Web Search
Deep Research
Effortlessly run deep research and get high-quality results powered with AI.
POST
/
v1
/
web
/
deep_research
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?"
})
from jigsawstack import JigsawStack
jigsaw = JigsawStack(api_key="your-api-key")
response = jigsaw.web.deep_research({
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
})
curl https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research \
-X POST \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-H 'x-api-key: your-api-key' \
-d '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}'
<?php
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, 'https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST, 'POST');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, [
'Content-Type: application/json',
'x-api-key: your-api-key',
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}');
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
require 'net/http'
require 'json'
uri = URI('https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research')
req = Net::HTTP::Post.new(uri)
req.content_type = 'application/json'
req['x-api-key'] = 'your-api-key'
req.body = {
'query' => 'What is the meaning of life?'
}.to_json
req_options = {
use_ssl: uri.scheme == 'https'
}
res = Net::HTTP.start(uri.hostname, uri.port, req_options) do |http|
http.request(req)
end
package main
import (
"fmt"
"io"
"log"
"net/http"
"strings"
)
func main() {
client := &http.Client{}
var data = strings.NewReader(`{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}`)
req, err := http.NewRequest("POST", "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research", data)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
req.Header.Set("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
resp, err := client.Do(req)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
defer resp.Body.Close()
bodyText, err := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
fmt.Printf("%s\n", bodyText)
}
import java.io.IOException;
import java.net.URI;
import java.net.http.HttpClient;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest.BodyPublishers;
import java.net.http.HttpResponse;
HttpClient client = HttpClient.newHttpClient();
HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
.uri(URI.create("https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research"))
.POST(BodyPublishers.ofString("{\"query\":\"What is the meaning of life?\"}"))
.setHeader("Content-Type", "application/json")
.setHeader("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
.build();
HttpResponse<String> response = client.send(request, HttpResponse.BodyHandlers.ofString());
import Foundation
let jsonData = [
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
] as [String : Any]
let data = try! JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: jsonData, options: [])
let url = URL(string: "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research")!
let headers = [
"Content-Type": "application/json",
"x-api-key": "your-api-key"
]
var request = URLRequest(url: url)
request.httpMethod = "POST"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = data as Data
let task = URLSession.shared.dataTask(with: request) { (data, response, error) in
if let error = error {
print(error)
} else if let data = data {
let str = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8)
print(str ?? "")
}
}
task.resume()
import 'package:http/http.dart' as http;
void main() async {
final headers = {
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
'x-api-key': 'your-api-key',
};
final data = '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}';
final url = Uri.parse('https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research');
final res = await http.post(url, headers: headers, body: data);
final status = res.statusCode;
if (status != 200) throw Exception('http.post error: statusCode= $status');
print(res.body);
}
import java.io.IOException
import okhttp3.MediaType.Companion.toMediaType
import okhttp3.OkHttpClient
import okhttp3.Request
import okhttp3.RequestBody.Companion.toRequestBody
val client = OkHttpClient()
val MEDIA_TYPE = "application/json".toMediaType()
val requestBody = "{\"query\":\"What is the meaning of life?\"}"
val request = Request.Builder()
.url("https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research")
.post(requestBody.toRequestBody(MEDIA_TYPE))
.header("Content-Type", "application/json")
.header("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
.build()
client.newCall(request).execute().use { response ->
if (!response.isSuccessful) throw IOException("Unexpected code $response")
response.body!!.string()
}
using System.Net.Http.Headers;
using System.Net.Http.Json;
HttpClient client = new HttpClient();
HttpRequestMessage request = new HttpRequestMessage(HttpMethod.Post, "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research");
request.Headers.Add("x-api-key", "your-api-key");
request.Content = JsonContent.Create(new
{
query = "What is the meaning of life?"
});
request.Content.Headers.ContentType = new MediaTypeHeaderValue("application/json");
HttpResponseMessage response = await client.SendAsync(request);
response.EnsureSuccessStatusCode();
string responseBody = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
Console.WriteLine(responseBody);
{
"success": true,
"query": "What is the meaning of life?",
"results": "The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" has captivated thinkers across cultures and eras, inspiring a vast array of responses from philosophy, religion, science, and psychology. Each perspective 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. Existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that life has no predetermined purpose; instead, individuals are free—and indeed compelled—to create their own meaning through choices and actions. Sartre’s dictum, “existence precedes essence,” encapsulates this view: humans are not born with a set purpose but must forge their own paths, embracing personal responsibility and authenticity in the face of an indifferent universe [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[14](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)]. Camus, meanwhile, highlights the \"absurdity\" of seeking meaning in a universe that offers none, yet suggests that one can find value in the struggle itself, as illustrated by his famous metaphor of Sisyphus [[10](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[9](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)].\n\nIn contrast, virtue ethicists like Aristotle propose that the meaning of life is found in the pursuit of eudaimonia—flourishing or living in accordance with virtue. For Aristotle, a meaningful life is one that fulfills human potential through rational activity and moral excellence [[8](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[7](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)]. Utilitarian philosophers, on the other hand, suggest that meaning is derived from 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\nNihilism, as articulated by thinkers like Nietzsche, contends that life is inherently meaningless, and that traditional sources of meaning—such as religion or objective moral values—are illusory. However, even within nihilism, some philosophers argue for the possibility of creating subjective meaning despite the absence of objective purpose [[9](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)][[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)].\n\nReligious and Spiritual 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 ultimate reality. In the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), life’s purpose is often seen as serving God, cultivating virtue, and preparing for an afterlife or spiritual union with the divine [[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[30](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)][[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)]. Many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasize spiritual growth, the pursuit of enlightenment, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (moksha or nirvana) as central to life’s meaning [[30](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)][[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)].\n\nDespite doctrinal differences, most religions share two core teachings: the ethic of reciprocity (the \"Golden Rule\") and the cultivation of spiritual qualities that prepare individuals for a higher state of being or afterlife [[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)]. Religious involvement and community also provide a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which can enhance psychological well-being and resilience [[21](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/)][[28](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[27](https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place)].\n\nSome spiritual traditions, including esoteric branches within major religions, focus less on external rewards and more on living deeply and authentically in the present, seeking wholeness and connection with the universe [[29](https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/)].Scientific and Psychological Perspectives\n\nModern scientific and psychological research approaches the question of life’s meaning by examining how individuals experience purpose, significance, and coherence in their lives. Rather than positing a universal or metaphysical answer, these disciplines focus on the tangible effects of meaning and purpose on human well-being and flourishing.\n\nPsychological studies consistently find that a sense of meaning in life is a fundamental human need, closely linked to positive mental and physical health outcomes. People who perceive their lives as meaningful report greater happiness, resilience, and life satisfaction, and are less likely to experience depression, addiction, or suicidal ideation [[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[41](https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/)][[45](https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health)][[46](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)]. Meaning in life is typically defined by three components: significance (feeling that one’s life matters), purpose (having overarching life goals), and coherence (seeing one’s life as comprehensible and ordered) [[34](https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/)][[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose)].\n\nResearch shows that meaning can be found in diverse domains—relationships, work, creative pursuits, service to others, and personal growth. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, famously argued that even in the direst circumstances, the search for meaning is a primary human drive, and that those who find purpose are more resilient in the face of suffering [[33](https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose)]. Interventions such as “life crafting”—reflecting on values, passions, and goals, and making concrete plans to pursue them—have been shown to help individuals discover and sustain a sense of purpose [[40](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/)][[49](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full)].\n\nFrom an evolutionary and biological perspective, some scientists suggest that the drive for meaning may be an adaptive trait, promoting survival, cooperation, and social cohesion [[38](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)]. Others argue that, while evolution does not provide an ultimate purpose, humans are uniquely capable of creating meaning through conscious reflection and choice [[38](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)][[36](https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf)].\n\nContemporary and Popular Culture Viewpoints\n\nIn popular culture, the search for meaning is often depicted as a personal journey, shaped by individual experiences, relationships, and aspirations. Many people draw on a mix of philosophical, religious, and scientific ideas, crafting their own answers to life’s big questions. The recurring themes—connection, growth, contribution, and authenticity—reflect the enduring human desire to live a life that feels worthwhile and significant [[17](https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life)][[14](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)].\n\nConclusion\n\nThe meaning of life remains an open and deeply personal question, with no single answer that satisfies all perspectives. Philosophical traditions debate whether meaning is discovered or created; religious and spiritual paths offer frameworks rooted in transcendence and community; scientific and psychological research highlights the tangible benefits of purpose and meaning for well-being. Ultimately, the search for meaning is itself a vital part of the human experience—one that invites each person to reflect, connect, and contribute in ways that resonate with their deepest values and aspirations [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[14](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[46](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)].\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: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/)\n4. [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)\n5. [Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/)\n6. [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/)\n7. [The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)\n8. [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)\n9. [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)\n10. [4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-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. [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/)\n13. [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)\n14. [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/)\n15. [The Meaning of Life: What’s the Point? - 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology](https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2023/02/06/meaning-of-life/)\n16. [What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)\n17. [Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About The Meaning of Life | Issue 147 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life)\n18. [What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense)\n19. [The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)\n20. [Meaning of life | EBSCO Research Starters](https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/meaning-life)\n21. [The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/)\n22. [r/religion on Reddit: Whats the meaning of life according to your religion?](https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/rpzogc/whats_the_meaning_of_life_according_to_your/)\n23. [Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)\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 Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)\n27. [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)\n28. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)\n29. [The Meaning of Life? – The Spiritual Naturalist Society](https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/)\n30. [The Meaning of Life According to Various Religions - Religion's Depths](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)\n31. [Religion and the Meaning of Life](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E)\n32. [Symbols of Life - Their Spiritual Power and Meaning | DUBLEZ](https://www.dublez.com/symbols-of-life-their-spiritual-power-and-meaning-a154)\n33. [Purpose Archives - John Templeton Foundation](https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose)\n34. [The psychology of purpose in life - Center for Healthy Aging](https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/)\n35. [Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)\n36. [The Psychology of Purpose](https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf)\n37. [Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)\n38. [What is life’s purpose? A Yale psychiatrist looks to science for answers | Yale News](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)\n39. [‘What’s Your Purpose in Life?’ Psychology Prof Explains Why that Question Makes All the Difference - Cornellians | Cornell University](https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/purpose-psychology/)\n40. [Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/)\n41. [15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning](https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/)\n42. [Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8669210/)\n43. [Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development](https://journal.psych.ac.cn/xlkxjz/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.02192)\n44. [Meaning and Purpose | The Human Flourishing Program](https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose)\n45. [Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being](https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health)\n46. [The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)\n47. [Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms | Journal of Happiness Studies](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00771-6)\n48. [Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494628/)\n49. [Frontiers | Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full)\n",
"sources": [
{
"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.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"site_long_name": "plato.stanford.edu",
"age": "2007-05-15T00:00:00.000Z",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://plato.stanford.edu&size=96",
"snippets": [
"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."
],
"reference_number": 1
},
{
"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 ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Wikipedia",
"site_long_name": "en.wikipedia.org",
"age": "2025-09-10T17:06:49.000Z",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://en.wikipedia.org&size=96",
"snippets": [
"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: 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": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting | by Rolend | Medium",
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"description": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting 1. Arthur Schopenhauer A German philosopher whose meaning of life is defined as <strong>the denial of the will to live</strong>. He was wealthy but …",
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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.",
"A German philosopher whose meaning of life is defined as the denial of the will to live. He was wealthy but suffered with loneliness and isolation.",
"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."
],
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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": "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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"A place for people to post an opinion they accept may be flawed, in an effort to understand other perspectives on the issue. Enter with a mindset for conversation, not debate. ... A subreddit dedicated to Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) manga and anime series. ... I found the meaning of life! ... Antinatalism is a group of philosophical ideas that view procreation as unethical, harmful, or otherwise unjustifiable.",
"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."
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"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": "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.",
"Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a …",
"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": "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": "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": "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": "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": "Neither asserting a meaning, nor negating meaning. ... <strong>Life appears to be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection from a human perspective</strong>. We find meaning in the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the impact we have on the world around us.",
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"Posted by u/kjwhimsical-91 - 345 votes and 467 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",
"Neither asserting a meaning, nor negating meaning. ... Life appears to be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection from a human perspective. We find meaning in the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the impact we have on the world around us.",
"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?"
],
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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": "Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At <strong>Life</strong> Solipsism And Other Amazing Theories About <strong>Life</strong> A philosophy <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is any general attitude towards <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> or of the way <strong>life</strong> …",
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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.",
"All of us relate more to one or more philosophical views on the meaning of life, even if we don’t name them.",
"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."
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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": "Discover different <strong>perspectives</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>. Explore <strong>philosophical</strong> and scientific viewpoints on this thought-provoking topic.",
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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": "The Meaning of Life: What’s the Point? - 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology",
"url": "https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2023/02/06/meaning-of-life/",
"description": "In a different spirit, the ancient Daoist philosophy of Zhuangzi (2013) provides some <strong>perspective</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> advantages of being “useless” (having no purpose) and the dangers of being “useful.” · [7] On this proposal of <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> as narrative, see Seachris (2009).",
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"Does life’s having meaning depend on a supernatural reality? Is death a threat to life’s meaning? Is life the sort of thing that can have a “meaning”? In what sense? Here we will consider some approaches to questions about the meaning of life.",
"— (2018), “Philosophy and the Meaning of Life,” in: E.D. Klemke and Seven M. Cahn, eds. The Meaning of Life, Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press: 197-204. O’Brien, Wendell. “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.",
"“The Meaning of ‘Life’s Meaning,’” Philosopher’s Imprint 21(3). Sartre, Jean-Paul (2021). Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press. Originally published in French in 1943. Schlick, Moritz (2017). “On the Meaning of Life,” in: In: E.D. Klemke and Seven M. Cahn, eds. The Meaning of Life, Third Edition. Oxford University Press: 56-65. Originally published in 1927. Seachris, Joshua. “The Meaning of Life: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.",
"When people like Tolstoy regard life as meaningless, they seem to be thinking that the truth about life is bad news.[8] Supernaturalists hold that life has divine significance.[9] For example, from the perspective of the Abrahamic religions, life is valuable because everything in God’s creation is good."
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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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"title": "Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About The Meaning of Life | Issue 147 | Philosophy Now",
"url": "https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life",
"description": "<strong>Philosophers</strong> distinguish between <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> in general – <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> universe or of the human species– and <strong>meaning</strong> within individual lives. For many people, ‘<strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>’ refers to something found outside them. They may ask questions like ‘What’s it all about?’ or ‘What does it all <strong>mean</strong>?’ <strong>This</strong> <strong>perspective</strong> ...",
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"Philosophers distinguish between the meaning of life in general – the meaning of the universe or of the human species– and meaning within individual lives. For many people, ‘the meaning of life’ refers to something found outside them. They may ask questions like ‘What’s it all about?’ or ‘What does it all mean?’ This perspective fosters the view that the meaning of life, whatever it is, is large, all-encompassing, magnificent; not to mention elusive, mysterious, maybe unobtainable, and discoverable only by gurus or sages.",
"Later I learned that this definitely was not the case; but the news jolted me into a ‘posthumous’ perspective, from which I saw my life overflowing with meaning emanating from my family and friends, the people I help, my research and writing, memories of good times, the daylilies in my garden, the sounds of children laughing, and much, much more.",
"To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please ... After tragedy and heartbreak – after the war is lost, after the pandemic takes someone you love, after climate change destroys your home, after your life seems to be rendered nonsensical by illness, personal failure, or injustice – deep questions may linger like a bruise: What is the meaning of all this?",
"The meaning of life, we’re told, is pursuing pleasure or happiness, or giving and receiving love, or finding your passion, or doing something great, or living out your purpose, or being involved with something greater than yourself. But these commonplace answers are only partly right, and the questions are mostly wrong. So say a host of contemporary philosophers who have been studying meaning in life."
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"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": "The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes",
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"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": "Meaning of life | EBSCO Research Starters",
"url": "https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/meaning-life",
"description": "Modern <strong>philosophical</strong> <strong>perspectives</strong> categorize <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> into supernaturalism, objective naturalism, subjective naturalism, and nihilism, each offering distinct interpretations of what constitutes a meaningful existence. Ultimately, <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> remains a deeply personal and ...",
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"The meaning of life is a profound and complex concept that has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers throughout history. Central to this inquiry are questions about the nature of life itself, the essence of existence, and the sources of purpose and significance. The search for meaning is often prompted by personal crises or existential reflections, leading individuals to ponder their place in the universe and the value of their actions. Perspectives on this topic vary widely; some believe that meaning is derived from religious beliefs or a higher power, while others see it as rooted in personal goals or accomplishments.",
"Philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche emphasized the individual’s relationship with self and the pursuit of personal significance, while existentialists like Albert Camus addressed the inherent absurdity of life. The discourse also includes naturalistic views, which suggest that meaning can arise from biological imperatives such as survival and reproduction. Modern philosophical perspectives categorize the meaning of life into supernaturalism, objective naturalism, subjective naturalism, and nihilism, each offering distinct interpretations of what constitutes a meaningful existence.",
"A life of authenticity is one chosen by the individual in accordance with a plan. Later, he had a different perspective. He felt that humankind was responsible for serving as guardians of the world, and this duty gives life meaning. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre also addressed the meaning of life.",
"\"The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives.\" Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, www.iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/. Accessed 11 May 2017."
