355). ... Auhagen A. (2000). On the psychology of the meaning of life.",
"Swiss Journal of Psychology, 59(1), 34–38. ... Baldwin M., Landau M. J., Swanson T. J. (2017). Metaphors can give life-meaning. Self and Identity, 17(2), 163–193.",
"Baumeister R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. Guilford Press. ... Baumeister R. F., Leary M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 497–529."
],
"reference_number": 40
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"title": "The Science of Meaning in Life - PubMed",
"url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/",
"description": "<strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>for</strong> ...",
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"Meaning in life has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience of meaning in life, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that meaning in life, for all its …",
"Keywords: existential psychology; meaning in life; meaning making; positive affect; purpose; well-being.",
"On the relation between meaning in life and psychological well-being.",
"The relationship between meaning in life and self-regulated learning among college students: the mediating effect of psychological capital and the moderating effect of phubbing."
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"title": "Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing",
"url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full",
"description": "AbstractResearch in the social, behavioral, and health sciences indicates that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is important for both mental and physical health. Despite the ...",
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"Meaning in life reflects the feeling that one's existence has significance, purpose, and coherence (see Heintzelman and King, 2014). A growing body of research identifies meaning in life as a fundamental human need that strongly influences both psychological and physical well-being (see Vail and Routledge, 2020).",
"Scholars have long recognized that meaning in life is an important psychological need. The more people feel meaningful, the more they experience overall positive psychological well-being (e.g., Steger and Frazier, 2005). Moreover, meaning reduces the risk for depression (e.g., Disabato et al., 2017), addiction (e.g., Kinnier et al., 1994), and suicide (e.g., Edwards and Holden, 2001).",
"Understanding why meaning matters so much for health and well-being paves the way for a broader analysis of existential health and the role it plays in societal flourishing. Meaning positively contributes to psychological and physical health because of its motivational and self-regulatory nature (see Hooker et al., 2018; Routledge, 2018).",
"Indeed, people with greater perceptions of meaning respond more positively to psychotherapy (Debats, 1996). Life often involves experiences of uncertainty, stress, sadness, and loss. Eventually, we all lose loved ones and must face death ourselves. Critically, meaning is a vital psychological resource for coping with these challenges (Park and Folkman, 1997)."
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"title": "Life - Wikipedia",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life",
"description": "This account is consistent with teleological <strong>explanations</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, which account for phenomena in terms of purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality (from the future to the past) is in contradiction with <strong>the</strong> <strong>scientific</strong> ...",
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"This account is consistent with teleological explanations of life, which account for phenomena in terms of purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality (from the future to the past) is in contradiction with the scientific evidence for natural selection, which explains the consequence in terms of a prior cause.",
"This idea was developed further by Julien Offray de La Mettrie (1709–1750) in his book L'Homme Machine. In the 19th century the advances in cell theory in biological science encouraged this view. The evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin (1859) is a mechanistic explanation for the origin of species by means of natural selection.",
"During the 1850s Hermann von Helmholtz, anticipated by Julius Robert von Mayer, demonstrated that no energy is lost in muscle movement, suggesting that there were no \"vital forces\" necessary to move a muscle. These results led to the abandonment of scientific interest in vitalistic theories, especially after Eduard Buchner's demonstration that alcoholic fermentation could occur in cell-free extracts of yeast.",
"The theory of spontaneous generation was proposed by Aristotle, who compiled and expanded the work of prior natural philosophers and the various ancient explanations of the appearance of organisms; it was considered the best explanation for two millennia. It was decisively dispelled by the experiments of Louis Pasteur in 1859, who expanded upon the investigations of predecessors such as Francesco Redi.",
"In the late 1740s, Carl Linnaeus introduced his system of binomial nomenclature for the classification of species. Linnaeus attempted to improve the composition and reduce the length of the previously used many-worded names by abolishing unnecessary rhetoric, introducing new descriptive terms and precisely defining their meaning."
],
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"title": "Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing - PMC",
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"Scholars have long recognized that meaning in life is an important psychological need. The more people feel meaningful, the more they experience overall positive psychological well-being (e.g., Steger and Frazier, 2005). Moreover, meaning reduces the risk for depression (e.g., Disabato et al., 2017), addiction (e.g., Kinnier et al., 1994), and suicide (e.g., Edwards and Holden, 2001).",
"Understanding why meaning matters so much for health and well-being paves the way for a broader analysis of existential health and the role it plays in societal flourishing. Meaning positively contributes to psychological and physical health because of its motivational and self-regulatory nature (see Hooker et al., 2018; Routledge, 2018).",
"Indeed, people with greater perceptions of meaning respond more positively to psychotherapy (Debats, 1996). Life often involves experiences of uncertainty, stress, sadness, and loss. Eventually, we all lose loved ones and must face death ourselves. Critically, meaning is a vital psychological resource for coping with these challenges (Park and Folkman, 1997)."
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"title": "Explaining life: Synthetic biology and non-scientific understandings of life - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/",
"description": "Most biocentrists are so-called ... significance [19]. This <strong>means</strong> that, for instance, vertebrates with the capacity to feel pain would deserve more moral consideration than would bacteria or plants. In addition to <strong>scientific</strong> <strong>and</strong> philosophical <strong>explanations</strong>, there are also religious ...",
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"Most biocentrists are so-called ‘non-egalitarian biocentrists’, which is to say that they argue that although all living organisms deserve moral consideration, they do not have equal moral significance [19]. This means that, for instance, vertebrates with the capacity to feel pain would deserve more moral consideration than would bacteria or plants. In addition to scientific and philosophical explanations, there are also religious views about life, which usually refer to a supernatural source of explanation such as a divine creator or an eternal law.",
"But this analysis would tell us nothing about the topic of the painting, the effect that it has on the viewer, the meaning that it may convey or its aesthetic value. An art lover might be impressed by the detailed scientific explanation of the composition and the origin of his or her favourite piece of art, but such an explanation would not address those aspects of the painting that he or she considers most important.",
"What is the meaning of life? How do we perceive life? The responses to these questions explain different aspects of life: biological explanations of the molecules and processes of living organisms; ontological explanations that aim to capture the essence or the abstract idea of life; phenomenological explanations for how humans perceive their own existence and that of other beings; religious explanations of non-material aspects of life such as a soul; and axiological explanations about the value of living organisms.",
"Ultimately, synthetic biologists ought to be aware of other explanations of life because this enables them to understand the limits of the explanatory power of their own models. This field is expected to provide important findings about the composition, function and evolutionary origin of living organisms. However, as discussed above, there are many other questions about life, which cannot be addressed by the methods of synthetic biology or science in general. Science alone cannot tell us anything about the meaning or value of life, nor can it explain the subjective perception of our own lives, because these aspects are not detectable by scientific methods."