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"reference_number": 20
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"title": "The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC",
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"description": "The purpose of this study was to examine whether <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> understood in terms of presence, search, and personal <strong>meaning</strong> is a mediator in the relationships between <strong>religious</strong> coping and psychological well-being. Associations <strong>of</strong> <strong>religiousness</strong> ...",
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"Chamberlain and Zika (1992) found that the association between religion and well-being is mediated by an enhanced sense of meaning in life. Examining effects of religion and PIL on older adults, Ardelt (2003) revealed that intrinsic religious orientation and religious involvement have an indirect effect, mediated by PIL, on subjective well-being. Intrinsically religious older people who have found a sense of meaning and PIL were more likely to participate frequently in spiritual activities with others and to belong to a religious group than were extrinsically religious people.",
"Three psychological tests were administered: Brief RCOPE, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB). All of them were Polish versions. Brief RCOPE is a 14-item questionnaire that assesses the extent to which the person uses specific methods of religious coping (Pargament et al. 1998). It consists of two subscales: (1) positive religious coping that measures seeking spiritual support, seeking a spiritual connection, collaboration with God in problem solving, religious forgiveness, and benevolent religious appraisals of illness; and (2) negative religious coping that assesses punishing God appraisals, interpersonal religious discontent, demonic appraisals, spiritual discontent, and questioning God’s powers.",
"The links existing between religious coping and meaning in life suggest that religion can influence many aspects of meaning by providing an ultimate motivation to all aspects of a person’s life, establishing goals and value systems and helping to instil a deeper sense of meaning in life. It is unquestionably evident within a framework of the meaning making model proposed by Park (2013), which posits that religious and spiritual factors play an important role in modelling the meaning system of many individuals.",
"Pargament KI, Koenig HG, Tarakeshwar N, Hahn J. Religious coping methods as predictors of psychological, physical and spiritual outcomes among medically ill elderly patients: A two-year longitudinal study. Journal of Health Psychology. 2004;9:713–730. doi: 10.1177/1359105304045366. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Pargament KI, Smith BW, Koenig HG, Perez L. Patterns of positive and negative religious coping with major life stressors."
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"reference_number": 21
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"title": "r/religion on Reddit: Whats the meaning of life according to your religion?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/rpzogc/whats_the_meaning_of_life_according_to_your/",
"description": "15 votes, 79 comments. I wanna hear your different perspectives.",
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"Posted by u/[Deleted Account] - 15 votes and 79 comments",
"While there's no single, straightforward \"meaning of life\" in Judaism, a common view is that it is tikkun olam, \"fixing the world\" and making it a better place, ultimately to bring about the Great Sabbath of History (the Messianic Age), a time of universal peace, spirituality, and leisure.",
"Heathenry is a revivalist religion seeking to bring the practice of the ancient Germanic peoples into the present day.",
"In simplest terms, it uses information inferred or represented in scholarship to form the foundation of a modern, polytheistic religious tradition."
],
"reference_number": 22
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"title": "Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia",
"url": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "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) <strong>spiritual formation towards an afterlife or eternal</strong> ...",
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"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.",
"Probably the most universal teachings concerning the meaning of life, to be followed in virtually all religions in spite of much diversity of their traditions and positions, are: 1) the ethic of reciprocity among fellow humans, the \"Golden Rule,\" derived from an ultimate being, called God, Allah, Brahman, Taiji, or Tian; and 2) the spiritual dimension of life including an afterlife or eternal life, based on the requirement not to indulge in the external and material aspect of life.",
"Usually, the connection of the two is that the ethic of reciprocity is a preparation in this world for the elevation of spirituality and for afterlife. It is important to note that these two constitutive elements of any religious view of meaning are common to all religious and spiritual traditions, although Jainism's ethical teachings may not be based on any ultimate divine being and the Confucianist theory of the continual existence of ancestors together with descendants may not consider afterlife in the sense of being the other world.",
"Scientific theories can be used to support these two elements, depending upon whether one's perspective is religious or not. For example, the biological function of survival and continuation can be used in support of the religious doctrine of eternal life, and modern physics can be considered not to preclude some spiritual dimension of the universe."
],
"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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"age": "2012-02-09T02:37:49.000Z",
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"Dissonant voices in the public square preach competing versions of wisdom apart from Christ. Traditional religions flourish and new spiritualities proliferate. Humanist philosophies, political ideologies, and hedonistic life-styles promise happiness and fulfillment.",
"In the religious context of Genesis 1 and 2, this is an act of rebellion and insurrection against the Great King. The just consequences are alienation from God, banishment from Paradise, and loss of ability to image God rightly in any part of life. In sum, sin resulted in spiritual and physical death.",
"This is a metaphysical point, not an existential-religious claim. It does not imply that goodness and wholeness are incidental to human integrity, flourishing, and fulfillment. I have argued that the image of God comprehends all dimensions of human existence–spirituality, morality, society, culture, and physical life.",
"In the midst of this spiritual cacophony, Oxbridge 2008 addresses a particularly strident voice—contemporary scientific naturalism. Naturalism’s most popular preachers, the so-called New Atheists, rant against religion in general and Christianity in particular, alleging that they are not merely irrational and irrelevant but harmful to human flourishing. Other naturalists are more subtle, allowing that religion has been a useful adaptation in human evolution, at least until recently."
],
"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."
],
"reference_number": 25
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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>Human beings are viewed as intrinsically spiritual beings</strong>. People’s lives in this material world provide extended opportunities to grow, to develop divine qualities and virtues, and the prophets were sent by God to facilitate this. Hinduism Hinduism is a religious category including many ...",
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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.",
"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. It is often grouped with religions, however, perhaps because it is a spiritual philosophy, a social ethic, a political ideology, and a scholarly tradition.",
"To Baha’is, the purpose of life is focused on spiritual growth and service to humanity. Human beings are viewed as intrinsically spiritual beings. People’s lives in this material world provide extended opportunities to grow, to develop divine qualities and virtues, and the prophets were sent by God to facilitate this. Hinduism Hinduism is a religious category including many beliefs and traditions.",
"Since Hinduism was the way of expressing meaningful living for a long time, before there was a need for naming it as a separate religion, Hindu doctrines are supplementary and complementary in nature, generally non-exclusive, suggestive and tolerant in content. Most believe that the ātman (spirit, soul)—the person’s true self—is eternal. In part, this stems from Hindu beliefs that spiritual development occurs across many lifetimes, and goals should match the state of development of the individual."
],
"reference_number": 26
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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 faith promotes a sense of meaning in life</strong> – and it might take more than ‘social glue’ to duplicate the effect",
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"Other practices like sermons, yoga and retreats can also trigger ‘spiritual boredom’. Here’s why it’s normal and even useful",
"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.",
"One study from the 1970s found that nuns scored higher on such measures than lay people. More recently, a study published in 2021 found that theists report experiencing more meaning in life than atheists. 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."
],
"reference_number": 27
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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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"The interviews focused on seven themes relating to religious community and religious beliefs in relation to constructing life meaning. These themes included (1) ownership of life and function of God, (2) benefits of faith, (3) God's role in everyday events, (4) fidelity of beliefs, (5) social and spiritual aspects of church involvement, (6) life meaning, and (7) expectations for afterlife.",
"This paper addresses the question of how contemporary visitors perceive the more commercial facets of religious destinations. The Four Great Buddhist Mountains of China provided subtly different contexts for the work, but the themes addressed have a broad applicability to the tensions between secular and spiritual features of such sites.",
"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."
],
"reference_number": 28
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"title": "The Meaning of Life? – The Spiritual Naturalist Society",
"url": "https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/",
"description": "What does it <strong>mean</strong> when we ask <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Is it about context or is the joke on us?",
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"As humans, though, we can live a shallow life or a deep life, a narrow life or a broad life; we can live selfishly or generously, distractedly or with focus. At the popular level, religion may lead people to believe that the goal of life is some form of afterlife; but at what might be called a more esoteric level, spirituality is often about living this life deeply and with focus.",
"By and large, people have looked to religion for such a cosmic purpose, though many people no longer find religious solutions tenable. Christianity, at least at the popular level, tells us that existence on this earth is only something of a trial run, and that the real existence is in another realm only accessible after death. In this view, we must live our life a certain way and hold certain beliefs to get to this real existence.",
"Presumably once we get to this other life, we will no longer be troubled by the meaning of existence. Most popular religions offer some sense of meaning or purpose to life, but most if not all suffer from the fact that you must believe un-provable and often absurd things in order to find that meaning.",
"In these esoteric traditions, sin by definition is what keeps us from being whole. The Universe has given us this brief moment of existence. Does it not make sense to try to life it wholly and completely? What are these “esoteric traditions”? They are found in all the major religions, though they are often hidden."
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"title": "The Meaning of Life According to Various Religions - Religion's Depths",
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"The world’s religions, however, give a radically different, and radically truer-to-life, answer to the question of what the meaning of life is (regardless of how well or how badly their adherents live up to it, of course). Surely not coincidentally, they all give more or less the same answer, just expressed in different ways: the meaning of life is to get closer to the divine and, ultimately, to experience spiritual enlightenment.",
"Let’s now consider examples from several religions from around the world. ... For thousands of years, Hinduism has taught that the meaning of life is to achieve moksha, “liberation,” the Hindu term for spiritual enlightenment. All living beings are continuously reincarnated in different bodies and circumstances depending on how much good or bad karma they’ve accumulated in this life and previous ones.",
"Since these statements come from a religion different from those we’ve looked at so far, they’re naturally expressed in a different idiom. But the underlying theme is the same: the meaning of life is to live in a way that comports with, and leads up to, spiritual enlightenment, the direct experience of the oneness of all things in the immanent and transcendent divinity.",
"In ancient Egyptian parlance, “to remember the West,” the direction of the setting sun, means to remember death and ultimate things more generally, which for the ancient Egyptians were deeply spiritual matters.[54] This is confirmed by the following line, “so that the local gods be brought offerings.” This poem therefore articulates the same notion of the meaning of life as that of the Enuma Elish, just expressed in what’s perhaps a more sophisticated way. ... Naturally but unfortunately, it’s not realistic to cite and discuss examples from every single religion that’s ever existed."
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"reference_number": 30
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"title": "Religion and the Meaning of Life",
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"'This book thoughtfully explores issues related to the meaning of life from a religious perspective without being dogmatic. Because of this, it should be of great interest to those concerned with how spirituality intersects with meaningfulness.",
"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.'"
],
"reference_number": 31
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"title": "Symbols of Life - Their Spiritual Power and Meaning | DUBLEZ",
"url": "https://www.dublez.com/symbols-of-life-their-spiritual-power-and-meaning-a154",
"description": "In this article, you will find: The secrets <strong>and</strong> <strong>meanings</strong> <strong>of</strong> symbol",
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"In this article, you will find: The secrets and meanings of symbols The Tree of Life - a sign of connection and growth Infinity - more than just",
"Additional interpretations of the infinity symbol: Representation of Ouroboros: The circular shape of two components forming the infinity symbol is linked by some mystics to the Ouroboros, a snake depicted eating its own tail, creating a circle. Harmony and balance: Two interconnecting loops can represent opposing forces or individuals coming together in harmony and balance, symbolizing interconnectedness between all things. Regeneration: On a spiritual and metaphysical level, the infinity symbol can signify regeneration and eternal life after death.",
"This Egyptian symbol of life is often depicted in the hands of prominent Egyptian figures, such as pharaohs and kings, as a way to preserve their immortality. It is also commonly seen in temples and in the hands of major Egyptian gods like Osiris, Isis, and Ra. The Ankh may also have a more physical interpretation—symbolizing water, air, and sunlight, which were essential for sustaining life in ancient Egyptian culture.",
"Since ancient times, people have used symbols to represent every significant event in life. But what could be more important in life than life itself? Throughout history, regardless of culture or religion, people have embraced and recognized crucial signs and symbols that represent life."
],
"reference_number": 32
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"title": "Purpose Archives - John Templeton Foundation",
"url": "https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose",
"description": "In Korea, for instance, youth were ... of different socioeconomic backgrounds suggests that <strong>those in challenging circumstances are likely to have a difficult time discovering and pursuing personally meaningful aims</strong>....",
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"Modern scientific research on human purpose has its origins in, of all places, a Holocaust survivor’s experiences in a series of Nazi concentration camps. While a prisoner at Theresienstadt, Auschwitz and two satellite camps of Dachau, Viennese psychologist Viktor Frankl noticed that fellow prisoners who had a sense of purpose showed greater resilience to the torture, slave labor, and starvation rations to which they were subjected.",
"Although the majority of sociological work on purpose in life has focused on people in western, affluent societies, the literature contains a few interesting cross-cultural results that hint at how approaches to and benefits from purpose in life might differ around the world. In Korea, for instance, youth were shown to view purpose as less an individual pursuit and more as a collective matter, while explorations of Chinese concepts of purpose indicates that one’s sense of purpose is divided into senses of professional, moral, and social purpose. Research in the psychology of purpose among people of different socioeconomic backgrounds suggests that those in challenging circumstances are likely to have a difficult time discovering and pursuing personally meaningful aims.",
"Indeed, as Viktor Frankl argued — based in part on what he had observed first-hand — experiencing adversity might actually contribute to the development of a purpose in life. Download the full research review on the psychology of purpose.",
"Most world religions, as well as many secular systems of thought, also offer their adherents well-developed guidelines for developing purpose in life. Love of friends and family, and desire for meaningful work are common sources of purpose. Over the past few decades, psychologists and sociologists have developed a host of assessments that touch on people’s senses of purpose including the Life Regard Index, the Purpose in Life subscale of the Psychological Scales of Well-being, the Meaning in Life questionnaire, the Existence Subscale of the Purpose in Life Test, the Revised Youth Purpose Survey, the Claremont Purpose Scale and the Life Purpose Questionnaire, among others."
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"title": "The psychology of purpose in life - Center for Healthy Aging",
"url": "https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/",
"description": "An individual may find meaning in various domains of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and interests. <strong>Researchers actually consider meaning in life as a core component to living a successful and happy life</strong>. Having meaning in life has been associated with a wide range of benefits.",
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"Meaning in life can be difficult to define as it may be a highly personal experience. Researchers have defined meaning in life as a feeling that one’s life is significant, purposeful, and coherent; in other words, having a direction that makes sense and has a feeling of worth.",
"An individual may find meaning in various domains of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and interests. Researchers actually consider meaning in life as a core component to living a successful and happy life. Having meaning in life has been associated with a wide range of benefits.",
"Remember, finding meaning does not have to be a complicated process, you can find it in the simplest of life’s joys. The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. —Ralph Waldo Emerson ... Click the icon to subscribe and receive CHA updates. ... Wenceslao (Wen) Martinez is a master’s student in the Translational Research on Aging and Chronic Disease Laboratory in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science — and he finds a lot of purpose in doing science.",
"Allie Alayan is a Ph.D. student in Counseling Psychology at CSU. She finds purpose in researching how people find purpose in their lives."
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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 in life is important for both mental and physical health</strong>. Despite the ...",
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"2Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States · 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).",
"In order to successfully respond to and recover from collective threats such as pandemics, economic recessions, and natural disasters, humans need to possess the psychological fortitude that not only helps them manage their personal anxieties, but that also drives them to want to positively contribute to the world around them. Much of the research in existential psychology has focused on how meaning contributes to individual health and well-being and has ignored many of the ways that meaning might orient people outward.",
"The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Abeyta, A. A., Routledge, C., and Juhl, J. (2015). Looking back to move forward: nostalgia as a psychological resource for promoting relationship goals and overcoming relationship challenges.",
"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)."
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"title": "The Psychology of Purpose",
"url": "https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf",
"description": "More recently, the advent of positive ... Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), has led to yet more scientific interest in ... <strong>purpose in life represents a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once</strong> · personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement ...",
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"That means that individuals may find meaning in watching a shooting star, but they may find ... II. MEASURING PURPOSE · Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but ... In conjunction with the growth of positive psychology, scientific attention to purpose has increased · dramatically over the past approximately twenty years. Before this, researchers largely believed it was",
"More recently, the advent of positive psychology, a psychological · approach to understanding not only what can go wrong but also what can go right in the course of · human development (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), has led to yet more scientific interest in ... purpose in life represents a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once · personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement with some aspect of the",
"Similarly, other researchers have included purpose as part of their definition of meaning along with the · extent to which people make sense of or see significance in their lives (Steger, 2009). Psychological · researchers argue that a purpose in life refers only to those sources of meaning that are both goal-",
"Calling and vocation at work: Definitions and prospects for research · and practice. Counseling Psychologist, 37(3), 424-450. This article outlines purpose, in the form of a calling or vocation, for counseling psychologists. It · defines the term calling and explains how people can find meaning in the work they do. Dik, B. & Duffy, R. D. (2012). Make Your Job a Calling: How the Psychology of Vocation Can · Change Your Life at Work."
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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": "Previous research has shown that ... life often raises disquieting questions of meaning in life. <strong>Meaning in life refers to people's concerns with the core significance and purpose of their personal existence</strong>....",
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"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",
"The first author is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO). The research reported in this article was conducted by the Interdisciplinary Center Church and Society, with a Grant of the Dutch National Health Security division Patient Care (Ziekenzorg CM).",
"Previous research has shown that adaptation to a chronic condition requires individuals to revise one's life goals and expectations, given that serious illness often crosses valued goals and life plans (Pinquart, Silbereisen, & Frohlich, 2009). Such a profound revision of one's life often raises disquieting questions of meaning in life. Meaning in life refers to people's concerns with the core significance and purpose of their personal existence.",
"The multidimensional character of the concept resulted in a multitude of research tapping into different aspects of the construct (for a review, see Morgan & Farsides, 2009). Steger and colleagues made a successful attempt to remedy this lack of conceptual clarity by distinguishing between two components of meaning in life (Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, 2006). The first aspect, Presence of Meaning, indicates whether individuals perceive their lives as significant and purposeful."