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Copy
import { JigsawStack } from "jigsawstack";
const jigsaw = JigsawStack({ apiKey: "your-api-key" });
const response = await jigsaw.web.deep_research({
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
})
Copy
{
"success": true,
"query": "What is the meaning of life?",
"results": "The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" has been a central concern across human history, addressed from multiple disciplinary perspectives—philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological. Each approach offers unique insights, and together they reveal the complexity and richness of this enduring inquiry.\n\nPhilosophical Perspectives\n\nPhilosophers have long debated whether life has an inherent meaning or whether meaning must be created by individuals. Existentialism, for example, posits that life has no predetermined purpose; instead, individuals are free—and responsible—to create their own meaning through choices and actions. Jean-Paul Sartre famously argued that \"existence precedes essence,\" emphasizing personal freedom and responsibility in constructing meaning [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)]. Similarly, Albert Camus explored the concept of the absurd, highlighting the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the universe's indifference. Camus suggested that, even in the face of meaninglessness, one can find value by embracing the struggle itself [[6](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[8](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)].\n\nIn contrast, nihilism asserts that life is inherently meaningless, and any search for purpose is ultimately futile [[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)][[10](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/)]. However, not all philosophical traditions are so bleak. Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia, often translated as \"flourishing\" or \"well-being,\" suggests that the purpose of life is to live virtuously and fulfill one's potential [[5](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)]. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, proposes that the meaning of life lies in maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people [[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)].\n\nOther philosophical perspectives, such as Stoicism and Taoism, emphasize living in harmony with nature and accepting the things we cannot control, finding meaning in virtue, self-mastery, and balance [[7](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)]. Ultimately, many philosophers agree that the search for meaning is a deeply personal journey, shaped by individual values, experiences, and cultural context [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)].\n\nReligious Interpretations\n\nReligious traditions often provide structured answers to the question of life's meaning, typically rooted in the existence of a higher power or transcendent reality. In the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), life is seen as a gift from God, and its purpose is to serve, worship, and develop a relationship with the divine. Christianity, for example, teaches that humans are created in the image of God and are called to love God and others, seeking spiritual fulfillment and eternal life [[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)][[27](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)][[28](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)].\n\nIn Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the meaning of life is often linked to spiritual growth, self-realization, and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara). Taoism and Confucianism emphasize harmony, balance, and fulfilling one's role within the cosmos and society [[22](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)][[26](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)]. Religion also provides meaning through community, rituals, and shared beliefs, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, especially in times of crisis or loss [[19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)][[21](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[31](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)].\n\nScientific and Psychological Explanations\n\nFrom a scientific perspective, the question of life's meaning is often reframed in terms of biological imperatives—survival, reproduction, and the perpetuation of genes. Evolutionary theory explains the origins and development of life, but it does not address subjective experiences of meaning or purpose [[43](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)]. Some scientists and philosophers argue that science can describe how life works, but not why it exists or what it means [[30](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)].\n\nPsychology, particularly positive psychology, has explored how individuals find meaning in life. Research shows that having a sense of purpose, coherence, and significance is crucial for psychological well-being and resilience [[32](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)][[33](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)][[42](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)]. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, argued that the search for meaning is a fundamental human drive, and that even in the most difficult circumstances, people can find purpose through their attitudes and actions [[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[37](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)]. Psychological studies indicate that meaning in life is associated with greater happiness, lower rates of depression, and better coping with adversity [[34](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)][[41](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)].\n\nIntegration and Synthesis\n\nWhile philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological perspectives offer distinct answers, they are not mutually exclusive. Many contemporary thinkers suggest that meaning is multi-layered: it can be found in personal goals, relationships, contributions to society, spiritual beliefs, and the pursuit of knowledge or virtue [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[40](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)]. The meaning of life may not be a single, universal answer, but rather a tapestry woven from individual experiences, cultural narratives, and existential reflection. Ultimately, the search for meaning is a dynamic and ongoing process, shaped by the interplay of reason, faith, science, and personal growth.The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" remains one of humanity’s most profound and enduring inquiries, with no single, universally accepted answer. Instead, the meaning of life is explored through a tapestry of philosophical, religious, scientific, and psychological perspectives, each offering unique insights and frameworks for understanding existence.\n\nPhilosophically, perspectives range from existentialism—which asserts that individuals must create their own meaning in an indifferent universe—to nihilism, which denies any inherent purpose, and to traditions like Aristotle’s eudaimonia, which sees meaning in the pursuit of virtue and flourishing. Other approaches, such as Stoicism and Taoism, emphasize harmony, self-mastery, and acceptance of life’s circumstances. Ultimately, many philosophers agree that meaning is a personal journey, shaped by individual values, choices, and cultural context [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)][[5](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[6](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[7](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)][[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[11](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)][[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)].\n\nReligious interpretations often root life’s meaning in a relationship with the divine or a transcendent reality. Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) teach that life’s purpose is to serve and connect with God, while Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism focus on spiritual growth and liberation. Religion also provides meaning through community, rituals, and shared beliefs, offering comfort and a sense of belonging, especially during times of crisis [[19](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)][[21](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[22](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)][[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)][[26](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)][[27](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)][[28](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)][[31](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)].\n\nScientifically, the meaning of life is often reframed in terms of biological imperatives—survival, reproduction, and the perpetuation of genes. While evolutionary theory explains how life develops, it does not address subjective experiences of meaning. Many scientists and philosophers argue that science can describe the mechanisms of life, but not its ultimate purpose or value [[30](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[43](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)][[45](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)].\n\nPsychologically, research shows that having a sense of purpose, coherence, and significance is crucial for well-being and resilience. Meaning in life is associated with greater happiness, lower rates of depression, and better coping with adversity. Viktor Frankl’s work highlights the human drive to find meaning, even in suffering, and contemporary psychology emphasizes the importance of personal goals, relationships, and contributions to society [[18](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[32](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)][[33](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)][[34](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)][[37](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)][[41](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)][[42](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)].\n\nIn synthesis, the meaning of life is not a single, objective answer but a dynamic, multi-layered process. It can be found in personal growth, relationships, service, spiritual beliefs, and the pursuit of knowledge or virtue. The search for meaning is ongoing, shaped by the interplay of reason, faith, science, and personal experience. Ultimately, each person must navigate this journey for themselves, drawing from the diverse resources of human thought and culture [[9](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[13](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)][[40](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)].\n\n\n\n## References\n\n1. [The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)\n2. [Meaning of life - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)\n3. [Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/)\n4. [Meaning of LIfe: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/)\n5. [The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)\n6. [4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)\n7. [7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium](https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf)\n8. [nietzsche - Various Philosopher's Perspective on the Meaning or Purpose of Life - Philosophy Stack Exchange](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)\n9. [What is the Meaning of Life: A Comprehensive Exploration and Analysis](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)\n10. [r/askphilosophy on Reddit: What is truly the meaning of life?](https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/)\n11. [The meaning of life: exploring different philosophical perspectives](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee)\n12. [Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At Life | by Valerie | Dare To Be Better | Medium](https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/philosophies-that-can-change-the-way-you-look-at-life-92162c8427b5)\n13. [The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)\n14. [r/Existentialism on Reddit: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?](https://www.reddit.com/r/Existentialism/comments/qhrf9q/what_is_the_meaning_of_life_why_are_we_here/)\n15. [What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense)\n16. [What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)\n17. [What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective. | by Amlesh Ranjan | Medium](https://amleshranjan.medium.com/what-is-life-the-philosophical-perspective-aa4055f1f3ea)\n18. [Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective | by Edward Reid | Medium](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)\n19. [The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/)\n20. [Religion and the Meaning of Life](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E)\n21. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)\n22. [The Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)\n23. [Religion gives life meaning. Can anything else take its place? | Psyche Ideas](https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place)\n24. [The Image of God, Religion, and the Meaning of Life: Toward a Christian Philosophical Anthropology – In Pursuit of Truth | A Journal of Christian Scholarship](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)\n25. [What Is the Meaning of Life? | Desiring God](https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)\n26. [The Symbolism of the Tree of Life in Various Religions and Philosophies | | Alluring World](https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/)\n27. [The Meaning of Life - A Biblical Answer | Truth Story](https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/)\n28. [What is the Meaning of Life? Finding Your Purpose | Christianity.com](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html)\n29. [On religion, faith and meaning of life | by Samuela Davidova | Medium](https://medium.com/@DavidovaSamuela/on-religion-faith-and-meaning-of-life-02439f35c31a)\n30. [Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)\n31. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning)\n32. [What Is the Meaning of Life According to Positive Psychology](https://positivepsychology.com/meaning-of-life-positive-psychology/)\n33. [The Science of Meaning in Life | Annual Reviews](https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921)\n34. [Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)\n35. [Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life)\n36. [The meaning of life – a psychologist’s view](https://theconversation.com/the-meaning-of-life-a-psychologists-view-129274)\n37. [What Is the Meaning of Life? | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life)\n38. [The Meaning in Life: A Psychological Approach](https://www.byarcadia.org/post/the-meaning-in-life-a-psychological-approach)\n39. [Meaning of Life - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/meaning-of-life)\n40. [Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide - Sanford L. Drob, 2022](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00221678221116170)\n41. [The Science of Meaning in Life - PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32898466/)\n42. [Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)\n43. [Life - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life)\n44. [Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/)\n45. [Explaining life: Synthetic biology and non-scientific understandings of life - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/)\n",
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"title": "The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)",
"url": "https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/",
"description": "Seachris, J., 2021, “Meaning of Life: The <strong>Analytic Perspective</strong>”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
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"Goetz, S., 2012, The Purpose of Life: A Theistic Perspective, New York: Continuum. Goldman, A., 2018, Life’s Values: Pleasure, Happiness, Well-Being, and Meaning, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Greene, P., 2021, “It Doesn’t Matter Because One Day It Will End”, Ethical Theory and Moral Practice, 24: 165–82. Hanfling, O., 1987, The Quest for Meaning, New York: Basil Blackwell Inc. Hare, R. M., 1957, “Nothing Matters”, repr. in Applications of Moral Philosophy, London: Macmillan, 1972: 32–47.",
"Metz, T., 2021, “Life, Meaning of”, in Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy, E. Mason (ed.). O’Brien, W., 2021, “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
"Seachris, J., 2021, “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective”, in Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, J. Fieser and B.",
"Some think of the afterlife in terms of one’s soul entering a transcendent, spiritual realm (Heaven), while others conceive of one’s soul getting reincarnated into another body on Earth. According to the extreme version, if one has a soul but fails to put it in the right state (or if one lacks a soul altogether), then one’s life is meaningless. There are three prominent arguments for an extreme soul-based perspective."
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"title": "Meaning of life - Wikipedia",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "Wong has proposed that whether <strong>life</strong> is meaningful depends not only on subjective feelings but, more importantly, on whether a person's goal-striving and <strong>life</strong> as a whole is meaningful according to some objective normative standard. <strong>The</strong> <strong>philosophical</strong> <strong>perspectives</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> are those ...",
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"Wong has proposed that whether life is meaningful depends not only on subjective feelings but, more importantly, on whether a person's goal-striving and life as a whole is meaningful according to some objective normative standard. The philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life are those ideologies that explain life in terms of ideals or abstractions defined by humans.",
"The Legalists believed that finding the purpose of life was a meaningless effort. To the Legalists, only practical knowledge was valuable, especially as it related to the function and performance of the state. The religious perspectives on the meaning of life are those ideologies that explain life in terms of an implicit purpose not defined by humans.",
"The meaning of life is the concept of an individual's life, or existence in general, having an inherent significance or a philosophical point. There is no consensus on the specifics of such a concept or whether the concept itself even exists in any objective sense.",
"Thinking and discourse on the topic is sought in the English language through questions such as—but not limited to—\"What is the meaning of life?\", \"What is the purpose of existence?\", and \"Why are we here?\". There have been many proposed answers to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds. The search for life's meaning has produced much philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation throughout history.",
"Since a man does not alter, and his moral character remains absolutely the same all through his life; since he must play out the part which he has received, without the least deviation from the character; since neither experience, nor philosophy, nor religion can effect any improvement in him, the question arises, What is the meaning of life at all?"
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"title": "Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"url": "https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/",
"description": "All of these set the table for ... followed shortly by Thomas Nagel’s important 1971 essay on “The Absurd.” See “Meaning of Life: <strong>The Analytic Perspective</strong>......",
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"All of these set the table for a veritable feast of philosophical writing on the meaning of life that began in the 1950s with Kurt Baier’s essay “The Meaning of Life,” followed in 1970 by Richard Taylor’s influential essay on the same topic, followed shortly by Thomas Nagel’s important 1971 essay on “The Absurd.” See “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective” for more on the course of the debate in analytic philosophy about the meaning of life.",
"Seachris, J., 2012, “Meaning of Life: The Analytic Perspective,” The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Smith, S., (ed.), 1983, Ways of Wisdom: Readings on the Good Life, Lanham, MD: University Press of America.",
"For example, a person may be interested in his core or essence because he thinks that knowledge of that may reveal the goal or purpose of his life, a purpose that makes his life seem important and intelligible, and gives him a reason for going on, as well as insight into how he must live in order to have a meaningful life. It is commonly the case that several of the questions press themselves on the seeker all at the same time. One or more of these questions were of concern to the philosophers discussed below.",
"Distinct from all the above are second-order, analytic, conceptual questions of the sort that dominate current philosophical discussion of the issue in analytic circles. These questions are not so much about the meaning of life as about the meaning of “the meaning of life” and its component concepts (“meaning,” “life”), or related ones (“meaningfulness,” “meaninglessness,” “vanity,” “absurdity,” and so forth)."
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"title": "Meaning of LIfe: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"url": "https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/",
"description": "Looking back further into the origin of <strong>the worldview</strong> concept strengthens the connection between worldview and life’s meaning, and offers important clues that a worldview provides a kind of sense-making meaning. Nineteenth century German historian and philosopher, Wilhelm Dilthey, spoke of ...",
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"Looking back further into the origin of the worldview concept strengthens the connection between worldview and life’s meaning, and offers important clues that a worldview provides a kind of sense-making meaning. Nineteenth century German historian and philosopher, Wilhelm Dilthey, spoke of a worldview as a concept that “. . . constitutes an overall perspective on life that sums up what we know about the world, how we evaluate it emotionally, and how we respond to it volitionally.” Worldviews possess three distinct yet interrelated dimensions: cognitive, affective, and practical.",
"Seachris, Joshua W. “The Meaning of Life as Narrative: A New Proposal for Interpreting Philosophy’s ‘Primary’ Question.” Philo 12 (Spring-Summer 2009): 5-23. Seachris, Joshua W. “The Sub Specie Aeternitatis Perspective and Normative Evaluations of Life’s Meaningfulness: A Closer Look,” Ethical Theory and Moral Practice 16 (2013): 605-620.",
"Depending on whom one asks, the question, “What is the meaning of life?” is either the most profound question of human existence or else nothing more than a nonsensical request built on conceptual confusion, much like, “What does the color red taste like?” or “What is heavier than the heaviest object?” Ask a non-philosopher, “What do philosophers discuss?” and a likely answer will be, “The meaning of life.” Ask the same question of a philosopher within the analytic tradition, and you will rarely get this answer.",
"The sources of suspicion about the question within analytic philosophy, especially in earlier periods, are varied. First, the question of life’s meaning is conceptually challenging because of terms like “the” “meaning” and “life,” and especially given the grammatical form in which they are arranged."
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"title": "The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday",
"description": "<strong>Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find happiness and fulfillment, while others believe that the meaning of life is to serve a higher purpose or to make the world a better place</strong>. Still others believe that the meaning of life is simply to exist and to experience the world around us.",
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"This question has been asked by philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people alike, and it continues to be a topic of debate and contemplation today. There are many different theories and ideas about the meaning of life, and it is likely that there is no one \"correct\" answer.",
"Some people believe that the meaning of life is to find happiness and fulfillment, while others believe that the meaning of life is to serve a higher purpose or to make the world a better place. Still others believe that the meaning of life is simply to exist and to experience the world around us. One popular theory about the meaning of life is the idea of hedonism, which suggests that the purpose of life is to seek pleasure and avoid pain.",
"This theory is based on the belief that human beings are naturally driven to seek pleasure and avoid suffering, and that this is the ultimate goal of life. Another theory about the meaning of life is the idea of eudaimonia, which is a Greek term that translates to \"happiness\" or \"flourishing.\"",
"A third theory about the meaning of life is the idea of existentialism, which suggests that the meaning of life is something that each individual must create for themselves. This theory is based on the belief that life has no inherent meaning, and that it is up to each individual to give their own life meaning through their actions and choices."
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"title": "4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think",
"url": "https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/",
"description": "<strong>Existentialism</strong> is an approach to philosophy that focuses on the questions of human existence, including how to live a meaningful life in the face of a meaningless universe. Many thinkers and writers are associated with the movement, including Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.",
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"Many philosophical thinkers spent their careers finding a path to a meaningful life. While philosophers may disagree on the solution to the problem, they all offer interesting routes to a more meaningful existence.",
"A common question posed to philosophers and hermit gurus is, “What is the meaning of life?” It’s an important question. Having a sense of purpose in life is associated with positive health outcomes; conversely, not having one can leave a person feeling listless and lost.",
"Existentialism is an approach to philosophy that focuses on the questions of human existence, including how to live a meaningful life in the face of a meaningless universe. Many thinkers and writers are associated with the movement, including Nietzsche, Simone de Beauvoir, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.",
"He can assert the value of his life and embrace the meaninglessness of his task. By doing so, he can find meaning in the absurdity — even if his work comes to naught in the end. Sisyphus is Camus’s absurdist hero. While the primary existentialist thinkers were all atheists — Nietzsche raised the alarm on nihilism when he declared “God is dead” — the founder of the school was an extremely religious thinker by the name of Søren Kierkegaard. A Danish philosopher working in the first half of the 19th century, he turned his rather angsty disposition into a major philosophy."
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"title": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@rolendpetalcorin/7-philosophies-of-the-meaning-of-life-that-interest-me-4a2c5ca72daf",
"description": "A German <strong>philosopher</strong> whose <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is defined as the denial of the will to live. He was wealthy but suffered with loneliness and isolation. These situations led him to the question: He…",
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"A Danish philosopher who proposed the idea that life can be meaningful and worth living only if one believes genuinely and passionately in the Christian God. Meaning, he said, is invaluably linked to unity — a sense of averageness. Nothing is uplifting than being surrounded with people with similar values as we do.",
"The entire picture of life is clearly seen if and only if the pieces are completely puzzled together. These pieces are us and the puzzle is where the meaning of existence is contained. What we call progress is really just the process of coordination and playing one’s role. This is the “Later Heidegger.” · A British philosopher who denied Nietzsche’s claim that life should be in pursuit of power.",
"Another influential figure whom I agree with is Martin Heidegger, a great German philosopher whose philosophy regarding the meaning of life is presented in living with authenticity.",
"This desire to leave something old and build something new is what we call improvement and there’s nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, it’s actually life-or-death essential to our well-being. And, it’s an opportunity to grow. But what happens when the purpose of everything we pursue lacks clear perspective or utterly wrong?"
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"title": "nietzsche - Various Philosopher's Perspective on the Meaning or Purpose of Life - Philosophy Stack Exchange",
"url": "https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life",
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"I'm teaching a high-school philosophy club at the school I work at, but the problem is that I haven't had any real formal education in philosophy and have only a novice knowledge of the subject, which comes from reading various philosophy books and watching youtube videos. Last meeting though, the students said that they want to talk about, \"the meaning of life,\" for our next meeting, and I though that it would be an apt subject, but I don't know where to start.",
"Camus takes it a bit further by saying that no meaning can be found, nevertheless we can find comfort in living a meaningless life. Finally, Nietzsche claims that life has absolutely no meaning. ... From the perspective of Stoicism and Buddhism, search the writings of Epictetus and Siddhartha (The Buddha).",
"My only problem is that I want to give them maybe 5-7 different sources, each from a different philosopher (however, not just western philosophy), that embodies how each philosopher views life, and I don't really know where to look. Not many philosophers seem to talk directly about the meaning of life nor how to live a successful one.",
"Soliciting and articulating viewpoints has not one iota of relevance to philosophy, i.e. love of wisdom (read: respect for obtaining knowledge). I am not saying that reading intelligent literature about imponderables such as the meaning or purpose of life is not a worthwhile endeavor."