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"title": "What is life’s purpose? A Yale psychiatrist looks to science for answers | Yale News",
"url": "https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers",
"description": "In a counterintuitive way, <strong>serving others often leads to more happiness than pursuing things for ourselves</strong>. Yet no one walks around thinking, If I could only find more people to help today, then I could be happier! But the evidence suggests such thinking would be more psychologically accurate ...",
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"In a new book, “Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence?,” Wilkinson, an associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, integrates principles from many scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology to cognitive psychology, to create a framework that suggests not only that there is an overarching purpose to human existence, but what that purpose is.",
"“When you combine the concept that we are free to choose with the dual potential of human nature, to me this strongly implies that life is a test,” said Wilkinson, who is also director of the Yale Depression Research Program. “The purpose of life is to choose between the good and evil impulses inherent within us. ... Samuel Wilkinson: The idea for the book stems from an existential crisis I experienced as a medical student 15 years ago. I was concerned that some of the lessons of science and evolution conflicted with some of the beliefs I have, that most people have, that life has value, meaning, and purpose.",
"Wilkinson: Certainly, I agree that different circumstances influence our decisions, but there’s compelling data showing how our conscious thoughts also influence our behavior. I like the metaphor from [social psychologist and writer] Jonathan Haidt of the elephant and the rider.",
"In a counterintuitive way, serving others often leads to more happiness than pursuing things for ourselves. Yet no one walks around thinking, If I could only find more people to help today, then I could be happier! But the evidence suggests such thinking would be more psychologically accurate than our natural intuitions."
],
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"title": "‘What’s Your Purpose in Life?’ Psychology Prof Explains Why that Question Makes All the Difference - Cornellians | Cornell University",
"url": "https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/purpose-psychology/",
"description": "Psychologist Anthony Burrow runs <strong>the Purpose and Identity Processes Lab</strong>, which studies the vital role that a sense of purpose plays in human wellbeing. Also director of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Burrow has stressed the importance of purpose in such ...",
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"Psychologist Anthony Burrow runs the Purpose and Identity Processes Lab, which studies the vital role that a sense of purpose plays in human wellbeing. Also director of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Burrow has stressed the importance of purpose in such national media as Psychology Today and NPR’s podcast The Hidden Brain.",
"Do researchers know why purpose is so good for us?"
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"title": "Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/",
"description": "<strong>Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations</strong>, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
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"Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
"Graybiel A. M., Smith K. S. (2014). Good habits, bad habits. Sci. Am. 310, 38–43. 10.1038/scientificamerican0614-38 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Hart J. (2014). Toward an integrative theory of psychological defense. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 9, 19–39.",
"This process ideally starts with an intervention that entails a combination of reflecting on one’s values, passions and goals, best possible self, goal attainment plans, and other positive psychology intervention techniques. Important elements of such an intervention are: (1) discovering values and passion, (2) reflecting on current and desired competencies and habits, (3) reflecting on present and future social life, (4) reflecting on a possible future career, (5) writing about the ideal future, (6) writing down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans, and (7) making public commitments to the goals set. Prior research has shown that personal goal setting and goal attainment plans help people gain a direction or a sense of purpose in life.",
"Research findings from the field of positive psychology, such as salutogenesis, implementation intentions, value congruence, broaden-and-build, and goal-setting literature, can help in building a comprehensive evidence-based life-crafting intervention. This intervention can aid individuals to find a purpose in life, while at the same time ensuring that they make concrete plans to work toward this purpose."
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"title": "15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning",
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"Explore questions on the complex topic of meaning and discover techniques & tools to help you and your clients find your purpose in life.",
"Questions central to the complex topic of meaning & purpose of life.",
"Increasingly, psychologists have begun to realize the importance of meaning to our wellbeing and happiness. Recent research suggests that people with increased meaning are better off – they appear happier, exhibit increased life satisfaction, and report lowered depression (Huo et al., 2019; Ivtzan, Lomas, Hefferon, & Worth, 2016; Steger, 2009).",
"The Positive Psychology Toolkit© is a groundbreaking practitioner resource containing over 500 science-based exercises, activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments created by experts using the latest positive psychology research."
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"title": "Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach - PMC",
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"description": "Growing evidence indicates that <strong>a higher sense of purpose in life (purpose) is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and mortality</strong>. However, epidemiological studies have not evaluated if change in purpose is associated with subsequent ...",
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"With further research, these results suggest that sense of purpose might be a valuable target for innovative policy and intervention work aimed at improving health and well-being. Keywords: epidemiology, purpose in life, sense of purpose, psychological well-being, well-being",
"Second, some studies did not adequately account for potential confounders (e.g., baseline health, psychological distress). Third, most longitudinal studies did not control for pre-baseline outcomes, thereby failing to address reverse causality concerns. Fourth, some studies used limited assessments of purpose in life (e.g., single-item measures). Fifth, few, if any, longitudinal studies have controlled for purpose in life in the pre-baseline wave, which allows researchers to ask a slightly different question—how changes in purpose (“incident exposure”) affect health.",
"Future studies could re-evaluate these findings using objectively assessed physical health and health behavior outcomes, beyond mortality, to address this limitation. Four years of follow-up data were available and may not be long enough for a psychological factor to exert influence on chronic diseases. Thus, future research could evaluate these associations with datasets with longer follow-up times.",
"Purpose was assessed at baseline (t1; 2010/2012) using the 7-item purpose in life subscale of the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scales, 43 previously validated in a nationally representative sample of adults. On a 6-point Likert scale, respondents rated the degree to which they endorsed items such as, “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.” The mean of all items was taken to create a scale with scores ranging from 1 to 6 where higher scores reflected higher sense of purpose (Cronbach α = 0.76)."
],
"reference_number": 42
},
{
"title": "Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development",
"url": "https://journal.psych.ac.cn/xlkxjz/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.02192",
"description": "<strong>Purpose</strong> is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish some...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Chinese Psychological Science",
"site_long_name": "journal.psych.ac.cn",
"age": "2017-10-26T00:00:00.000Z",
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"snippets": [
"Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2017, Vol.",
"LAN Gongrui, LI Houyi, GAI Xiaosong. Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2017, 25(12): 2192-2202.",
"(1 Normal College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China) (2 Changchun Finance College, Changchun 130028, China)) (3 School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China)"
],
"reference_number": 43
},
{
"title": "Meaning and Purpose | The Human Flourishing Program",
"url": "https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose",
"description": "Sense of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> <strong>and</strong> subsequent health and well-being in older adults: an outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Health Promotion, 36:137-147. Hanson, J.A. and VanderWeele, T.J. (2021). The Comprehensive Measure of <strong>Meaning</strong>: <strong>psychological</strong> <strong>and</strong> philosophical foundations.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Harvard",
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"language": "en",
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"snippets": [
"Chen, Y., Kim, E.S., Shields, A.E., and VanderWeele, T.J. (2020). Antecedents of purpose in life: evidence from a lagged exposure-wide analysis. Cogent Psychology, 7:1825043.",
"The Measurement of Meaning project aims to make use of these important distinctions to develop comprehensive measures of meaning and purpose, useful both for personal reflection, and for empirical research. ... Padgett, R., Hanson, J.A., Nakamura, J.S., Ritchie-Dunham, J.L., Kim, E.S., and VanderWeele, T.J. (2024). Measuring meaning in life by combining philosophical and psychological distinctions: psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Measure of Meaning.",
"Journal of Positive Psychology, in press. Nakamura, J.S., Ryff, C.D., Chen, Y., Folk, D., Heine, S.J., VanderWeele, T.J., and Kim, E.S. (2022). What makes life purposeful? Identifying the antecedents of a sense of purpose in life using a lagged exposure-wide approach.",
"The Determinants of Purpose project seeks to understand what brings purpose in life. Nearly everyone desires purpose, and yet we know remarkably little empirically about what leads to purpose in life."
],
"reference_number": 44
},
{
"title": "Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being",
"url": "https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health",
"description": "What is <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>? <strong>It</strong> <strong>means</strong> having a central, organizing <strong>life</strong> aim, an overall sense of direction in one'<strong>s</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>and</strong> a belief that one’<strong>s</strong> <strong>life</strong> activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. <strong>Research</strong> indicates that having a <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is good for mental ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "American Psychiatric Association",
"site_long_name": "psychiatry.org",
"language": "en",
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"thumbnail": "https://www.psychiatry.org:443/getmedia/bb2f4e0e-983f-4529-abce-49602121f1b2/iStock-purpose.jpg",
"snippets": [
"What is purpose in life? It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health.",
"It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world.1, 2 Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health.",
"More than half of young adults (58%) reported that they lacked “meaning or purpose” in their lives in the previous month and half of young adults reported that their mental health was negatively influenced by “not knowing what to do with my life.” · Importantly, the research does not explain how that connection is made.",
"Boreham, I.D., Schutte, N.S. 2023. The relationship between purpose in life and depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, volume 79, issue 12."
],
"reference_number": 45
},
{
"title": "The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life | Psychology Today",
"url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life",
"description": "The secret to healthy aging? A new study reveals the powerful, positive, and pervasive effects of filling <strong>life</strong> with people and activities that feel worthwhile.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Psychology Today",
"site_long_name": "psychologytoday.com",
"age": "2019-01-12T16:06:27.000Z",
"language": "en",
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"snippets": [
"The feeling that one’s life has meaning can come from any number of things—from work (paid or unpaid) that feels worthwhile, from cherished relationships, from religious faith or even from regularly appreciating the sunset. While it does not much matter what gives you purpose, it does matter that you find it somewhere. A growing body of research has found that the feeling that one’s life has meaning is associated with a host of positive health outcomes.",
"And now a new study of older adults published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences goes even further by revealing that the sense that one is living a worthwhile life appears to be positively linked to just about every aspect of our lives, not just health. The new study also followed people over time and found that the more worthwhile they found their lives the more positive changes they experienced over the following four years. “These associations seem quite pervasive, right across a whole spectrum of our experience,” says lead author Andrew Steptoe, a psychologist and epidemiologist at University College London who oversaw the study.",
"Lydia Denworth is a science journalist and author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond. ... Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.",
"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? Subscribe Issue Archive"
],
"reference_number": 46
},
{
"title": "Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms | Journal of Happiness Studies",
"url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00771-6",
"description": "<strong>Purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, further exploration is needed about the processes implicated in <strong>purpose</strong> from a cognitive and affective perspective. This scoping review aims to identify ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Springer",
"site_long_name": "link.springer.com",
"age": "2024-06-24T00:00:00.000Z",
"language": "en",
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"snippets": [
"Purpose in life is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of purpose in life, further exploration is needed about the processes implicated in purpose from a cognitive and affective perspective. This scoping review aims to identify the cognitive and/or affective mechanisms (CAMs) correlating with purpose in life and to examine these relationships based on relevant existing literature.",
"Journal of Happiness Studies - Purpose in life is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of purpose in life, further exploration is...",
"Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. ... Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript. Purpose in life is widely recognised as a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being and is intimately linked with motivation and meaningful goal engagement (Kashdan & McKnight, 2009; Ryff & Singer, 2008).",
"Research consistently shows that increased purpose in life is associated with an extensive range of benefits such as increased life satisfaction, psychosocial and physiological well-being, and reduced risk of psychological distress and mortality (AshaRani et al., 2022; Kim et al., 2022). Despite its clear importance, researchers have yet to comprehensively explore the cognitive and affective mechanisms (CAMs) linked with purpose in life consequently hindering advancements in this field. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, emerging literature is recognising purpose in life and meaning in life as different constructs (George & Park, 2016; Martela & Steger, 2016)."
],
"reference_number": 47
},
{
"title": "Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494628/",
"description": "Accumulating evidence shows that a higher sense of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is associated with lower risk of chronic conditions and premature mortality. Health behaviors might partially explain these findings, however, the prospective association between ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "PubMed Central",
"site_long_name": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov",
"language": "en",
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"snippets": [
"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 · Prev Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Oct 1. Published in final edited form as: Prev Med. 2020 Jun 25;139:106172. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106172 ... 1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H.",
"Our results, suggest that a sense of purpose in life might emerge (with further research) as a valuable target to consider for interventions aimed at helping older adults maintain some health behaviors. Keywords: epidemiology, health psychology, purpose in life, psychological well-being, health behaviors, physical activity, smoking, body weight, sleep, alcohol consumption",
"Early randomized controlled trials, ranging from volunteering to cognitive behavioral therapy in groups, preliminarily suggest that a sense of purpose can be enhanced.6–10 Results from this study suggest that a higher sense of purpose is associated with maintenance of some health behaviors; future experimental research might provide even stronger tests of this hypothesis. With additional work, policies and interventions aiming to enhance purpose might be a novel way of simultaneously enhancing the psychological, behavioral, and physical health of our rapidly aging population.",
"Purpose was assessed at baseline (t1;2006/2008) and then at 4 year intervals after baseline (t3;2010/2012 and t5;2014/2016), using the validated 7-item purpose subscale of Ryff’’s Psychological Well-Being Scales.34 On a 6-point Likert scale, respondents rated the degree to which they endorsed items like “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.” Following HRS protocol, if respondents completed at least 5 of 7 items (96.9%), a purpose score was derived by calculating the mean of all items (Cronbach α=0.74)."
],
"reference_number": 48
},
{
"title": "Frontiers | Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life",
"url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full",
"description": "Having a <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is one of the most fundamental human needs. However, for most people finding their <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is not obvious. Modern <strong>life</strong> has a...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Frontiers",
"site_long_name": "frontiersin.org",
"age": "2019-11-25T00:00:00.000Z",
"language": "en",
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"snippets": [
"Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
"Graybiel, A. M., and Smith, K. S. (2014). Good habits, bad habits. Sci. Am. 310, 38–43. doi: 10.1038/scientificamerican0614-38 ... Hart, J. (2014). Toward an integrative theory of psychological defense. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 9, 19–39.",
"This process ideally starts with an intervention that entails a combination of reflecting on one’s values, passions and goals, best possible self, goal attainment plans, and other positive psychology intervention techniques. Important elements of such an intervention are: (1) discovering values and passion, (2) reflecting on current and desired competencies and habits, (3) reflecting on present and future social life, (4) reflecting on a possible future career, (5) writing about the ideal future, (6) writing down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans, and (7) making public commitments to the goals set. Prior research has shown that personal goal setting and goal attainment plans help people gain a direction or a sense of purpose in life.",
"Research findings from the field of positive psychology, such as salutogenesis, implementation intentions, value congruence, broaden-and-build, and goal-setting literature, can help in building a comprehensive evidence-based life-crafting intervention. This intervention can aid individuals to find a purpose in life, while at the same time ensuring that they make concrete plans to work toward this purpose."
],
"reference_number": 49
}
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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.
A unique identifier for the request
The search query that was processed.
The comprehensive research report generated based on the query.
Array of source objects used to generate the research report.
Show Source Object Properties
Show Source Object Properties
The title of the source.
The URL of the source.
Brief description of the source.
The content of the source as plain text, or null if content could not be retrieved.
The name of the website.
The full/long name of the website.
The age/freshness of the content as an ISO date string.
The language of the content.
Array of image URLs found in the content.
Array of links found in the content.
Indicates whether this specific source is considered safe.
URL to the website’s favicon.
URL to a thumbnail image for the source.
Array of relevant text snippets from the source.
Array of geographic/location-based search results.
Show Geo Result Object Properties
Show Geo Result Object Properties
The type of geographic result.
Complete address of the location.
Name of the location.
Preferred name for the location.
Formatted place name.
Postal/ZIP code of the location.
District of the location.
Place/city name.
Language of the location data.
Array of point of interest categories.
Additional properties for the location.
Array of image URLs found in the research sources.
Array of links found in the research sources.
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?"
})
from jigsawstack import JigsawStack
jigsaw = JigsawStack(api_key="your-api-key")
response = jigsaw.web.deep_research({
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
})
curl https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research \
-X POST \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-H 'x-api-key: your-api-key' \
-d '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}'
<?php
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, 'https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST, 'POST');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, [
'Content-Type: application/json',
'x-api-key: your-api-key',
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}');
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
require 'net/http'
require 'json'
uri = URI('https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research')
req = Net::HTTP::Post.new(uri)
req.content_type = 'application/json'
req['x-api-key'] = 'your-api-key'
req.body = {
'query' => 'What is the meaning of life?'