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"title": "What is the Meaning of Life: A Comprehensive Exploration and Analysis",
"url": "https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/",
"description": "Philosophers have long grappled with the meaning of life. <strong>Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that life has no inherent meaning; instead, individuals must create their own purpose through choices and actions</strong>. Sartre’s famous dictum, “existence precedes essence,” suggests that ...",
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"Discover different perspectives on the meaning of life. Explore philosophical and scientific viewpoints on this thought-provoking topic. Another article from the Achology Knowledge Hub.",
"The question “What is the meaning of life?” has intrigued philosophers, scientists, and thinkers for centuries. It’s a profound query that delves into existential and metaphysical realms, seeking to understand the purpose and significance of human existence. This article explores various perspectives on the meaning of life, drawing from philosophy, religion, science, and personal reflection.",
"Philosophers have long grappled with the meaning of life. Existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre argue that life has no inherent meaning; instead, individuals must create their own purpose through choices and actions. Sartre’s famous dictum, “existence precedes essence,” suggests that humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must forge their own paths. This perspective emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility, highlighting the role of individual agency in constructing meaning.",
"This personalized meaning-making process underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the search for life’s meaning. While philosophical, religious, and scientific views provide structured interpretations, integrating these perspectives can offer a more holistic understanding of the meaning of life."
],
"reference_number": 9
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"title": "r/askphilosophy on Reddit: What is truly the meaning of life?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/askphilosophy/comments/ys7vtg/what_is_truly_the_meaning_of_life/",
"description": "For many philosophers, (Fackenheim for example as well as tolstoy) the meaning of life is <strong>to connect to a divine reality and carry out gods laws</strong>. For other perspectives (like the Buddhist one), the meaning of life is also to connect to a reality outside of this one.",
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"87 votes, 56 comments. For me making your own meaning isn't satisfying. Is there a philosophy out there that can be better than this?",
"Posted by u/Peasant_hacking - 87 votes and 56 comments",
"First are those who believe meaning in life is solely subjective; they claim there is no inherent meaning, but rather meaning must be made. This includes several of the big · Existentialist philosophers (Sartre, Nietzsche) and is a common belief by laymen.",
"There are degrees and kinds of nihilism, but if we're talking strictly about value nihilism (that there exists no meaning in life at all), Camus can be counted among them, arguing that the meaning of Sartre and other Existentialists was a false hope, distracting them from facing their absurd, meaningless reality. This position is the most rare of them all for philosophers."
],
"reference_number": 10
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"title": "The meaning of life: exploring different philosophical perspectives",
"url": "https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-exploring-different-philosophical-perspectives-lee",
"description": "One of the most well-known philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life is <strong>existentialism</strong>. According to this perspective, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.",
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"One of the most well-known philosophical perspectives on the meaning of life is existentialism. According to this perspective, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. Instead, we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions.",
"This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom of choice, as each individual must create their own meaning in life. Another philosophical perspective on the meaning of life is utilitarianism. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people.",
"The meaning of life, according to this perspective, is to create as much happiness as possible and reduce suffering as much as possible. A third philosophical perspective on the meaning of life is found in the teachings of Aristotle.",
"While each of these philosophical perspectives provides a unique answer to the question of the meaning of life, there is no definitive answer. Ultimately, the meaning of life is a deeply personal question that each individual must answer for themselves. It may be helpful to consider different perspectives and find the one that resonates most with your own beliefs and values."
],
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"title": "Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At Life | by Valerie | Dare To Be Better | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/dare-to-be-better/philosophies-that-can-change-the-way-you-look-at-life-92162c8427b5",
"description": "All of us relate more to one or more <strong>philosophical</strong> views on <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, even if we don’t name them. A <strong>life</strong> philosophy gives us an understanding of where we are going and what’s the point of…",
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"A philosophy of life is any general attitude towards the meaning of life or of the way life should be lived.",
"A life philosophy gives us an understanding of where we are going and what’s the point of it all. I’ve never heard of solipsism before so when I read an article about it, it got me thinking: What do people believe in? What are other popular philosophical views that shape who we are? This curious infographic can give you a general idea. For more, keep scrolling. ... If you are interested in philosophy but not to the point to become a Philosophy major, there is a fun little book by Paul Kleinman that I would recommend.",
"It covers the important philosophical ideas and milestones in a surprisingly non-boring way.",
"Solipsism And Other Amazing Theories About Life"
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"title": "The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes",
"url": "https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736",
"description": "From ancient sages to contemporary thinkers, the question of <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> or purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> has elicited diverse and often conflicting <strong>perspectives</strong>. This essay endeavors to delve into some of the most prominent <strong>philosophical</strong> viewpoints on this profound inquiry, ranging from existentialism and ...",
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"From ancient sages to contemporary thinkers, the question of the meaning or purpose of life has elicited diverse and often conflicting perspectives. This essay endeavors to delve into some of the most prominent philosophical viewpoints on this profound inquiry, ranging from existentialism and nihilism to religious interpretations, in an attempt to shed light on the elusive essence of human existence.",
"Integration and Synthesis: While existentialism, nihilism, and religious interpretations offer distinct perspectives on the meaning of life, they are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Indeed, individuals may draw insights from each philosophical framework, synthesizing existentialist notions of freedom and self-creation with religious beliefs in divine purpose or moral order.",
"Philosophy document from Harvard University, 2 pages, Title: Exploring the Essence of Existence: A Philosophical Inquiry into the Meaning of Life Introduction: The quest to unravel the mystery of human existence has been a perennial pursuit throughout the annals of philosophical discourse.",
"From the existentialist assertion of individual autonomy and self-creation to the nihilistic recognition of life's inherent absurdity and the religious quest for transcendent meaning, diverse philosophical perspectives offer illuminating insights into the enigma of human existence."
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"title": "r/Existentialism on Reddit: What is the meaning of life? Why are we here?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/Existentialism/comments/qhrf9q/what_is_the_meaning_of_life_why_are_we_here/",
"description": "336 votes, 455 comments. I'm just asking this question because after realizing that religion is nothing but a fantasy story made to be fun for…",
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"Posted by u/kjwhimsical-91 - 336 votes and 455 comments",
"The meaning of 2+2=4 4 is the answer, but we are not completely Understand the universe, the universe cannot be explained by mathematics, so as a human being, having feelings can bring meaning, and then if you fully understand the universe, it can also bring meaning, but at present, you don’t know what meaning is, or you can enter the third-person perspective. draw completely life is meaningless conclusions",
"Please note posts should relate to Existential philosophy and literature. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism if you are unsure, and the reading list. ... I'm just asking this question because after realizing that religion is nothing but a fantasy story made to be fun for grown-ups, this made me question my existence as a human being. Do you know what life really means?",
"Yeah I'd be good at the sport to some degree if the dream was actually achieved (in this case it would be baseball), but I probably would feel dead on the inside mostly due to the things I mentioned already and the knowledge that I have acquired as I've aged and come to the realization of how life really is. I was embellished when I was younger and pretty much all the way up until I was in my mid 20's until I had some raw ass experiences that put reality into a much realer perspective."
],
"reference_number": 14
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"title": "What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora",
"url": "https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense",
"description": "Answer (1 of 94): My personal answer is going to be pretty religious, since I try to be. Anyone turned off by G-d talk should just skip to someone else’s answer. I believe the purpose <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, to the best we can understand G-d’s motives for anything, is that “it’s the nature of good ...",
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"Answer (1 of 94): My personal answer is going to be pretty religious, since I try to be. Anyone turned off by G-d talk should just skip to someone else’s answer. I believe the purpose of life, to the best we can understand G-d’s motives for anything, is that “it’s the nature of good to have some..."
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"title": "What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now",
"url": "https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life",
"description": "The following answers to this fundamental question each win a random book.",
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"I listen enthralled to scientific debate on what, how, when and where life was created. However, questions remain which may never be resolved. In this vacuum, philosophers and religious thinkers have attempted to give meaning to life by suggesting goals: Plato suggested the acquisition of knowledge, Aristotle to practice virtue, and the Stoics, mental fortitude and self-control.",
"Today’s philosophers echo the existentialist view that life is full of absurdity, although they also tell us that we must put meaning into life by making our own values in an indifferent world.",
"You can read four articles free per month. To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please ... Life is the aspect of existence that processes, acts, reacts, evaluates, and evolves through growth (reproduction and metabolism).",
"Life as fear and hatred is not real life at all. For some, life is God. We would all then be His children. We are nevertheless the spawn of the Earth. Human existence is freedom – an edifice of plurality. ... If the ancients could do philosophy in the marketplace, maybe I can too."
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"title": "What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective. | by Amlesh Ranjan | Medium",
"url": "https://amleshranjan.medium.com/what-is-life-the-philosophical-perspective-aa4055f1f3ea",
"description": "From a <strong>philosophical</strong> standpoint, we can see <strong>life</strong> as a profound and meaningful existence that goes beyond mere physical processes. <strong>Life</strong> involves the capacity for consciousness, self-awareness, and the…",
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"Member-only story · Amlesh Ranjan · 2 min read · ·Aug 22, 2023 · -- 1 · Share · Press enter or click to view image in full size · What is Life? The Philosophical Perspective: Amlesh Ranjan · Understanding life through philosophy means looking at more than just science and evidence.",
"From a philosophical standpoint, we can see life as a profound and meaningful existence that goes beyond mere physical processes. Here are some philosophical perspectives on life: CONSCIOUSNESS AND EXPERIENCE · Life involves the capacity for consciousness, self-awareness, and the ability to perceive and experience the world.",
"Life is about finding purpose and meaning by fulfilling a unique role or contributing to the greater good.. ... Life encompasses the capacity to make choices, exercise free will, and take responsibility for one’s actions. ... Life is about finding answers to questions about yourself and the world around you. These questions include who you are, why you're here, and how to be true to yourself.. ... II Supporting You to Flourish at the intersection of Work & Life through Coaching Conversations, Group Interventions, and Writing II Author, 'The Penta Life' II"
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"title": "Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective | by Edward Reid | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484",
"description": "Despite technological advancements, ... remains one of humanity’s deepest struggles. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor offers wise insights into this dilemma, reminding us that the quest for <strong>meaning</strong> is not just a psychological necessity but a <strong>philosophical</strong> imperative. In his seminal work Man’s Search for <strong>Meaning</strong>, he writes: “<strong>Life</strong> is never made ...",
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"Despite technological advancements, wealth, and comfort, searching for meaning remains one of humanity’s deepest struggles. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, and Holocaust survivor offers wise insights into this dilemma, reminding us that the quest for meaning is not just a psychological necessity but a philosophical imperative. In his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning, he writes: “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”",
"The search for meaning is not unique to Frankl; it has deep roots in philosophy. Socrates famously declared: ... What matters most to me? How do my actions align with my values? This process of self-reflection, while daunting, is the first step toward discovering what makes life meaningful. Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia, often translated as “flourishing,”- emphasizes living in accordance with virtue and striving to fulfill one’s potential.",
"I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a profound impact on my life, and a thought came to my mind: This…",
"I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a profound…"
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"reference_number": 18
},
{
"title": "The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC",
"url": "https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4580713/",
"description": "People turn to religious beliefs and activities in order to find meaning in complex and incomprehensible events. Religious interpretations <strong>enable individuals to perceive daily experiences in terms of universal goals and provide explanations for situations of high ambiguity and threat</strong>.",
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"Keywords: Meaning in life, Religious coping, Psychological well-being, Purpose and significance · One of the factors that affect human functioning is meaning in life. Many psychologists consider it to be a vital part of mental processes and behaviour (Frankl 1979; Steger 2012; Wong 1998). It enables individuals to interpret and organize their daily experience, achieve goals, and categorize important objects.",
"Finally, religion makes direct claims to provide a sense of significance as it facilitates people’s efforts to interpret their experiences in terms of existential intentions and meaning which is embedded within religion’s sacred character. The ability of religion to provide meaning in life is particularly noticeable in the context of coping with stress and major life events.",
"It is especially noticeable in the context of religious coping that is strongly connected to the domain of meaning (Pargament et al. 2004; Park 2005, 2013). Approaching challenging and problematic life circumstances, individuals draw on the orienting system of religion and meaning through which they interpret and handle stressful situations.",
"There are two questions that can arise in the context of the current research: why presence of meaning in life turned out to be a partial mediator and why only negative coping was related to PWB. According to recent research, meaning is a central element of religion because every religion addresses important questions related to a sense of purpose and significance (Hood et al. 2009; Park 2013). People turn to religious beliefs and activities in order to find meaning in complex and incomprehensible events. Religious interpretations enable individuals to perceive daily experiences in terms of universal goals and provide explanations for situations of high ambiguity and threat."
],
"reference_number": 19
},
{
"title": "Religion and the Meaning of Life",
"url": "https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E",
"description": "This book is unique in its willingness to transcend a more secular stance and <strong>explore how one's belief in God may be relevant to life's meaning</strong>. Religion and the Meaning of Life's interdisciplinary approach makes it useful to philosophers, religious studies scholars, psychologists, students, ...",
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"Kiper, Jordan 2024. Moral Injury as a Precondition for Reconciliation: An Anthropology of Veterans’ Lives and Peacemaking. Religions, Vol. 15, Issue. 9, p. 1089. ... Attoe, Aribiah David 2024. A Patient-centred Concept(ion) of Life’s Meaningfulness: Lessons from African Perspectives.",
"This book is unique in its willingness to transcend a more secular stance and explore how one's belief in God may be relevant to life's meaning. Religion and the Meaning of Life's interdisciplinary approach makes it useful to philosophers, religious studies scholars, psychologists, students, and general readers alike.",
"Unlike many other works on life's meaning, it treats this topic with the vitality it rightly deserves, engaging desires of both heart and mind. Williams demonstrates a deep understanding of the human condition, the widespread hunger for meaning, and the unique and powerful ways that religion can satiate that hunger.'",
"Metz, Thaddeus 2021. Supernaturalist analytic existentialism: Critical notice of Clifford Williams’ Religion and the meaning of life. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, Vol. 89, Issue. 2, p."
],
"reference_number": 20
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"title": "Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect",
"url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064",
"description": "Religion is one of the major resources used to generate <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an invo…",
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"Religion is one of the major resources used to generate meaning in life. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an involvement in a community of like-minded others. The purpose of this study is to differentiate between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning at the end stage of life.",
"Twelve women, who resided at various assisted-living facilities, participated in qualitative interviews about the current and past meaning of religion in their lives. They were distributed among fundamental Christian, Catholic, liberal Protestant, and Jewish faiths. Differences between and within the groups were the result of the content, as well as certainty, of belief. These differences influenced the sufficiency of a belief system to construct life meaning.",
"When belief alone was insufficient, life meaning was supplemented with social and secular interactions. According to Marshall (1986, p. 125), humans must “create the meanings that allow us to make sense of, and to make our way in, the world”. Religious beliefs offer an explanation for the fundamental meaning of life (Stark, 1999) and have always been a viable source of meaning in individuals' lives through positive beliefs, rituals, symbols, traditions, and support Hadaway, 1978, Hadden, 1995.",
"The need to generate meaning may become more significant in old age, as societal roles and opportunities lessen, and death draws nearer. Rentsch (1997, p. 270) describes aging as “a communicative, self-reflective process of forming a unique totality, a forming that is essentially highlighted by a change of view towards a meaningful and enduring life”. Religion may be especially important in finding such meaning."
],
"reference_number": 21
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist",
"url": "https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/",
"description": "<strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is a philosophical question concerning the significance <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as "Why are we here?","What is <strong>life</strong> all about?", and "What is the purpose of existence?" It has been the subject of much philosophi...",
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"The meaning of life is a philosophical question concerning the significance of life or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as \"Why are we here?\",\"What is life all about?\", and \"What is the purpose of existence?\" It has been the subject of much philosophical,scientific, and theological speculation throughout history.",
"The meaning of life is in the philosophical and religious conceptions of existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness, and borders on many other issues, such as symbolic meaning, ontology, value, purpose, ethics, good and evil, free will, the existence of one or multiple Gods, conceptions of God, the soul, and the afterlife.",
"In other words, all existence is a kind of machine that came into existence by chance, or for an unknown reason and our sense of self and free will is merely an illusion which are a by-product of brain or this machine-like activity. Life in this belief in itself does not carry any meaning or purpose. Confucianism Confucianism is not officially considered a world religion because it is not organized as such.",
"The idea is for the student to find balance in life where yin represents inactivity, rest, and reflection, while yang represents activity and creativity. The basic feature of Taoism is to restore balance. Shinto Shinto is the native religion of Japan. Shinto means “the path of the kami”, but more specifically, it can be taken to mean “the divine crossroad where the kami chooses his way”. The “divine” crossroad signifies that all the universe is divine spirit."
],
"reference_number": 22
},
{
"title": "Religion gives life meaning. Can anything else take its place? | Psyche Ideas",
"url": "https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place",
"description": "<strong>Religious</strong> faith promotes a sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> – and it might take more than ‘social glue’ to duplicate the effect",
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"Whether you accept this philosophical claim or not, the fact that many people seem to believe that God or other supernatural entities are necessary for life to be meaningful suggests that, psychologically, there is some important connection between religious faith and the sense of meaning in life.",
"Although psychologists are divided on exactly how to define perceived meaning in life – some suggest it is about making sense of one’s life, others that it’s about seeing value and significance in it – they often assess meaning in life simply by asking how strongly people agree with statements such as: ‘At present, I find my life very meaningful.’ And research has consistently supported the idea that perceived meaning in life is tightly linked with religion.",
"Numerous other studies have found that religiousness is positively correlated with perceived meaning in life. There is also some experimental evidence that, when presented with a threat to their sense of meaning, people show increased belief in miraculous events – suggesting that they are turning to religion to bolster their perceptions of meaning in life.",
"Since the 19th century, philosophers (eg, Friedrich Nietzsche), novelists (eg, Fyodor Dostoyevsky) and sociologists (eg, Émile Durkheim) have speculated that societal trends away from religion would lead to a crisis of meaning. Since recent data indicate that people around the world are becoming less religious, it is natural to wonder whether secular society can duplicate the existential benefits of religion. In order to do so, we would need to understand how it is, exactly, that religious faith makes life feel meaningful."