}.to_json
req_options = {
use_ssl: uri.scheme == 'https'
}
res = Net::HTTP.start(uri.hostname, uri.port, req_options) do |http|
http.request(req)
end
package main
import (
"fmt"
"io"
"log"
"net/http"
"strings"
)
func main() {
client := &http.Client{}
var data = strings.NewReader(`{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}`)
req, err := http.NewRequest("POST", "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research", data)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
req.Header.Set("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
resp, err := client.Do(req)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
defer resp.Body.Close()
bodyText, err := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
fmt.Printf("%s\n", bodyText)
}
import java.io.IOException;
import java.net.URI;
import java.net.http.HttpClient;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest.BodyPublishers;
import java.net.http.HttpResponse;
HttpClient client = HttpClient.newHttpClient();
HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
.uri(URI.create("https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research"))
.POST(BodyPublishers.ofString("{\"query\":\"What is the meaning of life?\"}"))
.setHeader("Content-Type", "application/json")
.setHeader("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
.build();
HttpResponse<String> response = client.send(request, HttpResponse.BodyHandlers.ofString());
import Foundation
let jsonData = [
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
] as [String : Any]
let data = try! JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: jsonData, options: [])
let url = URL(string: "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research")!
let headers = [
"Content-Type": "application/json",
"x-api-key": "your-api-key"
]
var request = URLRequest(url: url)
request.httpMethod = "POST"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = data as Data
let task = URLSession.shared.dataTask(with: request) { (data, response, error) in
if let error = error {
print(error)
} else if let data = data {
let str = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8)
print(str ?? "")
}
}
task.resume()
import 'package:http/http.dart' as http;
void main() async {
final headers = {
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
'x-api-key': 'your-api-key',
};
final data = '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}';
final url = Uri.parse('https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research');
final res = await http.post(url, headers: headers, body: data);
final status = res.statusCode;
if (status != 200) throw Exception('http.post error: statusCode= $status');
print(res.body);
}
import java.io.IOException
import okhttp3.MediaType.Companion.toMediaType
import okhttp3.OkHttpClient
import okhttp3.Request
import okhttp3.RequestBody.Companion.toRequestBody
val client = OkHttpClient()
val MEDIA_TYPE = "application/json".toMediaType()
val requestBody = "{\"query\":\"What is the meaning of life?\"}"
val request = Request.Builder()
.url("https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research")
.post(requestBody.toRequestBody(MEDIA_TYPE))
.header("Content-Type", "application/json")
.header("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
.build()
client.newCall(request).execute().use { response ->
if (!response.isSuccessful) throw IOException("Unexpected code $response")
response.body!!.string()
}
using System.Net.Http.Headers;
using System.Net.Http.Json;
HttpClient client = new HttpClient();
HttpRequestMessage request = new HttpRequestMessage(HttpMethod.Post, "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research");
request.Headers.Add("x-api-key", "your-api-key");
request.Content = JsonContent.Create(new
{
query = "What is the meaning of life?"
});
request.Content.Headers.ContentType = new MediaTypeHeaderValue("application/json");
HttpResponseMessage response = await client.SendAsync(request);
response.EnsureSuccessStatusCode();
string responseBody = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
Console.WriteLine(responseBody);
{
"success": true,
"query": "What is the meaning of life?",
"results": "The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" has captivated thinkers across cultures and eras, inspiring a vast array of responses from philosophy, religion, science, and psychology. Each perspective 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. Existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that life has no predetermined purpose; instead, individuals are free—and indeed compelled—to create their own meaning through choices and actions. Sartre’s dictum, “existence precedes essence,” encapsulates this view: humans are not born with a set purpose but must forge their own paths, embracing personal responsibility and authenticity in the face of an indifferent universe [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[14](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)]. Camus, meanwhile, highlights the \"absurdity\" of seeking meaning in a universe that offers none, yet suggests that one can find value in the struggle itself, as illustrated by his famous metaphor of Sisyphus [[10](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[9](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)].\n\nIn contrast, virtue ethicists like Aristotle propose that the meaning of life is found in the pursuit of eudaimonia—flourishing or living in accordance with virtue. For Aristotle, a meaningful life is one that fulfills human potential through rational activity and moral excellence [[8](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[7](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)]. Utilitarian philosophers, on the other hand, suggest that meaning is derived from 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\nNihilism, as articulated by thinkers like Nietzsche, contends that life is inherently meaningless, and that traditional sources of meaning—such as religion or objective moral values—are illusory. However, even within nihilism, some philosophers argue for the possibility of creating subjective meaning despite the absence of objective purpose [[9](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)][[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)].\n\nReligious and Spiritual 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 ultimate reality. In the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), life’s purpose is often seen as serving God, cultivating virtue, and preparing for an afterlife or spiritual union with the divine [[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[30](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)][[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)]. Many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasize spiritual growth, the pursuit of enlightenment, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (moksha or nirvana) as central to life’s meaning [[30](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)][[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)].\n\nDespite doctrinal differences, most religions share two core teachings: the ethic of reciprocity (the \"Golden Rule\") and the cultivation of spiritual qualities that prepare individuals for a higher state of being or afterlife [[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)]. Religious involvement and community also provide a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which can enhance psychological well-being and resilience [[21](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/)][[28](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[27](https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place)].\n\nSome spiritual traditions, including esoteric branches within major religions, focus less on external rewards and more on living deeply and authentically in the present, seeking wholeness and connection with the universe [[29](https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/)].Scientific and Psychological Perspectives\n\nModern scientific and psychological research approaches the question of life’s meaning by examining how individuals experience purpose, significance, and coherence in their lives. Rather than positing a universal or metaphysical answer, these disciplines focus on the tangible effects of meaning and purpose on human well-being and flourishing.\n\nPsychological studies consistently find that a sense of meaning in life is a fundamental human need, closely linked to positive mental and physical health outcomes. People who perceive their lives as meaningful report greater happiness, resilience, and life satisfaction, and are less likely to experience depression, addiction, or suicidal ideation [[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[41](https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/)][[45](https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health)][[46](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)]. Meaning in life is typically defined by three components: significance (feeling that one’s life matters), purpose (having overarching life goals), and coherence (seeing one’s life as comprehensible and ordered) [[34](https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/)][[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose)].\n\nResearch shows that meaning can be found in diverse domains—relationships, work, creative pursuits, service to others, and personal growth. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, famously argued that even in the direst circumstances, the search for meaning is a primary human drive, and that those who find purpose are more resilient in the face of suffering [[33](https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose)]. Interventions such as “life crafting”—reflecting on values, passions, and goals, and making concrete plans to pursue them—have been shown to help individuals discover and sustain a sense of purpose [[40](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/)][[49](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full)].\n\nFrom an evolutionary and biological perspective, some scientists suggest that the drive for meaning may be an adaptive trait, promoting survival, cooperation, and social cohesion [[38](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)]. Others argue that, while evolution does not provide an ultimate purpose, humans are uniquely capable of creating meaning through conscious reflection and choice [[38](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)][[36](https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf)].\n\nContemporary and Popular Culture Viewpoints\n\nIn popular culture, the search for meaning is often depicted as a personal journey, shaped by individual experiences, relationships, and aspirations. Many people draw on a mix of philosophical, religious, and scientific ideas, crafting their own answers to life’s big questions. The recurring themes—connection, growth, contribution, and authenticity—reflect the enduring human desire to live a life that feels worthwhile and significant [[17](https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life)][[14](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)].\n\nConclusion\n\nThe meaning of life remains an open and deeply personal question, with no single answer that satisfies all perspectives. Philosophical traditions debate whether meaning is discovered or created; religious and spiritual paths offer frameworks rooted in transcendence and community; scientific and psychological research highlights the tangible benefits of purpose and meaning for well-being. Ultimately, the search for meaning is itself a vital part of the human experience—one that invites each person to reflect, connect, and contribute in ways that resonate with their deepest values and aspirations [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[14](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[46](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)].\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: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/)\n4. [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)\n5. [Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/)\n6. [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/)\n7. [The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)\n8. [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)\n9. [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)\n10. [4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-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. [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/)\n13. [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)\n14. [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/)\n15. [The Meaning of Life: What’s the Point? - 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology](https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2023/02/06/meaning-of-life/)\n16. [What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)\n17. [Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About The Meaning of Life | Issue 147 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life)\n18. [What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense)\n19. [The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)\n20. [Meaning of life | EBSCO Research Starters](https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/meaning-life)\n21. [The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/)\n22. [r/religion on Reddit: Whats the meaning of life according to your religion?](https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/rpzogc/whats_the_meaning_of_life_according_to_your/)\n23. [Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)\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 Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)\n27. [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)\n28. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)\n29. [The Meaning of Life? – The Spiritual Naturalist Society](https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/)\n30. [The Meaning of Life According to Various Religions - Religion's Depths](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)\n31. [Religion and the Meaning of Life](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E)\n32. [Symbols of Life - Their Spiritual Power and Meaning | DUBLEZ](https://www.dublez.com/symbols-of-life-their-spiritual-power-and-meaning-a154)\n33. [Purpose Archives - John Templeton Foundation](https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose)\n34. [The psychology of purpose in life - Center for Healthy Aging](https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/)\n35. [Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)\n36. [The Psychology of Purpose](https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf)\n37. [Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)\n38. [What is life’s purpose? A Yale psychiatrist looks to science for answers | Yale News](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)\n39. [‘What’s Your Purpose in Life?’ Psychology Prof Explains Why that Question Makes All the Difference - Cornellians | Cornell University](https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/purpose-psychology/)\n40. [Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/)\n41. [15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning](https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/)\n42. [Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8669210/)\n43. [Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development](https://journal.psych.ac.cn/xlkxjz/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.02192)\n44. [Meaning and Purpose | The Human Flourishing Program](https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose)\n45. [Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being](https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health)\n46. [The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)\n47. [Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms | Journal of Happiness Studies](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00771-6)\n48. [Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494628/)\n49. [Frontiers | Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full)\n",
"sources": [
{
"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.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"site_long_name": "plato.stanford.edu",
"age": "2007-05-15T00:00:00.000Z",
"language": "en",
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"snippets": [
"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."
],
"reference_number": 1
},
{
"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 ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Wikipedia",
"site_long_name": "en.wikipedia.org",
"age": "2025-09-10T17:06:49.000Z",
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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
},
{
"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 ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy",
"site_long_name": "iep.utm.edu",
"language": "en",
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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."
],
"reference_number": 3
},
{
"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": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting 1. Arthur Schopenhauer A German philosopher whose meaning of life is defined as <strong>the denial of the will to live</strong>. He was wealthy but …",
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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.",
"A German philosopher whose meaning of life is defined as the denial of the will to live. He was wealthy but suffered with loneliness and isolation.",
"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."
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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": "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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"A place for people to post an opinion they accept may be flawed, in an effort to understand other perspectives on the issue. Enter with a mindset for conversation, not debate. ... A subreddit dedicated to Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) manga and anime series. ... I found the meaning of life! ... Antinatalism is a group of philosophical ideas that view procreation as unethical, harmful, or otherwise unjustifiable.",
"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."
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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": "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.",
"Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a …",
"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": "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": "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": "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": "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": "Neither asserting a meaning, nor negating meaning. ... <strong>Life appears to be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection from a human perspective</strong>. We find meaning in the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the impact we have on the world around us.",
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"Posted by u/kjwhimsical-91 - 345 votes and 467 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",
"Neither asserting a meaning, nor negating meaning. ... Life appears to be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection from a human perspective. We find meaning in the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the impact we have on the world around us.",
"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?"
],
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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": "Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At <strong>Life</strong> Solipsism And Other Amazing Theories About <strong>Life</strong> A philosophy <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is any general attitude towards <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> or of the way <strong>life</strong> …",
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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.",
"All of us relate more to one or more philosophical views on the meaning of life, even if we don’t name them.",
"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."
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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": "Discover different <strong>perspectives</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>. Explore <strong>philosophical</strong> and scientific viewpoints on this thought-provoking topic.",
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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": "The Meaning of Life: What’s the Point? - 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology",
"url": "https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2023/02/06/meaning-of-life/",
"description": "In a different spirit, the ancient Daoist philosophy of Zhuangzi (2013) provides some <strong>perspective</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> advantages of being “useless” (having no purpose) and the dangers of being “useful.” · [7] On this proposal of <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> as narrative, see Seachris (2009).",
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"Does life’s having meaning depend on a supernatural reality? Is death a threat to life’s meaning? Is life the sort of thing that can have a “meaning”? In what sense? Here we will consider some approaches to questions about the meaning of life.",
"— (2018), “Philosophy and the Meaning of Life,” in: E.D. Klemke and Seven M. Cahn, eds. The Meaning of Life, Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press: 197-204. O’Brien, Wendell. “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.",
"“The Meaning of ‘Life’s Meaning,’” Philosopher’s Imprint 21(3). Sartre, Jean-Paul (2021). Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press. Originally published in French in 1943. Schlick, Moritz (2017). “On the Meaning of Life,” in: In: E.D. Klemke and Seven M. Cahn, eds. The Meaning of Life, Third Edition. Oxford University Press: 56-65. Originally published in 1927. Seachris, Joshua. “The Meaning of Life: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.",
"When people like Tolstoy regard life as meaningless, they seem to be thinking that the truth about life is bad news.[8] Supernaturalists hold that life has divine significance.[9] For example, from the perspective of the Abrahamic religions, life is valuable because everything in God’s creation is good."
],
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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": "Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About The Meaning of Life | Issue 147 | Philosophy Now",
"url": "https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life",
"description": "<strong>Philosophers</strong> distinguish between <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> in general – <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> universe or of the human species– and <strong>meaning</strong> within individual lives. For many people, ‘<strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>’ refers to something found outside them. They may ask questions like ‘What’s it all about?’ or ‘What does it all <strong>mean</strong>?’ <strong>This</strong> <strong>perspective</strong> ...",
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"Philosophers distinguish between the meaning of life in general – the meaning of the universe or of the human species– and meaning within individual lives. For many people, ‘the meaning of life’ refers to something found outside them. They may ask questions like ‘What’s it all about?’ or ‘What does it all mean?’ This perspective fosters the view that the meaning of life, whatever it is, is large, all-encompassing, magnificent; not to mention elusive, mysterious, maybe unobtainable, and discoverable only by gurus or sages.",
"Later I learned that this definitely was not the case; but the news jolted me into a ‘posthumous’ perspective, from which I saw my life overflowing with meaning emanating from my family and friends, the people I help, my research and writing, memories of good times, the daylilies in my garden, the sounds of children laughing, and much, much more.",
"To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please ... After tragedy and heartbreak – after the war is lost, after the pandemic takes someone you love, after climate change destroys your home, after your life seems to be rendered nonsensical by illness, personal failure, or injustice – deep questions may linger like a bruise: What is the meaning of all this?",
"The meaning of life, we’re told, is pursuing pleasure or happiness, or giving and receiving love, or finding your passion, or doing something great, or living out your purpose, or being involved with something greater than yourself. But these commonplace answers are only partly right, and the questions are mostly wrong. So say a host of contemporary philosophers who have been studying meaning in life."
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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": 18
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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": 19
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"title": "Meaning of life | EBSCO Research Starters",
"url": "https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/meaning-life",
"description": "Modern <strong>philosophical</strong> <strong>perspectives</strong> categorize <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> into supernaturalism, objective naturalism, subjective naturalism, and nihilism, each offering distinct interpretations of what constitutes a meaningful existence. Ultimately, <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> remains a deeply personal and ...",
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"The meaning of life is a profound and complex concept that has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers throughout history. Central to this inquiry are questions about the nature of life itself, the essence of existence, and the sources of purpose and significance. The search for meaning is often prompted by personal crises or existential reflections, leading individuals to ponder their place in the universe and the value of their actions. Perspectives on this topic vary widely; some believe that meaning is derived from religious beliefs or a higher power, while others see it as rooted in personal goals or accomplishments.",
"Philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche emphasized the individual’s relationship with self and the pursuit of personal significance, while existentialists like Albert Camus addressed the inherent absurdity of life. The discourse also includes naturalistic views, which suggest that meaning can arise from biological imperatives such as survival and reproduction. Modern philosophical perspectives categorize the meaning of life into supernaturalism, objective naturalism, subjective naturalism, and nihilism, each offering distinct interpretations of what constitutes a meaningful existence.",
"A life of authenticity is one chosen by the individual in accordance with a plan. Later, he had a different perspective. He felt that humankind was responsible for serving as guardians of the world, and this duty gives life meaning. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre also addressed the meaning of life.",
"\"The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives.\" Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, www.iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/. Accessed 11 May 2017."
],
"reference_number": 20
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"title": "The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/",
"description": "The purpose of this study was to examine whether <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> understood in terms of presence, search, and personal <strong>meaning</strong> is a mediator in the relationships between <strong>religious</strong> coping and psychological well-being. Associations <strong>of</strong> <strong>religiousness</strong> ...",
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"Chamberlain and Zika (1992) found that the association between religion and well-being is mediated by an enhanced sense of meaning in life. Examining effects of religion and PIL on older adults, Ardelt (2003) revealed that intrinsic religious orientation and religious involvement have an indirect effect, mediated by PIL, on subjective well-being. Intrinsically religious older people who have found a sense of meaning and PIL were more likely to participate frequently in spiritual activities with others and to belong to a religious group than were extrinsically religious people.",
"Three psychological tests were administered: Brief RCOPE, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB). All of them were Polish versions. Brief RCOPE is a 14-item questionnaire that assesses the extent to which the person uses specific methods of religious coping (Pargament et al. 1998). It consists of two subscales: (1) positive religious coping that measures seeking spiritual support, seeking a spiritual connection, collaboration with God in problem solving, religious forgiveness, and benevolent religious appraisals of illness; and (2) negative religious coping that assesses punishing God appraisals, interpersonal religious discontent, demonic appraisals, spiritual discontent, and questioning God’s powers.",
"The links existing between religious coping and meaning in life suggest that religion can influence many aspects of meaning by providing an ultimate motivation to all aspects of a person’s life, establishing goals and value systems and helping to instil a deeper sense of meaning in life. It is unquestionably evident within a framework of the meaning making model proposed by Park (2013), which posits that religious and spiritual factors play an important role in modelling the meaning system of many individuals.",
"Pargament KI, Koenig HG, Tarakeshwar N, Hahn J. Religious coping methods as predictors of psychological, physical and spiritual outcomes among medically ill elderly patients: A two-year longitudinal study. Journal of Health Psychology. 2004;9:713–730. doi: 10.1177/1359105304045366. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Pargament KI, Smith BW, Koenig HG, Perez L. Patterns of positive and negative religious coping with major life stressors."
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"reference_number": 21
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"title": "r/religion on Reddit: Whats the meaning of life according to your religion?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/rpzogc/whats_the_meaning_of_life_according_to_your/",
"description": "15 votes, 79 comments. I wanna hear your different perspectives.",
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"Posted by u/[Deleted Account] - 15 votes and 79 comments",
"While there's no single, straightforward \"meaning of life\" in Judaism, a common view is that it is tikkun olam, \"fixing the world\" and making it a better place, ultimately to bring about the Great Sabbath of History (the Messianic Age), a time of universal peace, spirituality, and leisure.",
"Heathenry is a revivalist religion seeking to bring the practice of the ancient Germanic peoples into the present day.",
"In simplest terms, it uses information inferred or represented in scholarship to form the foundation of a modern, polytheistic religious tradition."
],
"reference_number": 22
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"title": "Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia",
"url": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "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) <strong>spiritual formation towards an afterlife or eternal</strong> ...",
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"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.",
"Probably the most universal teachings concerning the meaning of life, to be followed in virtually all religions in spite of much diversity of their traditions and positions, are: 1) the ethic of reciprocity among fellow humans, the \"Golden Rule,\" derived from an ultimate being, called God, Allah, Brahman, Taiji, or Tian; and 2) the spiritual dimension of life including an afterlife or eternal life, based on the requirement not to indulge in the external and material aspect of life.",
"Usually, the connection of the two is that the ethic of reciprocity is a preparation in this world for the elevation of spirituality and for afterlife. It is important to note that these two constitutive elements of any religious view of meaning are common to all religious and spiritual traditions, although Jainism's ethical teachings may not be based on any ultimate divine being and the Confucianist theory of the continual existence of ancestors together with descendants may not consider afterlife in the sense of being the other world.",
"Scientific theories can be used to support these two elements, depending upon whether one's perspective is religious or not. For example, the biological function of survival and continuation can be used in support of the religious doctrine of eternal life, and modern physics can be considered not to preclude some spiritual dimension of the universe."
],
"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,
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"site_long_name": "cslewis.org",
"age": "2012-02-09T02:37:49.000Z",
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"Dissonant voices in the public square preach competing versions of wisdom apart from Christ. Traditional religions flourish and new spiritualities proliferate. Humanist philosophies, political ideologies, and hedonistic life-styles promise happiness and fulfillment.",
"In the religious context of Genesis 1 and 2, this is an act of rebellion and insurrection against the Great King. The just consequences are alienation from God, banishment from Paradise, and loss of ability to image God rightly in any part of life. In sum, sin resulted in spiritual and physical death.",
"This is a metaphysical point, not an existential-religious claim. It does not imply that goodness and wholeness are incidental to human integrity, flourishing, and fulfillment. I have argued that the image of God comprehends all dimensions of human existence–spirituality, morality, society, culture, and physical life.",
"In the midst of this spiritual cacophony, Oxbridge 2008 addresses a particularly strident voice—contemporary scientific naturalism. Naturalism’s most popular preachers, the so-called New Atheists, rant against religion in general and Christianity in particular, alleging that they are not merely irrational and irrelevant but harmful to human flourishing. Other naturalists are more subtle, allowing that religion has been a useful adaptation in human evolution, at least until recently."
],
"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?",
"content": null,
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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."
],
"reference_number": 25
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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>Human beings are viewed as intrinsically spiritual beings</strong>. People’s lives in this material world provide extended opportunities to grow, to develop divine qualities and virtues, and the prophets were sent by God to facilitate this. Hinduism Hinduism is a religious category including many ...",
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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.",
"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. It is often grouped with religions, however, perhaps because it is a spiritual philosophy, a social ethic, a political ideology, and a scholarly tradition.",
"To Baha’is, the purpose of life is focused on spiritual growth and service to humanity. Human beings are viewed as intrinsically spiritual beings. People’s lives in this material world provide extended opportunities to grow, to develop divine qualities and virtues, and the prophets were sent by God to facilitate this. Hinduism Hinduism is a religious category including many beliefs and traditions.",
"Since Hinduism was the way of expressing meaningful living for a long time, before there was a need for naming it as a separate religion, Hindu doctrines are supplementary and complementary in nature, generally non-exclusive, suggestive and tolerant in content. Most believe that the ātman (spirit, soul)—the person’s true self—is eternal. In part, this stems from Hindu beliefs that spiritual development occurs across many lifetimes, and goals should match the state of development of the individual."
],
"reference_number": 26
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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 faith promotes a sense of meaning in life</strong> – and it might take more than ‘social glue’ to duplicate the effect",
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"Other practices like sermons, yoga and retreats can also trigger ‘spiritual boredom’. Here’s why it’s normal and even useful",
"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.",
"One study from the 1970s found that nuns scored higher on such measures than lay people. More recently, a study published in 2021 found that theists report experiencing more meaning in life than atheists. 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."
],
"reference_number": 27
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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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"The interviews focused on seven themes relating to religious community and religious beliefs in relation to constructing life meaning. These themes included (1) ownership of life and function of God, (2) benefits of faith, (3) God's role in everyday events, (4) fidelity of beliefs, (5) social and spiritual aspects of church involvement, (6) life meaning, and (7) expectations for afterlife.",
"This paper addresses the question of how contemporary visitors perceive the more commercial facets of religious destinations. The Four Great Buddhist Mountains of China provided subtly different contexts for the work, but the themes addressed have a broad applicability to the tensions between secular and spiritual features of such sites.",
"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."
],
"reference_number": 28
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"title": "The Meaning of Life? – The Spiritual Naturalist Society",
"url": "https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/",
"description": "What does it <strong>mean</strong> when we ask <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Is it about context or is the joke on us?",
"content": null,
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"As humans, though, we can live a shallow life or a deep life, a narrow life or a broad life; we can live selfishly or generously, distractedly or with focus. At the popular level, religion may lead people to believe that the goal of life is some form of afterlife; but at what might be called a more esoteric level, spirituality is often about living this life deeply and with focus.",
"By and large, people have looked to religion for such a cosmic purpose, though many people no longer find religious solutions tenable. Christianity, at least at the popular level, tells us that existence on this earth is only something of a trial run, and that the real existence is in another realm only accessible after death. In this view, we must live our life a certain way and hold certain beliefs to get to this real existence.",
"Presumably once we get to this other life, we will no longer be troubled by the meaning of existence. Most popular religions offer some sense of meaning or purpose to life, but most if not all suffer from the fact that you must believe un-provable and often absurd things in order to find that meaning.",
"In these esoteric traditions, sin by definition is what keeps us from being whole. The Universe has given us this brief moment of existence. Does it not make sense to try to life it wholly and completely? What are these “esoteric traditions”? They are found in all the major religions, though they are often hidden."
],
"reference_number": 29
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"title": "The Meaning of Life According to Various Religions - Religion's Depths",
"url": "https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/",
"description": "What is <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Does anyone know? Here's what eight different religions from all around the world say.",
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"The world’s religions, however, give a radically different, and radically truer-to-life, answer to the question of what the meaning of life is (regardless of how well or how badly their adherents live up to it, of course). Surely not coincidentally, they all give more or less the same answer, just expressed in different ways: the meaning of life is to get closer to the divine and, ultimately, to experience spiritual enlightenment.",
"Let’s now consider examples from several religions from around the world. ... For thousands of years, Hinduism has taught that the meaning of life is to achieve moksha, “liberation,” the Hindu term for spiritual enlightenment. All living beings are continuously reincarnated in different bodies and circumstances depending on how much good or bad karma they’ve accumulated in this life and previous ones.",
"Since these statements come from a religion different from those we’ve looked at so far, they’re naturally expressed in a different idiom. But the underlying theme is the same: the meaning of life is to live in a way that comports with, and leads up to, spiritual enlightenment, the direct experience of the oneness of all things in the immanent and transcendent divinity.",
"In ancient Egyptian parlance, “to remember the West,” the direction of the setting sun, means to remember death and ultimate things more generally, which for the ancient Egyptians were deeply spiritual matters.[54] This is confirmed by the following line, “so that the local gods be brought offerings.” This poem therefore articulates the same notion of the meaning of life as that of the Enuma Elish, just expressed in what’s perhaps a more sophisticated way. ... Naturally but unfortunately, it’s not realistic to cite and discuss examples from every single religion that’s ever existed."
],
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"title": "Religion and the Meaning of Life",
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"'This book thoughtfully explores issues related to the meaning of life from a religious perspective without being dogmatic. Because of this, it should be of great interest to those concerned with how spirituality intersects with meaningfulness.",
"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.'"
],
"reference_number": 31
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"title": "Symbols of Life - Their Spiritual Power and Meaning | DUBLEZ",
"url": "https://www.dublez.com/symbols-of-life-their-spiritual-power-and-meaning-a154",
"description": "In this article, you will find: The secrets <strong>and</strong> <strong>meanings</strong> <strong>of</strong> symbol",
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"In this article, you will find: The secrets and meanings of symbols The Tree of Life - a sign of connection and growth Infinity - more than just",
"Additional interpretations of the infinity symbol: Representation of Ouroboros: The circular shape of two components forming the infinity symbol is linked by some mystics to the Ouroboros, a snake depicted eating its own tail, creating a circle. Harmony and balance: Two interconnecting loops can represent opposing forces or individuals coming together in harmony and balance, symbolizing interconnectedness between all things. Regeneration: On a spiritual and metaphysical level, the infinity symbol can signify regeneration and eternal life after death.",
"This Egyptian symbol of life is often depicted in the hands of prominent Egyptian figures, such as pharaohs and kings, as a way to preserve their immortality. It is also commonly seen in temples and in the hands of major Egyptian gods like Osiris, Isis, and Ra. The Ankh may also have a more physical interpretation—symbolizing water, air, and sunlight, which were essential for sustaining life in ancient Egyptian culture.",
"Since ancient times, people have used symbols to represent every significant event in life. But what could be more important in life than life itself? Throughout history, regardless of culture or religion, people have embraced and recognized crucial signs and symbols that represent life."
],
"reference_number": 32
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"title": "Purpose Archives - John Templeton Foundation",
"url": "https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose",
"description": "In Korea, for instance, youth were ... of different socioeconomic backgrounds suggests that <strong>those in challenging circumstances are likely to have a difficult time discovering and pursuing personally meaningful aims</strong>....",
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"Modern scientific research on human purpose has its origins in, of all places, a Holocaust survivor’s experiences in a series of Nazi concentration camps. While a prisoner at Theresienstadt, Auschwitz and two satellite camps of Dachau, Viennese psychologist Viktor Frankl noticed that fellow prisoners who had a sense of purpose showed greater resilience to the torture, slave labor, and starvation rations to which they were subjected.",
"Although the majority of sociological work on purpose in life has focused on people in western, affluent societies, the literature contains a few interesting cross-cultural results that hint at how approaches to and benefits from purpose in life might differ around the world. In Korea, for instance, youth were shown to view purpose as less an individual pursuit and more as a collective matter, while explorations of Chinese concepts of purpose indicates that one’s sense of purpose is divided into senses of professional, moral, and social purpose. Research in the psychology of purpose among people of different socioeconomic backgrounds suggests that those in challenging circumstances are likely to have a difficult time discovering and pursuing personally meaningful aims.",
"Indeed, as Viktor Frankl argued — based in part on what he had observed first-hand — experiencing adversity might actually contribute to the development of a purpose in life. Download the full research review on the psychology of purpose.",
"Most world religions, as well as many secular systems of thought, also offer their adherents well-developed guidelines for developing purpose in life. Love of friends and family, and desire for meaningful work are common sources of purpose. Over the past few decades, psychologists and sociologists have developed a host of assessments that touch on people’s senses of purpose including the Life Regard Index, the Purpose in Life subscale of the Psychological Scales of Well-being, the Meaning in Life questionnaire, the Existence Subscale of the Purpose in Life Test, the Revised Youth Purpose Survey, the Claremont Purpose Scale and the Life Purpose Questionnaire, among others."
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"title": "The psychology of purpose in life - Center for Healthy Aging",
"url": "https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/",
"description": "An individual may find meaning in various domains of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and interests. <strong>Researchers actually consider meaning in life as a core component to living a successful and happy life</strong>. Having meaning in life has been associated with a wide range of benefits.",
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"Meaning in life can be difficult to define as it may be a highly personal experience. Researchers have defined meaning in life as a feeling that one’s life is significant, purposeful, and coherent; in other words, having a direction that makes sense and has a feeling of worth.",
"An individual may find meaning in various domains of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and interests. Researchers actually consider meaning in life as a core component to living a successful and happy life. Having meaning in life has been associated with a wide range of benefits.",
"Remember, finding meaning does not have to be a complicated process, you can find it in the simplest of life’s joys. The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. —Ralph Waldo Emerson ... Click the icon to subscribe and receive CHA updates. ... Wenceslao (Wen) Martinez is a master’s student in the Translational Research on Aging and Chronic Disease Laboratory in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science — and he finds a lot of purpose in doing science.",
"Allie Alayan is a Ph.D. student in Counseling Psychology at CSU. She finds purpose in researching how people find purpose in their lives."
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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 in life is important for both mental and physical health</strong>. Despite the ...",
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"2Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States · 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).",
"In order to successfully respond to and recover from collective threats such as pandemics, economic recessions, and natural disasters, humans need to possess the psychological fortitude that not only helps them manage their personal anxieties, but that also drives them to want to positively contribute to the world around them. Much of the research in existential psychology has focused on how meaning contributes to individual health and well-being and has ignored many of the ways that meaning might orient people outward.",
"The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Abeyta, A. A., Routledge, C., and Juhl, J. (2015). Looking back to move forward: nostalgia as a psychological resource for promoting relationship goals and overcoming relationship challenges.",
"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)."
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"title": "The Psychology of Purpose",
"url": "https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf",
"description": "More recently, the advent of positive ... Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), has led to yet more scientific interest in ... <strong>purpose in life represents a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once</strong> · personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement ...",
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"That means that individuals may find meaning in watching a shooting star, but they may find ... II. MEASURING PURPOSE · Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but ... In conjunction with the growth of positive psychology, scientific attention to purpose has increased · dramatically over the past approximately twenty years. Before this, researchers largely believed it was",
"More recently, the advent of positive psychology, a psychological · approach to understanding not only what can go wrong but also what can go right in the course of · human development (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), has led to yet more scientific interest in ... purpose in life represents a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once · personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement with some aspect of the",
"Similarly, other researchers have included purpose as part of their definition of meaning along with the · extent to which people make sense of or see significance in their lives (Steger, 2009). Psychological · researchers argue that a purpose in life refers only to those sources of meaning that are both goal-",
"Calling and vocation at work: Definitions and prospects for research · and practice. Counseling Psychologist, 37(3), 424-450. This article outlines purpose, in the form of a calling or vocation, for counseling psychologists. It · defines the term calling and explains how people can find meaning in the work they do. Dik, B. & Duffy, R. D. (2012). Make Your Job a Calling: How the Psychology of Vocation Can · Change Your Life at Work."
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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": "Previous research has shown that ... life often raises disquieting questions of meaning in life. <strong>Meaning in life refers to people's concerns with the core significance and purpose of their personal existence</strong>....",
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"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",
"The first author is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO). The research reported in this article was conducted by the Interdisciplinary Center Church and Society, with a Grant of the Dutch National Health Security division Patient Care (Ziekenzorg CM).",
"Previous research has shown that adaptation to a chronic condition requires individuals to revise one's life goals and expectations, given that serious illness often crosses valued goals and life plans (Pinquart, Silbereisen, & Frohlich, 2009). Such a profound revision of one's life often raises disquieting questions of meaning in life. Meaning in life refers to people's concerns with the core significance and purpose of their personal existence.",
"The multidimensional character of the concept resulted in a multitude of research tapping into different aspects of the construct (for a review, see Morgan & Farsides, 2009). Steger and colleagues made a successful attempt to remedy this lack of conceptual clarity by distinguishing between two components of meaning in life (Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, 2006). The first aspect, Presence of Meaning, indicates whether individuals perceive their lives as significant and purposeful."
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"title": "What is life’s purpose? A Yale psychiatrist looks to science for answers | Yale News",
"url": "https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers",
"description": "In a counterintuitive way, <strong>serving others often leads to more happiness than pursuing things for ourselves</strong>. Yet no one walks around thinking, If I could only find more people to help today, then I could be happier! But the evidence suggests such thinking would be more psychologically accurate ...",
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"In a new book, “Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence?,” Wilkinson, an associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, integrates principles from many scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology to cognitive psychology, to create a framework that suggests not only that there is an overarching purpose to human existence, but what that purpose is.",
"“When you combine the concept that we are free to choose with the dual potential of human nature, to me this strongly implies that life is a test,” said Wilkinson, who is also director of the Yale Depression Research Program. “The purpose of life is to choose between the good and evil impulses inherent within us. ... Samuel Wilkinson: The idea for the book stems from an existential crisis I experienced as a medical student 15 years ago. I was concerned that some of the lessons of science and evolution conflicted with some of the beliefs I have, that most people have, that life has value, meaning, and purpose.",
"Wilkinson: Certainly, I agree that different circumstances influence our decisions, but there’s compelling data showing how our conscious thoughts also influence our behavior. I like the metaphor from [social psychologist and writer] Jonathan Haidt of the elephant and the rider.",
"In a counterintuitive way, serving others often leads to more happiness than pursuing things for ourselves. Yet no one walks around thinking, If I could only find more people to help today, then I could be happier! But the evidence suggests such thinking would be more psychologically accurate than our natural intuitions."
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"title": "‘What’s Your Purpose in Life?’ Psychology Prof Explains Why that Question Makes All the Difference - Cornellians | Cornell University",
"url": "https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/purpose-psychology/",
"description": "Psychologist Anthony Burrow runs <strong>the Purpose and Identity Processes Lab</strong>, which studies the vital role that a sense of purpose plays in human wellbeing. Also director of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Burrow has stressed the importance of purpose in such ...",
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"Psychologist Anthony Burrow runs the Purpose and Identity Processes Lab, which studies the vital role that a sense of purpose plays in human wellbeing. Also director of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Burrow has stressed the importance of purpose in such national media as Psychology Today and NPR’s podcast The Hidden Brain.",
"Do researchers know why purpose is so good for us?"