],
"reference_number": 23
},
{
"title": "The Image of God, Religion, and the Meaning of Life: Toward a Christian Philosophical Anthropology – In Pursuit of Truth | A Journal of Christian Scholarship",
"url": "https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/",
"description": "Prospectus: This paper notes the challenge of scientific naturalism to religion and Christianity and briefly denies that naturalism is supported by science. It then outlines an alternative perspec…",
"content": null,
"site_name": "C.S. Lewis Foundation",
"site_long_name": "cslewis.org",
"age": "2012-02-09T02:37:49.000Z",
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"This paper notes the challenge of scientific naturalism to religion and Christianity and briefly denies that naturalism is supported by science. It then outlines an alternative perspective in two stages. The first is an account of the biblical doctrine of the image of God as the essence and meaning of human life.",
"Based on the first, the second stage outlines a Christian philosophical anthropology that challenges scientific naturalism by articulating the essentially religious nature of human life. The theme of Oxbridge 2008–the image of God, the self, and the search for meaning–is a profound engagement of the perennial philosophy–the universal human quest for wisdom—by the specific claims of Jesus Christ, who is “the very image of the invisible God” (Col.",
"Nothing human is beyond its scope. Thus it constitutes the generic meaning of life. We consider each dimension in turn. Most basically, humanity is defined in relation to God as his image and likeness. Genesis 1 responds to the cosmic theocracies of the ancient near-eastern religions.",
"Third, the nature of the whole is religious, which means that all the parts are ordered so that relating to God is a natural capacity, need, and activity that directly or indirectly orients and motivates how the parts are supported and operate. Our brains are designed for basic beliefs and values that shape life, and our brains in turn are affected by how we live out our basic beliefs and values."
],
"reference_number": 24
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{
"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life? | Desiring God",
"url": "https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-the-meaning-of-life",
"description": "When <strong>life</strong> just doesn’t seem to make sense, or even when it seems void of any <strong>meaning</strong> at all, what can help us to know our purpose again?",
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"Oh, Abijah, that’s your life, right? The words for various trials mean “all kinds of trials” — literally, “many colors of trials and tests.” What an amazing interpretation of this world and our place in it! The meaning of suffering in this life is the refinement of faith by the fires of various trials, that we might know God, love God, show God as more precious than everything that the fires consume.",
"So, I have been dealing with much in life, which has been really hard for the past three years. Normally I could face life’s challenges with the assurance that God was in control and that I could trust him. But beginning in 2018, I started to get really depressed about the whole meaning of life and my own purpose.",
"It was in the midst of my challenges that I lost someone I really loved, and it broke me like nothing ever has. My entire view of God and life has been shattered. I can’t seem to get myself out of wondering why life is even a thing. Life, at least my life, often feels like it has no meaning.",
"Abijah, I hear three distinct and interrelated sorrows that have brought you to this place of doubt about the meaning of your life. I hear depression; I hear loss; I hear a kind of fixation in your mind. You say, “I can’t seem to get myself out of wondering why life is even a thing.” In other words, the tape keeps playing over and over in your mind: Is life really significant at all?"
],
"reference_number": 25
},
{
"title": "The Symbolism of the Tree of Life in Various Religions and Philosophies | | Alluring World",
"url": "https://www.alluringworld.com/the-symbolism-of-the-tree-of-life-in-various-religions-and-philosophies/",
"description": "Discover the Tree <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong>, a timeless symbol of interconnectedness and creation. Explore its significance across religions, cultures, and spiritual beliefs.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Alluring World",
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"The powerful image of eternal life and God’s original plan for harmony continues to resonate, representing a longing for a lost paradise and a future restoration, and even though some interpretations within Judaism and Christianity link the Tree of Life in Genesis to later concepts like the Tree of Life mentioned in the Book of Revelation, it simply suggest a cyclical theme of loss and eventual redemption where access to eternal life is restored in God’s presence.",
"As a symbol of the soul’s journey toward divine unity, the Tree of Life provides a roadmap for spiritual ascent, where the individual soul seeks to reconnect with its divine source by traversing the pathways and understanding the sefirot. Different schools of Kabbalah offer various interpretations and practices related to the Tree of Life, making it a rich and multifaceted symbol within Jewish mysticism.",
"The absence of the specific term ‘Tree of Life‘ doesn’t diminish the presence of similar concepts; however, the Tree in Paradise (Shajarat al-Khald), as mentioned in the Qur’an, holds comparable significance. While sometimes linked to the tree from which Adam and Eve ate (and thus associated with the loss of immortality), the interpretation as a representation of divine knowledge and eternity offers a broader understanding.",
"The more abstract interpretation enables a deeper understanding of the tree not just as a physical entity, but as a symbol of the very essence of divine wisdom and the eternal nature of God and Paradise. Some Islamic scholars have also drawn parallels between this tree and concepts of heavenly blessings and the interconnectedness of creation within the Islamic worldview, and while not as elaborately detailed as the Kabbalistic Tree of Life, the Tree in Paradise in Islam carries a similar weight in representing fundamental themes of eternity, knowledge, and the divine realm."
],
"reference_number": 26
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life - A Biblical Answer | Truth Story",
"url": "https://truthstory.org/blog/meaning-life-biblical-answer/",
"description": "How the world considers <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, contrasted with the Bible’s answer & why it matters from a Christian perspective. Short answer + long answer.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Truth Story",
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"Psychoanalyst Carl Jung wrote, “Really, I don’t know what the meaning or purpose of life is, but it looks exactly as if something were meant by it.” Novelist Joseph Heller said he had no answers to the meaning of life “and no longer want to search for any.” · From the lofty aspirations of religious leaders to the nonsensical pronouncements of potheads, everyone has a take on the meaning of life.",
"And through him we can understand the meaning of life and our ultimate destiny. ... Brandon Clay is a Christian (Reformed Baptist). He earned a BA in history from the University of Texas and an MA in theological studies from Southern Seminary. Brandon is married and has 4 children, one of whom (Knox) is now with the Lord. Pingback: Os assuntos mais pesquisados no Google sobre Deus, Religião, Fé, Bíblia.",
"“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, 20th century Comparative Religion Scholar",
"In this post, I aim to review explore the significance of “meaning”, review some false but popular musings on the meaning of life, and finally cover how the Bible answers the perennial question on what is the meaning of life."
],
"reference_number": 27
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{
"title": "What is the Meaning of Life? Finding Your Purpose | Christianity.com",
"url": "https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-life/what-is-the-meaning-of-life.html",
"description": "<strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is connecting with the purpose, and for that purpose to guide us into development and service. We have this intrinsic, burning desire to know what we are made to do, but before can get on board with developing into that, we need to understand why we are here.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Christianity.com",
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"age": "2020-12-18T13:10:23.000Z",
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"James 1:12 - “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life.” · The call to action for Christians is service. It isn’t sacrifice (Jesus did that), it isn’t religious practice, and it isn’t fame.",
"Life. (noun). 1. The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death. 2. The existence of an individual human being or animal. If only it was this easy, right? Typically when we search for the meaning of life, we are searching from a painful and isolated place.",
"Oddly enough, a textbook definition like the above actually has the opposite effect of what we are looking for in these times. That’s because we aren’t looking for the shell of what life is. We are looking for what life is made up of and what it means for us.",
"If the meaning of life is to connect with purpose, we must connect with our source. To do that, we must connect with the Creator— that is to identify ourselves as made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created human beings in his own image.” Identifying ourselves with God is awfully difficult to do if we have not explored the character of God first."
],
"reference_number": 28
},
{
"title": "On religion, faith and meaning of life | by Samuela Davidova | Medium",
"url": "https://medium.com/@DavidovaSamuela/on-religion-faith-and-meaning-of-life-02439f35c31a",
"description": "I aim to point out to <strong>the</strong> <strong>interpretation</strong>: be it the infantile compensation in the institutionalized religion (above the individual), or people who practice praying and in the psychological sense they unconsciously start taking actions towards achieving the desired objective. If it succeeds, then god heard me; if it does not, then god had a higher plans. It helps psychologically to process the reality <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>...",
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"I aim to point out to the interpretation: be it the infantile compensation in the institutionalized religion (above the individual), or people who practice praying and in the psychological sense they unconsciously start taking actions towards achieving the desired objective. If it succeeds, then god heard me; if it does not, then god had a higher plans. It helps psychologically to process the reality of life: someone dies and the reality is our own mortality, whereas many religions or other fairytales help to narrate interpretation of loss (death, relationship, friendship…) or other things which are hard to process (shame, guilt, sadness…).",
"My friend asked about my current perception of religion as I’ve been invalidating it in the way he saw it, so I decided to elaborate on it since he asked and it’s been ~ 3 months since we’ve been discussing it, and meanwhile, I formed a more complex view. Enjoy. I’ve been talking to a few religious people and asking about their motivations and stuff. I think it’s good to see the different. sides, which are to me: institutionalized religion (purely power thing, parental figure, they interpret the sayings for people and usually do not permit other versions; the problem is this is common)",
"2. religion individually interpreted (e.g. *** one guy - has this position, but anyway the writings are narrated certain way): person who questioned religion and then returned to it as a source of faith and god creating sort of meaning of life for the person.",
"My friend asked about my current perception of religion as I’ve been invalidating it in the way he saw it, so I decided to elaborate on it since he asked and it’s been ~ 3 months since we’ve been…"
],
"reference_number": 29
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{
"title": "Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia",
"url": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "While scientific approaches to <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> aim to describe relevant empirical facts about human existence, philosophers are concerned about the relationship between ideas such as the proper <strong>interpretation</strong> <strong>of</strong> empirical data.",
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"The question of the meaning of life is perhaps the most fundamental \"why?\" in human existence. It relates to the purpose, use, value, and reason for individual existence and that of the universe. This question has resulted in a wide range of competing answers and explanations, from scientific to philosophical and religious explanations, to explorations in literature.",
"Science, while providing theories about the How and What of life, has been of limited value in answering questions of meaning—the Why of human existence. Philosophy and religion have been of greater relevance, as has literature. Diverse philosophical positions include essentialist, existentialist, skeptic, nihilist, pragmatist, humanist, and atheist.",
"The essentialist position, which states that a purpose is given to our life, usually by a supreme being, closely resembles the viewpoint of the Abrahamic religions. ... While philosophy approaches the question of meaning by reason and reflection, religions approach the question from the perspectives of revelation, enlightenment, and doctrine.",
"Generally, religions have in common two most important teachings regarding the meaning of life: 1) the ethic of the reciprocity of love among fellow humans for the purpose of uniting with a Supreme Being, the provider of that ethic; and 2) spiritual formation towards an afterlife or eternal life as a continuation of physical life."