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"title": "Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/",
"description": "<strong>Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations</strong>, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
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"Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
"Graybiel A. M., Smith K. S. (2014). Good habits, bad habits. Sci. Am. 310, 38–43. 10.1038/scientificamerican0614-38 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Hart J. (2014). Toward an integrative theory of psychological defense. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 9, 19–39.",
"This process ideally starts with an intervention that entails a combination of reflecting on one’s values, passions and goals, best possible self, goal attainment plans, and other positive psychology intervention techniques. Important elements of such an intervention are: (1) discovering values and passion, (2) reflecting on current and desired competencies and habits, (3) reflecting on present and future social life, (4) reflecting on a possible future career, (5) writing about the ideal future, (6) writing down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans, and (7) making public commitments to the goals set. Prior research has shown that personal goal setting and goal attainment plans help people gain a direction or a sense of purpose in life.",
"Research findings from the field of positive psychology, such as salutogenesis, implementation intentions, value congruence, broaden-and-build, and goal-setting literature, can help in building a comprehensive evidence-based life-crafting intervention. This intervention can aid individuals to find a purpose in life, while at the same time ensuring that they make concrete plans to work toward this purpose."
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"title": "15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning",
"url": "https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/",
"description": "Increasingly, psychologists have begun to realize the importance of meaning to our wellbeing and happiness. Recent research suggests that <strong>people with increased meaning are better off – they appear happier, exhibit increased life satisfaction, and report lowered depression</strong> (Huo et al., 2019; ...",
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"Explore questions on the complex topic of meaning and discover techniques & tools to help you and your clients find your purpose in life.",
"Questions central to the complex topic of meaning & purpose of life.",
"Increasingly, psychologists have begun to realize the importance of meaning to our wellbeing and happiness. Recent research suggests that people with increased meaning are better off – they appear happier, exhibit increased life satisfaction, and report lowered depression (Huo et al., 2019; Ivtzan, Lomas, Hefferon, & Worth, 2016; Steger, 2009).",
"The Positive Psychology Toolkit© is a groundbreaking practitioner resource containing over 500 science-based exercises, activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments created by experts using the latest positive psychology research."
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"title": "Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8669210/",
"description": "Growing evidence indicates that <strong>a higher sense of purpose in life (purpose) is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and mortality</strong>. However, epidemiological studies have not evaluated if change in purpose is associated with subsequent ...",
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"With further research, these results suggest that sense of purpose might be a valuable target for innovative policy and intervention work aimed at improving health and well-being. Keywords: epidemiology, purpose in life, sense of purpose, psychological well-being, well-being",
"Second, some studies did not adequately account for potential confounders (e.g., baseline health, psychological distress). Third, most longitudinal studies did not control for pre-baseline outcomes, thereby failing to address reverse causality concerns. Fourth, some studies used limited assessments of purpose in life (e.g., single-item measures). Fifth, few, if any, longitudinal studies have controlled for purpose in life in the pre-baseline wave, which allows researchers to ask a slightly different question—how changes in purpose (“incident exposure”) affect health.",
"Future studies could re-evaluate these findings using objectively assessed physical health and health behavior outcomes, beyond mortality, to address this limitation. Four years of follow-up data were available and may not be long enough for a psychological factor to exert influence on chronic diseases. Thus, future research could evaluate these associations with datasets with longer follow-up times.",
"Purpose was assessed at baseline (t1; 2010/2012) using the 7-item purpose in life subscale of the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scales, 43 previously validated in a nationally representative sample of adults. On a 6-point Likert scale, respondents rated the degree to which they endorsed items such as, “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.” The mean of all items was taken to create a scale with scores ranging from 1 to 6 where higher scores reflected higher sense of purpose (Cronbach α = 0.76)."
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"title": "Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development",
"url": "https://journal.psych.ac.cn/xlkxjz/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.02192",
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"Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2017, Vol.",
"LAN Gongrui, LI Houyi, GAI Xiaosong. Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2017, 25(12): 2192-2202.",
"(1 Normal College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China) (2 Changchun Finance College, Changchun 130028, China)) (3 School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China)"
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"title": "Meaning and Purpose | The Human Flourishing Program",
"url": "https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose",
"description": "Sense of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> <strong>and</strong> subsequent health and well-being in older adults: an outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Health Promotion, 36:137-147. Hanson, J.A. and VanderWeele, T.J. (2021). The Comprehensive Measure of <strong>Meaning</strong>: <strong>psychological</strong> <strong>and</strong> philosophical foundations.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Harvard",
"site_long_name": "hfh.fas.harvard.edu",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu&size=96",
"thumbnail": "https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum8886/files/pik/files/determinants_of_purpose_blogpost.jpg",
"snippets": [
"Chen, Y., Kim, E.S., Shields, A.E., and VanderWeele, T.J. (2020). Antecedents of purpose in life: evidence from a lagged exposure-wide analysis. Cogent Psychology, 7:1825043.",
"The Measurement of Meaning project aims to make use of these important distinctions to develop comprehensive measures of meaning and purpose, useful both for personal reflection, and for empirical research. ... Padgett, R., Hanson, J.A., Nakamura, J.S., Ritchie-Dunham, J.L., Kim, E.S., and VanderWeele, T.J. (2024). Measuring meaning in life by combining philosophical and psychological distinctions: psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Measure of Meaning.",
"Journal of Positive Psychology, in press. Nakamura, J.S., Ryff, C.D., Chen, Y., Folk, D., Heine, S.J., VanderWeele, T.J., and Kim, E.S. (2022). What makes life purposeful? Identifying the antecedents of a sense of purpose in life using a lagged exposure-wide approach.",
"The Determinants of Purpose project seeks to understand what brings purpose in life. Nearly everyone desires purpose, and yet we know remarkably little empirically about what leads to purpose in life."
],
"reference_number": 44
},
{
"title": "Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being",
"url": "https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health",
"description": "What is <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>? <strong>It</strong> <strong>means</strong> having a central, organizing <strong>life</strong> aim, an overall sense of direction in one'<strong>s</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>and</strong> a belief that one’<strong>s</strong> <strong>life</strong> activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. <strong>Research</strong> indicates that having a <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is good for mental ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "American Psychiatric Association",
"site_long_name": "psychiatry.org",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://psychiatry.org&size=96",
"thumbnail": "https://www.psychiatry.org:443/getmedia/bb2f4e0e-983f-4529-abce-49602121f1b2/iStock-purpose.jpg",
"snippets": [
"What is purpose in life? It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health.",
"It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world.1, 2 Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health.",
"More than half of young adults (58%) reported that they lacked “meaning or purpose” in their lives in the previous month and half of young adults reported that their mental health was negatively influenced by “not knowing what to do with my life.” · Importantly, the research does not explain how that connection is made.",
"Boreham, I.D., Schutte, N.S. 2023. The relationship between purpose in life and depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, volume 79, issue 12."
],
"reference_number": 45
},
{
"title": "The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life | Psychology Today",
"url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life",
"description": "The secret to healthy aging? A new study reveals the powerful, positive, and pervasive effects of filling <strong>life</strong> with people and activities that feel worthwhile.",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Psychology Today",
"site_long_name": "psychologytoday.com",
"age": "2019-01-12T16:06:27.000Z",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://psychologytoday.com&size=96",
"thumbnail": "https://cdn2.psychologytoday.com/assets/styles/manual_crop_1_91_1_1528x800/public/field_blog_entry_teaser_image/2019-01/joyful_cycling_couple.jpg?itok=wZ_urGgm",
"snippets": [
"The feeling that one’s life has meaning can come from any number of things—from work (paid or unpaid) that feels worthwhile, from cherished relationships, from religious faith or even from regularly appreciating the sunset. While it does not much matter what gives you purpose, it does matter that you find it somewhere. A growing body of research has found that the feeling that one’s life has meaning is associated with a host of positive health outcomes.",
"And now a new study of older adults published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences goes even further by revealing that the sense that one is living a worthwhile life appears to be positively linked to just about every aspect of our lives, not just health. The new study also followed people over time and found that the more worthwhile they found their lives the more positive changes they experienced over the following four years. “These associations seem quite pervasive, right across a whole spectrum of our experience,” says lead author Andrew Steptoe, a psychologist and epidemiologist at University College London who oversaw the study.",
"Lydia Denworth is a science journalist and author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond. ... Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.",
"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? Subscribe Issue Archive"
],
"reference_number": 46
},
{
"title": "Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms | Journal of Happiness Studies",
"url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00771-6",
"description": "<strong>Purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, further exploration is needed about the processes implicated in <strong>purpose</strong> from a cognitive and affective perspective. This scoping review aims to identify ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Springer",
"site_long_name": "link.springer.com",
"age": "2024-06-24T00:00:00.000Z",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://link.springer.com&size=96",
"thumbnail": "https://static-content.springer.com/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs10902-024-00771-6/MediaObjects/10902_2024_771_Fig1_HTML.png",
"snippets": [
"Purpose in life is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of purpose in life, further exploration is needed about the processes implicated in purpose from a cognitive and affective perspective. This scoping review aims to identify the cognitive and/or affective mechanisms (CAMs) correlating with purpose in life and to examine these relationships based on relevant existing literature.",
"Journal of Happiness Studies - Purpose in life is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of purpose in life, further exploration is...",
"Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. ... Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript. Purpose in life is widely recognised as a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being and is intimately linked with motivation and meaningful goal engagement (Kashdan & McKnight, 2009; Ryff & Singer, 2008).",
"Research consistently shows that increased purpose in life is associated with an extensive range of benefits such as increased life satisfaction, psychosocial and physiological well-being, and reduced risk of psychological distress and mortality (AshaRani et al., 2022; Kim et al., 2022). Despite its clear importance, researchers have yet to comprehensively explore the cognitive and affective mechanisms (CAMs) linked with purpose in life consequently hindering advancements in this field. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, emerging literature is recognising purpose in life and meaning in life as different constructs (George & Park, 2016; Martela & Steger, 2016)."
],
"reference_number": 47
},
{
"title": "Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494628/",
"description": "Accumulating evidence shows that a higher sense of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is associated with lower risk of chronic conditions and premature mortality. Health behaviors might partially explain these findings, however, the prospective association between ...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "PubMed Central",
"site_long_name": "pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov&size=96",
"snippets": [
"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 · Prev Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Oct 1. Published in final edited form as: Prev Med. 2020 Jun 25;139:106172. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106172 ... 1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H.",
"Our results, suggest that a sense of purpose in life might emerge (with further research) as a valuable target to consider for interventions aimed at helping older adults maintain some health behaviors. Keywords: epidemiology, health psychology, purpose in life, psychological well-being, health behaviors, physical activity, smoking, body weight, sleep, alcohol consumption",
"Early randomized controlled trials, ranging from volunteering to cognitive behavioral therapy in groups, preliminarily suggest that a sense of purpose can be enhanced.6–10 Results from this study suggest that a higher sense of purpose is associated with maintenance of some health behaviors; future experimental research might provide even stronger tests of this hypothesis. With additional work, policies and interventions aiming to enhance purpose might be a novel way of simultaneously enhancing the psychological, behavioral, and physical health of our rapidly aging population.",
"Purpose was assessed at baseline (t1;2006/2008) and then at 4 year intervals after baseline (t3;2010/2012 and t5;2014/2016), using the validated 7-item purpose subscale of Ryff’’s Psychological Well-Being Scales.34 On a 6-point Likert scale, respondents rated the degree to which they endorsed items like “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.” Following HRS protocol, if respondents completed at least 5 of 7 items (96.9%), a purpose score was derived by calculating the mean of all items (Cronbach α=0.74)."
],
"reference_number": 48
},
{
"title": "Frontiers | Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life",
"url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full",
"description": "Having a <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is one of the most fundamental human needs. However, for most people finding their <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is not obvious. Modern <strong>life</strong> has a...",
"content": null,
"site_name": "Frontiers",
"site_long_name": "frontiersin.org",
"age": "2019-11-25T00:00:00.000Z",
"language": "en",
"image_urls": [],
"links": [],
"is_safe": true,
"favicon": "https://t1.gstatic.com/faviconV2?client=SOCIAL&type=FAVICON&fallback_opts=TYPE,SIZE,URL&url=https://frontiersin.org&size=96",
"thumbnail": "https://images-provider.frontiersin.org/api/ipx/w=1200&f=png/https://www.frontiersin.org/files/Articles/462158/fpsyg-10-02778-HTML/image_m/fpsyg-10-02778-t001.jpg",
"snippets": [
"Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
"Graybiel, A. M., and Smith, K. S. (2014). Good habits, bad habits. Sci. Am. 310, 38–43. doi: 10.1038/scientificamerican0614-38 ... Hart, J. (2014). Toward an integrative theory of psychological defense. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 9, 19–39.",
"This process ideally starts with an intervention that entails a combination of reflecting on one’s values, passions and goals, best possible self, goal attainment plans, and other positive psychology intervention techniques. Important elements of such an intervention are: (1) discovering values and passion, (2) reflecting on current and desired competencies and habits, (3) reflecting on present and future social life, (4) reflecting on a possible future career, (5) writing about the ideal future, (6) writing down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans, and (7) making public commitments to the goals set. Prior research has shown that personal goal setting and goal attainment plans help people gain a direction or a sense of purpose in life.",
"Research findings from the field of positive psychology, such as salutogenesis, implementation intentions, value congruence, broaden-and-build, and goal-setting literature, can help in building a comprehensive evidence-based life-crafting intervention. This intervention can aid individuals to find a purpose in life, while at the same time ensuring that they make concrete plans to work toward this purpose."
],
"reference_number": 49
}
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Speech to TextTranscribe video and audio files with ease leveraging Whisper large V3 AI model.
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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?"
})
from jigsawstack import JigsawStack
jigsaw = JigsawStack(api_key="your-api-key")
response = jigsaw.web.deep_research({
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
})
curl https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research \
-X POST \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-H 'x-api-key: your-api-key' \
-d '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}'
<?php
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, 'https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_CUSTOMREQUEST, 'POST');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER, [
'Content-Type: application/json',
'x-api-key: your-api-key',
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}');
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
require 'net/http'
require 'json'
uri = URI('https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research')
req = Net::HTTP::Post.new(uri)
req.content_type = 'application/json'
req['x-api-key'] = 'your-api-key'
req.body = {
'query' => 'What is the meaning of life?'
}.to_json
req_options = {
use_ssl: uri.scheme == 'https'
}
res = Net::HTTP.start(uri.hostname, uri.port, req_options) do |http|
http.request(req)
end
package main
import (
"fmt"
"io"
"log"
"net/http"
"strings"
)
func main() {
client := &http.Client{}
var data = strings.NewReader(`{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}`)
req, err := http.NewRequest("POST", "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research", data)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
req.Header.Set("Content-Type", "application/json")
req.Header.Set("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
resp, err := client.Do(req)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
defer resp.Body.Close()
bodyText, err := io.ReadAll(resp.Body)
if err != nil {
log.Fatal(err)
}
fmt.Printf("%s\n", bodyText)
}
import java.io.IOException;
import java.net.URI;
import java.net.http.HttpClient;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest;
import java.net.http.HttpRequest.BodyPublishers;
import java.net.http.HttpResponse;
HttpClient client = HttpClient.newHttpClient();
HttpRequest request = HttpRequest.newBuilder()
.uri(URI.create("https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research"))
.POST(BodyPublishers.ofString("{\"query\":\"What is the meaning of life?\"}"))
.setHeader("Content-Type", "application/json")
.setHeader("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
.build();
HttpResponse<String> response = client.send(request, HttpResponse.BodyHandlers.ofString());
import Foundation
let jsonData = [
"query": "What is the meaning of life?"
] as [String : Any]
let data = try! JSONSerialization.data(withJSONObject: jsonData, options: [])
let url = URL(string: "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research")!
let headers = [
"Content-Type": "application/json",
"x-api-key": "your-api-key"
]
var request = URLRequest(url: url)
request.httpMethod = "POST"
request.allHTTPHeaderFields = headers
request.httpBody = data as Data
let task = URLSession.shared.dataTask(with: request) { (data, response, error) in
if let error = error {
print(error)
} else if let data = data {
let str = String(data: data, encoding: .utf8)
print(str ?? "")
}
}
task.resume()
import 'package:http/http.dart' as http;
void main() async {
final headers = {
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
'x-api-key': 'your-api-key',
};
final data = '{"query":"What is the meaning of life?"}';
final url = Uri.parse('https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research');
final res = await http.post(url, headers: headers, body: data);
final status = res.statusCode;
if (status != 200) throw Exception('http.post error: statusCode= $status');
print(res.body);
}
import java.io.IOException
import okhttp3.MediaType.Companion.toMediaType
import okhttp3.OkHttpClient
import okhttp3.Request
import okhttp3.RequestBody.Companion.toRequestBody
val client = OkHttpClient()
val MEDIA_TYPE = "application/json".toMediaType()
val requestBody = "{\"query\":\"What is the meaning of life?\"}"
val request = Request.Builder()
.url("https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research")
.post(requestBody.toRequestBody(MEDIA_TYPE))
.header("Content-Type", "application/json")
.header("x-api-key", "your-api-key")
.build()
client.newCall(request).execute().use { response ->
if (!response.isSuccessful) throw IOException("Unexpected code $response")
response.body!!.string()
}
using System.Net.Http.Headers;
using System.Net.Http.Json;
HttpClient client = new HttpClient();
HttpRequestMessage request = new HttpRequestMessage(HttpMethod.Post, "https://api.jigsawstack.com/v1/web/deep_research");
request.Headers.Add("x-api-key", "your-api-key");
request.Content = JsonContent.Create(new
{
query = "What is the meaning of life?"
});
request.Content.Headers.ContentType = new MediaTypeHeaderValue("application/json");
HttpResponseMessage response = await client.SendAsync(request);
response.EnsureSuccessStatusCode();
string responseBody = await response.Content.ReadAsStringAsync();
Console.WriteLine(responseBody);
{
"success": true,
"query": "What is the meaning of life?",
"results": "The question \"What is the meaning of life?\" has captivated thinkers across cultures and eras, inspiring a vast array of responses from philosophy, religion, science, and psychology. Each perspective 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. Existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that life has no predetermined purpose; instead, individuals are free—and indeed compelled—to create their own meaning through choices and actions. Sartre’s dictum, “existence precedes essence,” encapsulates this view: humans are not born with a set purpose but must forge their own paths, embracing personal responsibility and authenticity in the face of an indifferent universe [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[14](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)]. Camus, meanwhile, highlights the \"absurdity\" of seeking meaning in a universe that offers none, yet suggests that one can find value in the struggle itself, as illustrated by his famous metaphor of Sisyphus [[10](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-meaning-of-life/)][[9](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)].\n\nIn contrast, virtue ethicists like Aristotle propose that the meaning of life is found in the pursuit of eudaimonia—flourishing or living in accordance with virtue. For Aristotle, a meaningful life is one that fulfills human potential through rational activity and moral excellence [[8](https://medium.com/@edwardoreid/finding-meaning-and-purpose-in-life-a-philosophical-perspective-557f24709484)][[7](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)][[16](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)]. Utilitarian philosophers, on the other hand, suggest that meaning is derived from 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\nNihilism, as articulated by thinkers like Nietzsche, contends that life is inherently meaningless, and that traditional sources of meaning—such as religion or objective moral values—are illusory. However, even within nihilism, some philosophers argue for the possibility of creating subjective meaning despite the absence of objective purpose [[9](https://philosophy.stackexchange.com/questions/40299/various-philosophers-perspective-on-the-meaning-or-purpose-of-life)][[2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life)].\n\nReligious and Spiritual 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 ultimate reality. In the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam), life’s purpose is often seen as serving God, cultivating virtue, and preparing for an afterlife or spiritual union with the divine [[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[30](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)][[24](https://www.cslewis.org/journal/the-image-of-god-religion-and-the-meaning-of-life-toward-a-christian-philosophical-anthropology/)]. Many Eastern religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasize spiritual growth, the pursuit of enlightenment, and liberation from the cycle of rebirth (moksha or nirvana) as central to life’s meaning [[30](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)][[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)].\n\nDespite doctrinal differences, most religions share two core teachings: the ethic of reciprocity (the \"Golden Rule\") and the cultivation of spiritual qualities that prepare individuals for a higher state of being or afterlife [[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)]. Religious involvement and community also provide a sense of belonging and shared purpose, which can enhance psychological well-being and resilience [[21](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/)][[28](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)][[27](https://psyche.co/ideas/religion-gives-life-meaning-can-anything-else-take-its-place)].\n\nSome spiritual traditions, including esoteric branches within major religions, focus less on external rewards and more on living deeply and authentically in the present, seeking wholeness and connection with the universe [[29](https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/)].Scientific and Psychological Perspectives\n\nModern scientific and psychological research approaches the question of life’s meaning by examining how individuals experience purpose, significance, and coherence in their lives. Rather than positing a universal or metaphysical answer, these disciplines focus on the tangible effects of meaning and purpose on human well-being and flourishing.\n\nPsychological studies consistently find that a sense of meaning in life is a fundamental human need, closely linked to positive mental and physical health outcomes. People who perceive their lives as meaningful report greater happiness, resilience, and life satisfaction, and are less likely to experience depression, addiction, or suicidal ideation [[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[41](https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/)][[45](https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health)][[46](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)]. Meaning in life is typically defined by three components: significance (feeling that one’s life matters), purpose (having overarching life goals), and coherence (seeing one’s life as comprehensible and ordered) [[34](https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/)][[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[44](https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose)].\n\nResearch shows that meaning can be found in diverse domains—relationships, work, creative pursuits, service to others, and personal growth. Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, famously argued that even in the direst circumstances, the search for meaning is a primary human drive, and that those who find purpose are more resilient in the face of suffering [[33](https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose)]. Interventions such as “life crafting”—reflecting on values, passions, and goals, and making concrete plans to pursue them—have been shown to help individuals discover and sustain a sense of purpose [[40](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/)][[49](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full)].\n\nFrom an evolutionary and biological perspective, some scientists suggest that the drive for meaning may be an adaptive trait, promoting survival, cooperation, and social cohesion [[38](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)]. Others argue that, while evolution does not provide an ultimate purpose, humans are uniquely capable of creating meaning through conscious reflection and choice [[38](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)][[36](https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf)].\n\nContemporary and Popular Culture Viewpoints\n\nIn popular culture, the search for meaning is often depicted as a personal journey, shaped by individual experiences, relationships, and aspirations. Many people draw on a mix of philosophical, religious, and scientific ideas, crafting their own answers to life’s big questions. The recurring themes—connection, growth, contribution, and authenticity—reflect the enduring human desire to live a life that feels worthwhile and significant [[17](https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life)][[14](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)].\n\nConclusion\n\nThe meaning of life remains an open and deeply personal question, with no single answer that satisfies all perspectives. Philosophical traditions debate whether meaning is discovered or created; religious and spiritual paths offer frameworks rooted in transcendence and community; scientific and psychological research highlights the tangible benefits of purpose and meaning for well-being. Ultimately, the search for meaning is itself a vital part of the human experience—one that invites each person to reflect, connect, and contribute in ways that resonate with their deepest values and aspirations [[1](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/)][[14](https://achology.com/general-interest/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-a-comprehensive-exploration/)][[23](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)][[35](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)][[46](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)].\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: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ana/)\n4. [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)\n5. [Meaning of Life, The: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy](https://iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/)\n6. [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/)\n7. [The Meaning of Life: A Philosophical Perspective](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/meaning-life-philosophical-perspective-kevin-halliday)\n8. [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)\n9. [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)\n10. [4 philosophical answers to the meaning of life - Big Think](https://bigthink.com/thinking/four-philosophical-answers-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. [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/)\n13. [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)\n14. [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/)\n15. [The Meaning of Life: What’s the Point? - 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology](https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2023/02/06/meaning-of-life/)\n16. [What Is Life? | Issue 101 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/101/What_Is_Life)\n17. [Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About The Meaning of Life | Issue 147 | Philosophy Now](https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life)\n18. [What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora](https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-meaning-of-life-in-a-philosophical-sense)\n19. [The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes](https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-notes/7377736)\n20. [Meaning of life | EBSCO Research Starters](https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/meaning-life)\n21. [The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/)\n22. [r/religion on Reddit: Whats the meaning of life according to your religion?](https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/rpzogc/whats_the_meaning_of_life_according_to_your/)\n23. [Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia](https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life)\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 Meaning of Life | Answers from World Religions and Philosophy | The Gallerist](https://thegallerist.art/meaning-of-life-answers-from-world-religions-and-philosophy/)\n27. [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)\n28. [Religion and life meaning: Differentiating between religious beliefs and religious community in constructing life meaning - ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890406504000064)\n29. [The Meaning of Life? – The Spiritual Naturalist Society](https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/)\n30. [The Meaning of Life According to Various Religions - Religion's Depths](https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/)\n31. [Religion and the Meaning of Life](https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/religion-and-the-meaning-of-life/2C118CBF40B68F288B9010457F78571E)\n32. [Symbols of Life - Their Spiritual Power and Meaning | DUBLEZ](https://www.dublez.com/symbols-of-life-their-spiritual-power-and-meaning-a154)\n33. [Purpose Archives - John Templeton Foundation](https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose)\n34. [The psychology of purpose in life - Center for Healthy Aging](https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/)\n35. [Frontiers | Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal Flourishing](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899/full)\n36. [The Psychology of Purpose](https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf)\n37. [Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being of Chronically Ill Patients? - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4113206/)\n38. [What is life’s purpose? A Yale psychiatrist looks to science for answers | Yale News](https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers)\n39. [‘What’s Your Purpose in Life?’ Psychology Prof Explains Why that Question Makes All the Difference - Cornellians | Cornell University](https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/purpose-psychology/)\n40. [Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/)\n41. [15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning](https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/)\n42. [Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8669210/)\n43. [Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development](https://journal.psych.ac.cn/xlkxjz/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.02192)\n44. [Meaning and Purpose | The Human Flourishing Program](https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose)\n45. [Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being](https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/purpose-in-life-less-stress-better-mental-health)\n46. [The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life | Psychology Today](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life)\n47. [Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms | Journal of Happiness Studies](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00771-6)\n48. [Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults - PMC](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494628/)\n49. [Frontiers | Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full)\n",
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{
"title": "The Meaning of Life (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)",
"url": "https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/life-meaning/",
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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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"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: 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": "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": "7 Philosophies of the Meaning of Life that I Find Interesting 1. Arthur Schopenhauer A German philosopher whose meaning of life is defined as <strong>the denial of the will to live</strong>. He was wealthy but …",
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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.",
"A German philosopher whose meaning of life is defined as the denial of the will to live. He was wealthy but suffered with loneliness and isolation.",
"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."
],
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},
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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": "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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"A place for people to post an opinion they accept may be flawed, in an effort to understand other perspectives on the issue. Enter with a mindset for conversation, not debate. ... A subreddit dedicated to Attack on Titan (進撃の巨人) manga and anime series. ... I found the meaning of life! ... Antinatalism is a group of philosophical ideas that view procreation as unethical, harmful, or otherwise unjustifiable.",
"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."
],
"reference_number": 6
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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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"reference_number": 7
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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.",
"Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life: A Philosophical Perspective I was recently watching a video of Viktor Frankl; someone I have written several articles about — an individual who has made a …",
"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": "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."
],
"reference_number": 9
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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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"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": "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": "Neither asserting a meaning, nor negating meaning. ... <strong>Life appears to be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection from a human perspective</strong>. We find meaning in the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the impact we have on the world around us.",
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"Posted by u/kjwhimsical-91 - 345 votes and 467 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",
"Neither asserting a meaning, nor negating meaning. ... Life appears to be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection from a human perspective. We find meaning in the people we meet, the experiences we have, and the impact we have on the world around us.",
"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?"
],
"reference_number": 12
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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": "Philosophies That Can Change The Way You Look At <strong>Life</strong> Solipsism And Other Amazing Theories About <strong>Life</strong> A philosophy <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> is any general attitude towards <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> or of the way <strong>life</strong> …",
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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.",
"All of us relate more to one or more philosophical views on the meaning of life, even if we don’t name them.",
"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."
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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": "Discover different <strong>perspectives</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>. Explore <strong>philosophical</strong> and scientific viewpoints on this thought-provoking topic.",
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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": "The Meaning of Life: What’s the Point? - 1000-Word Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology",
"url": "https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2023/02/06/meaning-of-life/",
"description": "In a different spirit, the ancient Daoist philosophy of Zhuangzi (2013) provides some <strong>perspective</strong> <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> advantages of being “useless” (having no purpose) and the dangers of being “useful.” · [7] On this proposal of <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> as narrative, see Seachris (2009).",
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"Does life’s having meaning depend on a supernatural reality? Is death a threat to life’s meaning? Is life the sort of thing that can have a “meaning”? In what sense? Here we will consider some approaches to questions about the meaning of life.",
"— (2018), “Philosophy and the Meaning of Life,” in: E.D. Klemke and Seven M. Cahn, eds. The Meaning of Life, Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press: 197-204. O’Brien, Wendell. “The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.",
"“The Meaning of ‘Life’s Meaning,’” Philosopher’s Imprint 21(3). Sartre, Jean-Paul (2021). Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press. Originally published in French in 1943. Schlick, Moritz (2017). “On the Meaning of Life,” in: In: E.D. Klemke and Seven M. Cahn, eds. The Meaning of Life, Third Edition. Oxford University Press: 56-65. Originally published in 1927. Seachris, Joshua. “The Meaning of Life: Contemporary Analytic Perspectives.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.",
"When people like Tolstoy regard life as meaningless, they seem to be thinking that the truth about life is bad news.[8] Supernaturalists hold that life has divine significance.[9] For example, from the perspective of the Abrahamic religions, life is valuable because everything in God’s creation is good."
],
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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": "Why You’re (Probably) Wrong About The Meaning of Life | Issue 147 | Philosophy Now",
"url": "https://philosophynow.org/issues/147/Why_Youre_Probably_Wrong_About_The_Meaning_of_Life",
"description": "<strong>Philosophers</strong> distinguish between <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> in general – <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> universe or of the human species– and <strong>meaning</strong> within individual lives. For many people, ‘<strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>’ refers to something found outside them. They may ask questions like ‘What’s it all about?’ or ‘What does it all <strong>mean</strong>?’ <strong>This</strong> <strong>perspective</strong> ...",
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"Philosophers distinguish between the meaning of life in general – the meaning of the universe or of the human species– and meaning within individual lives. For many people, ‘the meaning of life’ refers to something found outside them. They may ask questions like ‘What’s it all about?’ or ‘What does it all mean?’ This perspective fosters the view that the meaning of life, whatever it is, is large, all-encompassing, magnificent; not to mention elusive, mysterious, maybe unobtainable, and discoverable only by gurus or sages.",
"Later I learned that this definitely was not the case; but the news jolted me into a ‘posthumous’ perspective, from which I saw my life overflowing with meaning emanating from my family and friends, the people I help, my research and writing, memories of good times, the daylilies in my garden, the sounds of children laughing, and much, much more.",
"To have complete access to the thousands of philosophy articles on this site, please ... After tragedy and heartbreak – after the war is lost, after the pandemic takes someone you love, after climate change destroys your home, after your life seems to be rendered nonsensical by illness, personal failure, or injustice – deep questions may linger like a bruise: What is the meaning of all this?",
"The meaning of life, we’re told, is pursuing pleasure or happiness, or giving and receiving love, or finding your passion, or doing something great, or living out your purpose, or being involved with something greater than yourself. But these commonplace answers are only partly right, and the questions are mostly wrong. So say a host of contemporary philosophers who have been studying meaning in life."
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"title": "What is the philosophical meaning of life? - Quora",
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"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": "The Meaning of Life Examine different philosophical perspectives on the meaning or purpose of human - CliffsNotes",
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"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": "Meaning of life | EBSCO Research Starters",
"url": "https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/meaning-life",
"description": "Modern <strong>philosophical</strong> <strong>perspectives</strong> categorize <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> into supernaturalism, objective naturalism, subjective naturalism, and nihilism, each offering distinct interpretations of what constitutes a meaningful existence. Ultimately, <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong> remains a deeply personal and ...",
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"The meaning of life is a profound and complex concept that has been explored by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers throughout history. Central to this inquiry are questions about the nature of life itself, the essence of existence, and the sources of purpose and significance. The search for meaning is often prompted by personal crises or existential reflections, leading individuals to ponder their place in the universe and the value of their actions. Perspectives on this topic vary widely; some believe that meaning is derived from religious beliefs or a higher power, while others see it as rooted in personal goals or accomplishments.",
"Philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche emphasized the individual’s relationship with self and the pursuit of personal significance, while existentialists like Albert Camus addressed the inherent absurdity of life. The discourse also includes naturalistic views, which suggest that meaning can arise from biological imperatives such as survival and reproduction. Modern philosophical perspectives categorize the meaning of life into supernaturalism, objective naturalism, subjective naturalism, and nihilism, each offering distinct interpretations of what constitutes a meaningful existence.",
"A life of authenticity is one chosen by the individual in accordance with a plan. Later, he had a different perspective. He felt that humankind was responsible for serving as guardians of the world, and this duty gives life meaning. French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre also addressed the meaning of life.",
"\"The Meaning of Life: Early Continental and Analytic Perspectives.\" Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, www.iep.utm.edu/mean-ear/. Accessed 11 May 2017."
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"reference_number": 20
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"title": "The Role of Meaning in Life Within the Relations of Religious Coping and Psychological Well-Being - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4580713/",
"description": "The purpose of this study was to examine whether <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> understood in terms of presence, search, and personal <strong>meaning</strong> is a mediator in the relationships between <strong>religious</strong> coping and psychological well-being. Associations <strong>of</strong> <strong>religiousness</strong> ...",
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"Chamberlain and Zika (1992) found that the association between religion and well-being is mediated by an enhanced sense of meaning in life. Examining effects of religion and PIL on older adults, Ardelt (2003) revealed that intrinsic religious orientation and religious involvement have an indirect effect, mediated by PIL, on subjective well-being. Intrinsically religious older people who have found a sense of meaning and PIL were more likely to participate frequently in spiritual activities with others and to belong to a religious group than were extrinsically religious people.",
"Three psychological tests were administered: Brief RCOPE, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWB). All of them were Polish versions. Brief RCOPE is a 14-item questionnaire that assesses the extent to which the person uses specific methods of religious coping (Pargament et al. 1998). It consists of two subscales: (1) positive religious coping that measures seeking spiritual support, seeking a spiritual connection, collaboration with God in problem solving, religious forgiveness, and benevolent religious appraisals of illness; and (2) negative religious coping that assesses punishing God appraisals, interpersonal religious discontent, demonic appraisals, spiritual discontent, and questioning God’s powers.",
"The links existing between religious coping and meaning in life suggest that religion can influence many aspects of meaning by providing an ultimate motivation to all aspects of a person’s life, establishing goals and value systems and helping to instil a deeper sense of meaning in life. It is unquestionably evident within a framework of the meaning making model proposed by Park (2013), which posits that religious and spiritual factors play an important role in modelling the meaning system of many individuals.",
"Pargament KI, Koenig HG, Tarakeshwar N, Hahn J. Religious coping methods as predictors of psychological, physical and spiritual outcomes among medically ill elderly patients: A two-year longitudinal study. Journal of Health Psychology. 2004;9:713–730. doi: 10.1177/1359105304045366. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Pargament KI, Smith BW, Koenig HG, Perez L. Patterns of positive and negative religious coping with major life stressors."