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"reference_number": 30
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"title": "Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning",
"url": "https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222554789_Religion_and_life_meaning_Differentiating_between_religious_beliefs_and_religious_community_in_constructing_life_meaning",
"description": "Religion teaches one a sense of ... sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong>, belongingness, and attachment which then serve as a source of emotional and psychological comfort to individuals in times of stressful and <strong>life</strong>-threatening situations · (Fletcher, 2004;Gall, Miguez de Renart, & Boonstra, 2000;Koenig, 2013). Another reason is that religion may provide a guiding context for how individuals will view, <strong>interpret</strong>, perceive, ...",
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"Religion teaches one a sense of self-acceptance and provides one with a deeper sense of meaning, belongingness, and attachment which then serve as a source of emotional and psychological comfort to individuals in times of stressful and life-threatening situations · (Fletcher, 2004;Gall, Miguez de Renart, & Boonstra, 2000;Koenig, 2013). Another reason is that religion may provide a guiding context for how individuals will view, interpret, perceive, and approach stressful life events.",
"With the aid of a scale to measure extrinsic and intrinsic orientation this research confirmed previous findings and added a 4th: people who are indiscriminately proreligious are the most prejudiced of all. The interpretations offered are in terms of cognitive style. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved) ... This study explores how religion constructs a meaning and provides a guiding view of life for the rural elderly in upstate New York.",
"Findings by Campbell et al. in The Quality of American Life suggesting that religious people tend to be somewhat less satisfied with their lives than the nonreligious are reexamined in this paper. Using the same data source and variables it is shown that their interpretation is in error, and that to the contrary, religion functions more as a resource than as compensation.",
"Download Citation | Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning | Religion is one of the major resources used to generate meaning in life. An individual's religion involves not only a set of beliefs, but also an..."
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"reference_number": 31
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"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life According to Positive Psychology",
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"description": ""What is <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>?" How would a positive <strong>psychology</strong> practitioner answer this question? Let's take a deep dive into <strong>meaning</strong>.",
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"\"What is the meaning of life?\" How would a positive psychology practitioner answer this question? Let's take a look!",
"How would a positive psychology practitioner answer to the meaning of life?",
"They do not necessarily reject science or its findings, but they may see scientific theories as more like “descriptions” of the world than explanations or true understanding (Burnham & Papandreopoulos, n.d.). In this school of thought, the idea that there could be an actual “meaning” to life is absurd.",
"Scientifically reviewed by Maike Neuhaus Ph.D. ... Positive psychology explores the meaning of life by focusing on personal strengths, purpose & the pursuit of fulfilling experiences, enhancing overall wellbeing."
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"reference_number": 32
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"title": "The Science of Meaning in Life | Annual Reviews",
"url": "https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921",
"description": "<strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>for</strong> ...",
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"Meaning in life has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience of meaning in life, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that meaning in life, for all its mystery, is a rather commonplace experience.",
"Ebersole P. 1998. Types and depth of written life meanings. The Human Quest for Meaning: A Handbook of Psychological Research and Clinical Applications PTP Wong, PS Fry 179–91 Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Assoc.",
"Klinger E. 1998. The search for meaning in evolutionary perspective and its clinical implications. The Human Quest for Meaning: A Handbook of Psychological Research and Clinical Applications PTP Wong, PS Fry 27–50 Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum [Google Scholar]",
"Martin LL, Campbell WK, Henry CD 2004. The roar of awakening: mortality acknowledgment as a call to authentic living. Handbook of Experimental Existential Psychology J Greenberg, SL Koole, T Pyszczynski 431–48 New York: Guilford [Google Scholar]"
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"reference_number": 33
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"title": "Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC",
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"description": "This study aimed to investigate 2 dimensions <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>—Presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> (i.e., the perception of your <strong>life</strong> as significant, purposeful, and valuable) and Search <strong>for</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> (i.e., the strength, intensity, and activity of people's efforts ...",
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"Janoff-Bulman R. Posttraumatic growth: Three explanatory models. Psychological Inquiry. 2004;15:30–34. [Google Scholar] King LA, Hicks JA, Krull JL, Del Gaiso AK. Positive affect and the experience of meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.",
"As a library, NLM provides access to scientific literature. Inclusion in an NLM database does not imply endorsement of, or agreement with, the contents by NLM or the National Institutes of Health. Learn more: PMC Disclaimer | PMC Copyright Notice · Rehabil Psychol. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2014 Jul 28. Published in final edited form as: Rehabil Psychol. 2013 Nov;58(4):334–341. doi: 10.1037/a0034393 ... 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Group Clinical Psychology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium",
"Treatment providers should pay attention to how their patients experience meaning in their life. If patients are struggling with finding meaning of life, this should be a topic of psychotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life. The first author is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO).",
"A composite well-being score was computed including both life satisfaction and feelings of optimism. Acceptance is treated as an additional factor besides well-being. Cluster analyses were conducted on the dimensions of Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning. A 4-cluster solution was retained based on explanatory power (change in η2; Milligan & Cooper, 1985, Calinski-Harabasz index, CH; Steinley, 2006), parsimony, and interpretability."
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"title": "Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life",
"url": "https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life",
"description": "Struggling to find a sense <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Researchers have identified three different pathways to it.",
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"For most of the 20th century, philosophers, psychologists, and psychiatrists argued that meaning in life is a rare, profound experience, attainable through an active search, deep self-reflection, or some other arduous way of creating meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.",
"Of all of the facets of meaning, coherence likely represents a basic psychological need. Similar to the anguish we feel when our need to belong is thwarted, our world seems to fall apart when things suddenly do not make sense.",
"Joshua A. Hicks, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University.",
"Laura A. King, Ph.D., is the Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri."
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"reference_number": 35
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"title": "The meaning of life – a psychologist’s view",
"url": "https://theconversation.com/the-meaning-of-life-a-psychologists-view-129274",
"description": "Douglas Adams claimed the answer was 42. But there are other interpretations.",
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"Instead, my perspective is informed by my scientific research over the past ten years with people who have undergone what I call “suffering-induced transformational experiences”."
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"title": "What Is the Meaning of Life? | Psychology Today",
"url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201803/what-is-the-meaning-of-life",
"description": "Still today, many people believe that we, humankind, are the creation of a supernatural entity called God, that <strong>God had an intelligent purpose in creating us, and that this intelligent purpose is "the meaning of life".</strong>",
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"Life never gets easier. Fortunately, psychology is keeping up, uncovering new ways to maintain mental and physical health, and positivity and confidence, through manageable daily habits like these. How many are you ready to try?",
"\"The point,\" said Frankl, '\"is not what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us.\" Read more in The Art of Failure: The Anti Self-Help Guide. ... Neel Burton, M.D., is a psychiatrist, philosopher, and writer who lives and teaches in Oxford, England. ... More from Neel Burton M.A., M.D. ... Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.",
"Still today, many people believe that we, humankind, are the creation of a supernatural entity called God, that God had an intelligent purpose in creating us, and that this intelligent purpose is \"the meaning of life\".",
"Reliance on an eternal afterlife not only postpones the question of life’s purpose but also dissuades or at least discourages us from determining a purpose or purposes for what may be the only life that we do have."
],
"reference_number": 37
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"title": "The Meaning in Life: A Psychological Approach",
"url": "https://www.byarcadia.org/post/the-meaning-in-life-a-psychological-approach",
"description": "<strong>To feel that one's life is important for someone or something is what psychologists understand as existential mattering or significance</strong>. This is not a narcissistic perception of life. Instead, this feeling of significance derives not from an overestimation of our virtues but for a humble need ...",
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"Humans, by nature, ask questions about purpose in life and how to achieve its meaning while psychology, helps us to find an answer.",
"Humans, by nature, ask questions about purpose in life and how to achieve its meaning. There might be several answers to this but one that can appeal to the modern mentality is the scientific one. Indeed, in the current positivist society, scientific answers are a good starting point for dialogue, which is a necessity in any collaborative endeavor. This article aims to look at the scientific efforts in answering these questions from the viewpoint of psychology.",
"To feel that one's life is important for someone or something is what psychologists understand as existential mattering or significance. This is not a narcissistic perception of life. Instead, this feeling of significance derives not from an overestimation of our virtues but for a humble need to “live a life you will remember” (Avicii, 2014), to believe that one's life counts (King & Hicks, 2021). This is the trickiest one to measure from a scientific perspective: how can someone be objectively sure that their lives would be significant as Alexander the Great, Napoleon, or Elvis Presley?",
"Of course, these three aspects of life are not everything there is to meaning in life, but they are the best answer so far in scientific terms. More research is currently being done in this direction and more insights will be found in the future about these fundamental aspects of human existence. This is what psychology has to say about meaning in life, this is how it has been studied so far."
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"title": "Meaning of Life - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics",
"url": "https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/meaning-of-life",
"description": "In subject area: Social Sciences · <strong>The</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> refers to the unique and specific significance that each individual assigns to their existence at any given moment, which varies from person to person and is tied to their individual responsibilities and vocations.",
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"The phenomenal world is not, in other words, or at least not originally, the array of objects imagined by physical science; nor is it the world spontaneously interpreted by a form of life. To that most impartial of observers, the infant, it is, rather, what William James in The Principles of Psychology described as “one great blooming, buzzing confusion” that assails the infant's “eyes, ears, nose, skin, and entrails at once …",
"Melton and Schulenberg (2008) attribute the sparseness of studies in this area to previous difficulties inherent in quantifying inner experiences, and psychological testing has not been embraced by the humanistic psychologists.",
"Frankl cannot tell us the meaning of life. Clinical psychologists cannot tell their clients the meaning of life.",
"‘Perseverance’ and ‘rationality’ were emphasized in the business classes, such as in the sixteenth-century Protestant Ethic (Weber, 1905). Personal ‘autonomy’ is more central among contemporary psychologists and pedagogues, who see the good life more in terms of ‘mental health’ than of ‘morality.’"
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"title": "Psychology, Values, and the Meaning of Life: Bridging the Philosophy–Psychology Divide - Sanford L. Drob, 2022",
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"A “psycho-axiological” model is presented that addresses both the psychological question of subjective “life-meaning” and the philosophical question of “the meaning of life.” The author establishes the relationship between 14 essential “modes of mind” and human values and shows how these modes provide the basis for philosophical theories of the meaning of life and psychological research concerning life-meaning.",
"Intrinsic value and the meaning of life. In Seachris J. (Ed.), Exploring the meaning of life: An anthology and guide (pp. 219–334). John Wiley & Sons. (Originally published in Philosophical Papers, 34(3), 331–355). ... Auhagen A. (2000). On the psychology of the meaning of life.",
"Swiss Journal of Psychology, 59(1), 34–38. ... Baldwin M., Landau M. J., Swanson T. J. (2017). Metaphors can give life-meaning. Self and Identity, 17(2), 163–193.",
"Baumeister R. F. (1991). Meanings of life. Guilford Press. ... Baumeister R. F., Leary M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117, 497–529."
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"reference_number": 40
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"title": "The Science of Meaning in Life - PubMed",
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"description": "<strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> has long been a mystery of human existence. In this review, we seek to demystify this construct. Focusing on the subjective experience <strong>of</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, we review how it has been measured and briefly describe its correlates. Then we review evidence that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>for</strong> ...",
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"Keywords: existential psychology; meaning in life; meaning making; positive affect; purpose; well-being.",
"On the relation between meaning in life and psychological well-being.",
"The relationship between meaning in life and self-regulated learning among college students: the mediating effect of psychological capital and the moderating effect of phubbing."
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"title": "Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing",
"url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full",
"description": "AbstractResearch in the social, behavioral, and health sciences indicates that <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is important for both mental and physical health. Despite the ...",
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"Meaning in life reflects the feeling that one's existence has significance, purpose, and coherence (see Heintzelman and King, 2014). A growing body of research identifies meaning in life as a fundamental human need that strongly influences both psychological and physical well-being (see Vail and Routledge, 2020).",
"Scholars have long recognized that meaning in life is an important psychological need. The more people feel meaningful, the more they experience overall positive psychological well-being (e.g., Steger and Frazier, 2005). Moreover, meaning reduces the risk for depression (e.g., Disabato et al., 2017), addiction (e.g., Kinnier et al., 1994), and suicide (e.g., Edwards and Holden, 2001).",
"Understanding why meaning matters so much for health and well-being paves the way for a broader analysis of existential health and the role it plays in societal flourishing. Meaning positively contributes to psychological and physical health because of its motivational and self-regulatory nature (see Hooker et al., 2018; Routledge, 2018).",
"Indeed, people with greater perceptions of meaning respond more positively to psychotherapy (Debats, 1996). Life often involves experiences of uncertainty, stress, sadness, and loss. Eventually, we all lose loved ones and must face death ourselves. Critically, meaning is a vital psychological resource for coping with these challenges (Park and Folkman, 1997)."
],
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"title": "Life - Wikipedia",
"url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life",
"description": "This account is consistent with teleological <strong>explanations</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>, which account for phenomena in terms of purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality (from the future to the past) is in contradiction with <strong>the</strong> <strong>scientific</strong> ...",
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"This account is consistent with teleological explanations of life, which account for phenomena in terms of purpose or goal-directedness. Thus, the whiteness of the polar bear's coat is explained by its purpose of camouflage. The direction of causality (from the future to the past) is in contradiction with the scientific evidence for natural selection, which explains the consequence in terms of a prior cause.",
"This idea was developed further by Julien Offray de La Mettrie (1709–1750) in his book L'Homme Machine. In the 19th century the advances in cell theory in biological science encouraged this view. The evolutionary theory of Charles Darwin (1859) is a mechanistic explanation for the origin of species by means of natural selection.",
"During the 1850s Hermann von Helmholtz, anticipated by Julius Robert von Mayer, demonstrated that no energy is lost in muscle movement, suggesting that there were no \"vital forces\" necessary to move a muscle. These results led to the abandonment of scientific interest in vitalistic theories, especially after Eduard Buchner's demonstration that alcoholic fermentation could occur in cell-free extracts of yeast.",
"The theory of spontaneous generation was proposed by Aristotle, who compiled and expanded the work of prior natural philosophers and the various ancient explanations of the appearance of organisms; it was considered the best explanation for two millennia. It was decisively dispelled by the experiments of Louis Pasteur in 1859, who expanded upon the investigations of predecessors such as Francesco Redi.",
"In the late 1740s, Carl Linnaeus introduced his system of binomial nomenclature for the classification of species. Linnaeus attempted to improve the composition and reduce the length of the previously used many-worded names by abolishing unnecessary rhetoric, introducing new descriptive terms and precisely defining their meaning."
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},
{
"title": "Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7842113/",
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"Meaning in life reflects the feeling that one's existence has significance, purpose, and coherence (see Heintzelman and King, 2014). A growing body of research identifies meaning in life as a fundamental human need that strongly influences both psychological and physical well-being (see Vail and Routledge, 2020).",
"Scholars have long recognized that meaning in life is an important psychological need. The more people feel meaningful, the more they experience overall positive psychological well-being (e.g., Steger and Frazier, 2005). Moreover, meaning reduces the risk for depression (e.g., Disabato et al., 2017), addiction (e.g., Kinnier et al., 1994), and suicide (e.g., Edwards and Holden, 2001).",
"Understanding why meaning matters so much for health and well-being paves the way for a broader analysis of existential health and the role it plays in societal flourishing. Meaning positively contributes to psychological and physical health because of its motivational and self-regulatory nature (see Hooker et al., 2018; Routledge, 2018).",
"Indeed, people with greater perceptions of meaning respond more positively to psychotherapy (Debats, 1996). Life often involves experiences of uncertainty, stress, sadness, and loss. Eventually, we all lose loved ones and must face death ourselves. Critically, meaning is a vital psychological resource for coping with these challenges (Park and Folkman, 1997)."
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"title": "Explaining life: Synthetic biology and non-scientific understandings of life - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3492717/",
"description": "Most biocentrists are so-called ... significance [19]. This <strong>means</strong> that, for instance, vertebrates with the capacity to feel pain would deserve more moral consideration than would bacteria or plants. In addition to <strong>scientific</strong> <strong>and</strong> philosophical <strong>explanations</strong>, there are also religious ...",
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"Most biocentrists are so-called ‘non-egalitarian biocentrists’, which is to say that they argue that although all living organisms deserve moral consideration, they do not have equal moral significance [19]. This means that, for instance, vertebrates with the capacity to feel pain would deserve more moral consideration than would bacteria or plants. In addition to scientific and philosophical explanations, there are also religious views about life, which usually refer to a supernatural source of explanation such as a divine creator or an eternal law.",
"But this analysis would tell us nothing about the topic of the painting, the effect that it has on the viewer, the meaning that it may convey or its aesthetic value. An art lover might be impressed by the detailed scientific explanation of the composition and the origin of his or her favourite piece of art, but such an explanation would not address those aspects of the painting that he or she considers most important.",
"What is the meaning of life? How do we perceive life? The responses to these questions explain different aspects of life: biological explanations of the molecules and processes of living organisms; ontological explanations that aim to capture the essence or the abstract idea of life; phenomenological explanations for how humans perceive their own existence and that of other beings; religious explanations of non-material aspects of life such as a soul; and axiological explanations about the value of living organisms.",
"Ultimately, synthetic biologists ought to be aware of other explanations of life because this enables them to understand the limits of the explanatory power of their own models. This field is expected to provide important findings about the composition, function and evolutionary origin of living organisms. However, as discussed above, there are many other questions about life, which cannot be addressed by the methods of synthetic biology or science in general. Science alone cannot tell us anything about the meaning or value of life, nor can it explain the subjective perception of our own lives, because these aspects are not detectable by scientific methods."
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