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"reference_number": 21
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"title": "r/religion on Reddit: Whats the meaning of life according to your religion?",
"url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/religion/comments/rpzogc/whats_the_meaning_of_life_according_to_your/",
"description": "15 votes, 79 comments. I wanna hear your different perspectives.",
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"Posted by u/[Deleted Account] - 15 votes and 79 comments",
"While there's no single, straightforward \"meaning of life\" in Judaism, a common view is that it is tikkun olam, \"fixing the world\" and making it a better place, ultimately to bring about the Great Sabbath of History (the Messianic Age), a time of universal peace, spirituality, and leisure.",
"Heathenry is a revivalist religion seeking to bring the practice of the ancient Germanic peoples into the present day.",
"In simplest terms, it uses information inferred or represented in scholarship to form the foundation of a modern, polytheistic religious tradition."
],
"reference_number": 22
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"title": "Meaning of life - New World Encyclopedia",
"url": "https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Meaning_of_life",
"description": "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) <strong>spiritual formation towards an afterlife or eternal</strong> ...",
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"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.",
"Probably the most universal teachings concerning the meaning of life, to be followed in virtually all religions in spite of much diversity of their traditions and positions, are: 1) the ethic of reciprocity among fellow humans, the \"Golden Rule,\" derived from an ultimate being, called God, Allah, Brahman, Taiji, or Tian; and 2) the spiritual dimension of life including an afterlife or eternal life, based on the requirement not to indulge in the external and material aspect of life.",
"Usually, the connection of the two is that the ethic of reciprocity is a preparation in this world for the elevation of spirituality and for afterlife. It is important to note that these two constitutive elements of any religious view of meaning are common to all religious and spiritual traditions, although Jainism's ethical teachings may not be based on any ultimate divine being and the Confucianist theory of the continual existence of ancestors together with descendants may not consider afterlife in the sense of being the other world.",
"Scientific theories can be used to support these two elements, depending upon whether one's perspective is religious or not. For example, the biological function of survival and continuation can be used in support of the religious doctrine of eternal life, and modern physics can be considered not to preclude some spiritual dimension of the universe."
],
"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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"age": "2012-02-09T02:37:49.000Z",
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"Dissonant voices in the public square preach competing versions of wisdom apart from Christ. Traditional religions flourish and new spiritualities proliferate. Humanist philosophies, political ideologies, and hedonistic life-styles promise happiness and fulfillment.",
"In the religious context of Genesis 1 and 2, this is an act of rebellion and insurrection against the Great King. The just consequences are alienation from God, banishment from Paradise, and loss of ability to image God rightly in any part of life. In sum, sin resulted in spiritual and physical death.",
"This is a metaphysical point, not an existential-religious claim. It does not imply that goodness and wholeness are incidental to human integrity, flourishing, and fulfillment. I have argued that the image of God comprehends all dimensions of human existence–spirituality, morality, society, culture, and physical life.",
"In the midst of this spiritual cacophony, Oxbridge 2008 addresses a particularly strident voice—contemporary scientific naturalism. Naturalism’s most popular preachers, the so-called New Atheists, rant against religion in general and Christianity in particular, alleging that they are not merely irrational and irrelevant but harmful to human flourishing. Other naturalists are more subtle, allowing that religion has been a useful adaptation in human evolution, at least until recently."
],
"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."
],
"reference_number": 25
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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>Human beings are viewed as intrinsically spiritual beings</strong>. People’s lives in this material world provide extended opportunities to grow, to develop divine qualities and virtues, and the prophets were sent by God to facilitate this. Hinduism Hinduism is a religious category including many ...",
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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.",
"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. It is often grouped with religions, however, perhaps because it is a spiritual philosophy, a social ethic, a political ideology, and a scholarly tradition.",
"To Baha’is, the purpose of life is focused on spiritual growth and service to humanity. Human beings are viewed as intrinsically spiritual beings. People’s lives in this material world provide extended opportunities to grow, to develop divine qualities and virtues, and the prophets were sent by God to facilitate this. Hinduism Hinduism is a religious category including many beliefs and traditions.",
"Since Hinduism was the way of expressing meaningful living for a long time, before there was a need for naming it as a separate religion, Hindu doctrines are supplementary and complementary in nature, generally non-exclusive, suggestive and tolerant in content. Most believe that the ātman (spirit, soul)—the person’s true self—is eternal. In part, this stems from Hindu beliefs that spiritual development occurs across many lifetimes, and goals should match the state of development of the individual."
],
"reference_number": 26
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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 faith promotes a sense of meaning in life</strong> – and it might take more than ‘social glue’ to duplicate the effect",
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"Other practices like sermons, yoga and retreats can also trigger ‘spiritual boredom’. Here’s why it’s normal and even useful",
"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.",
"One study from the 1970s found that nuns scored higher on such measures than lay people. More recently, a study published in 2021 found that theists report experiencing more meaning in life than atheists. 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."
],
"reference_number": 27
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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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"The interviews focused on seven themes relating to religious community and religious beliefs in relation to constructing life meaning. These themes included (1) ownership of life and function of God, (2) benefits of faith, (3) God's role in everyday events, (4) fidelity of beliefs, (5) social and spiritual aspects of church involvement, (6) life meaning, and (7) expectations for afterlife.",
"This paper addresses the question of how contemporary visitors perceive the more commercial facets of religious destinations. The Four Great Buddhist Mountains of China provided subtly different contexts for the work, but the themes addressed have a broad applicability to the tensions between secular and spiritual features of such sites.",
"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."
],
"reference_number": 28
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"title": "The Meaning of Life? – The Spiritual Naturalist Society",
"url": "https://www.snsociety.org/the-meaning-of-life/",
"description": "What does it <strong>mean</strong> when we ask <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Is it about context or is the joke on us?",
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"As humans, though, we can live a shallow life or a deep life, a narrow life or a broad life; we can live selfishly or generously, distractedly or with focus. At the popular level, religion may lead people to believe that the goal of life is some form of afterlife; but at what might be called a more esoteric level, spirituality is often about living this life deeply and with focus.",
"By and large, people have looked to religion for such a cosmic purpose, though many people no longer find religious solutions tenable. Christianity, at least at the popular level, tells us that existence on this earth is only something of a trial run, and that the real existence is in another realm only accessible after death. In this view, we must live our life a certain way and hold certain beliefs to get to this real existence.",
"Presumably once we get to this other life, we will no longer be troubled by the meaning of existence. Most popular religions offer some sense of meaning or purpose to life, but most if not all suffer from the fact that you must believe un-provable and often absurd things in order to find that meaning.",
"In these esoteric traditions, sin by definition is what keeps us from being whole. The Universe has given us this brief moment of existence. Does it not make sense to try to life it wholly and completely? What are these “esoteric traditions”? They are found in all the major religions, though they are often hidden."
],
"reference_number": 29
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"title": "The Meaning of Life According to Various Religions - Religion's Depths",
"url": "https://religionsdepths.com/the-meaning-of-life-according-to-various-religions/",
"description": "What is <strong>the</strong> <strong>meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>life</strong>? Does anyone know? Here's what eight different religions from all around the world say.",
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"The world’s religions, however, give a radically different, and radically truer-to-life, answer to the question of what the meaning of life is (regardless of how well or how badly their adherents live up to it, of course). Surely not coincidentally, they all give more or less the same answer, just expressed in different ways: the meaning of life is to get closer to the divine and, ultimately, to experience spiritual enlightenment.",
"Let’s now consider examples from several religions from around the world. ... For thousands of years, Hinduism has taught that the meaning of life is to achieve moksha, “liberation,” the Hindu term for spiritual enlightenment. All living beings are continuously reincarnated in different bodies and circumstances depending on how much good or bad karma they’ve accumulated in this life and previous ones.",
"Since these statements come from a religion different from those we’ve looked at so far, they’re naturally expressed in a different idiom. But the underlying theme is the same: the meaning of life is to live in a way that comports with, and leads up to, spiritual enlightenment, the direct experience of the oneness of all things in the immanent and transcendent divinity.",
"In ancient Egyptian parlance, “to remember the West,” the direction of the setting sun, means to remember death and ultimate things more generally, which for the ancient Egyptians were deeply spiritual matters.[54] This is confirmed by the following line, “so that the local gods be brought offerings.” This poem therefore articulates the same notion of the meaning of life as that of the Enuma Elish, just expressed in what’s perhaps a more sophisticated way. ... Naturally but unfortunately, it’s not realistic to cite and discuss examples from every single religion that’s ever existed."
],
"reference_number": 30
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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": "Cambridge Core - Philosophy of Religion - Religion and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Meaning</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Life</strong>",
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"'This book thoughtfully explores issues related to the meaning of life from a religious perspective without being dogmatic. Because of this, it should be of great interest to those concerned with how spirituality intersects with meaningfulness.",
"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.'"
],
"reference_number": 31
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{
"title": "Symbols of Life - Their Spiritual Power and Meaning | DUBLEZ",
"url": "https://www.dublez.com/symbols-of-life-their-spiritual-power-and-meaning-a154",
"description": "In this article, you will find: The secrets <strong>and</strong> <strong>meanings</strong> <strong>of</strong> symbol",
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"In this article, you will find: The secrets and meanings of symbols The Tree of Life - a sign of connection and growth Infinity - more than just",
"Additional interpretations of the infinity symbol: Representation of Ouroboros: The circular shape of two components forming the infinity symbol is linked by some mystics to the Ouroboros, a snake depicted eating its own tail, creating a circle. Harmony and balance: Two interconnecting loops can represent opposing forces or individuals coming together in harmony and balance, symbolizing interconnectedness between all things. Regeneration: On a spiritual and metaphysical level, the infinity symbol can signify regeneration and eternal life after death.",
"This Egyptian symbol of life is often depicted in the hands of prominent Egyptian figures, such as pharaohs and kings, as a way to preserve their immortality. It is also commonly seen in temples and in the hands of major Egyptian gods like Osiris, Isis, and Ra. The Ankh may also have a more physical interpretation—symbolizing water, air, and sunlight, which were essential for sustaining life in ancient Egyptian culture.",
"Since ancient times, people have used symbols to represent every significant event in life. But what could be more important in life than life itself? Throughout history, regardless of culture or religion, people have embraced and recognized crucial signs and symbols that represent life."
],
"reference_number": 32
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"title": "Purpose Archives - John Templeton Foundation",
"url": "https://www.templeton.org/discoveries/the-psychology-of-purpose",
"description": "In Korea, for instance, youth were ... of different socioeconomic backgrounds suggests that <strong>those in challenging circumstances are likely to have a difficult time discovering and pursuing personally meaningful aims</strong>....",
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"Modern scientific research on human purpose has its origins in, of all places, a Holocaust survivor’s experiences in a series of Nazi concentration camps. While a prisoner at Theresienstadt, Auschwitz and two satellite camps of Dachau, Viennese psychologist Viktor Frankl noticed that fellow prisoners who had a sense of purpose showed greater resilience to the torture, slave labor, and starvation rations to which they were subjected.",
"Although the majority of sociological work on purpose in life has focused on people in western, affluent societies, the literature contains a few interesting cross-cultural results that hint at how approaches to and benefits from purpose in life might differ around the world. In Korea, for instance, youth were shown to view purpose as less an individual pursuit and more as a collective matter, while explorations of Chinese concepts of purpose indicates that one’s sense of purpose is divided into senses of professional, moral, and social purpose. Research in the psychology of purpose among people of different socioeconomic backgrounds suggests that those in challenging circumstances are likely to have a difficult time discovering and pursuing personally meaningful aims.",
"Indeed, as Viktor Frankl argued — based in part on what he had observed first-hand — experiencing adversity might actually contribute to the development of a purpose in life. Download the full research review on the psychology of purpose.",
"Most world religions, as well as many secular systems of thought, also offer their adherents well-developed guidelines for developing purpose in life. Love of friends and family, and desire for meaningful work are common sources of purpose. Over the past few decades, psychologists and sociologists have developed a host of assessments that touch on people’s senses of purpose including the Life Regard Index, the Purpose in Life subscale of the Psychological Scales of Well-being, the Meaning in Life questionnaire, the Existence Subscale of the Purpose in Life Test, the Revised Youth Purpose Survey, the Claremont Purpose Scale and the Life Purpose Questionnaire, among others."
],
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"title": "The psychology of purpose in life - Center for Healthy Aging",
"url": "https://www.research.colostate.edu/healthyagingcenter/2021/07/13/the-psychology-of-purpose-in-life/",
"description": "An individual may find meaning in various domains of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and interests. <strong>Researchers actually consider meaning in life as a core component to living a successful and happy life</strong>. Having meaning in life has been associated with a wide range of benefits.",
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"Meaning in life can be difficult to define as it may be a highly personal experience. Researchers have defined meaning in life as a feeling that one’s life is significant, purposeful, and coherent; in other words, having a direction that makes sense and has a feeling of worth.",
"An individual may find meaning in various domains of life, including work, relationships, hobbies, and interests. Researchers actually consider meaning in life as a core component to living a successful and happy life. Having meaning in life has been associated with a wide range of benefits.",
"Remember, finding meaning does not have to be a complicated process, you can find it in the simplest of life’s joys. The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. —Ralph Waldo Emerson ... Click the icon to subscribe and receive CHA updates. ... Wenceslao (Wen) Martinez is a master’s student in the Translational Research on Aging and Chronic Disease Laboratory in CSU’s Department of Health and Exercise Science — and he finds a lot of purpose in doing science.",
"Allie Alayan is a Ph.D. student in Counseling Psychology at CSU. She finds purpose in researching how people find purpose in their lives."
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"reference_number": 34
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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 in life is important for both mental and physical health</strong>. Despite the ...",
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"2Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States · 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).",
"In order to successfully respond to and recover from collective threats such as pandemics, economic recessions, and natural disasters, humans need to possess the psychological fortitude that not only helps them manage their personal anxieties, but that also drives them to want to positively contribute to the world around them. Much of the research in existential psychology has focused on how meaning contributes to individual health and well-being and has ignored many of the ways that meaning might orient people outward.",
"The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Abeyta, A. A., Routledge, C., and Juhl, J. (2015). Looking back to move forward: nostalgia as a psychological resource for promoting relationship goals and overcoming relationship challenges.",
"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)."
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"title": "The Psychology of Purpose",
"url": "https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Psychology-of-Purpose.pdf",
"description": "More recently, the advent of positive ... Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), has led to yet more scientific interest in ... <strong>purpose in life represents a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once</strong> · personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement ...",
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"That means that individuals may find meaning in watching a shooting star, but they may find ... II. MEASURING PURPOSE · Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but ... In conjunction with the growth of positive psychology, scientific attention to purpose has increased · dramatically over the past approximately twenty years. Before this, researchers largely believed it was",
"More recently, the advent of positive psychology, a psychological · approach to understanding not only what can go wrong but also what can go right in the course of · human development (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000), has led to yet more scientific interest in ... purpose in life represents a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once · personally meaningful and at the same time leads to productive engagement with some aspect of the",
"Similarly, other researchers have included purpose as part of their definition of meaning along with the · extent to which people make sense of or see significance in their lives (Steger, 2009). Psychological · researchers argue that a purpose in life refers only to those sources of meaning that are both goal-",
"Calling and vocation at work: Definitions and prospects for research · and practice. Counseling Psychologist, 37(3), 424-450. This article outlines purpose, in the form of a calling or vocation, for counseling psychologists. It · defines the term calling and explains how people can find meaning in the work they do. Dik, B. & Duffy, R. D. (2012). Make Your Job a Calling: How the Psychology of Vocation Can · Change Your Life at Work."
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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": "Previous research has shown that ... life often raises disquieting questions of meaning in life. <strong>Meaning in life refers to people's concerns with the core significance and purpose of their personal existence</strong>....",
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"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",
"The first author is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Fund for Scientific Research Flanders (FWO). The research reported in this article was conducted by the Interdisciplinary Center Church and Society, with a Grant of the Dutch National Health Security division Patient Care (Ziekenzorg CM).",
"Previous research has shown that adaptation to a chronic condition requires individuals to revise one's life goals and expectations, given that serious illness often crosses valued goals and life plans (Pinquart, Silbereisen, & Frohlich, 2009). Such a profound revision of one's life often raises disquieting questions of meaning in life. Meaning in life refers to people's concerns with the core significance and purpose of their personal existence.",
"The multidimensional character of the concept resulted in a multitude of research tapping into different aspects of the construct (for a review, see Morgan & Farsides, 2009). Steger and colleagues made a successful attempt to remedy this lack of conceptual clarity by distinguishing between two components of meaning in life (Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, 2006). The first aspect, Presence of Meaning, indicates whether individuals perceive their lives as significant and purposeful."
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"title": "What is life’s purpose? A Yale psychiatrist looks to science for answers | Yale News",
"url": "https://news.yale.edu/2024/03/05/what-lifes-purpose-yale-psychiatrist-looks-science-answers",
"description": "In a counterintuitive way, <strong>serving others often leads to more happiness than pursuing things for ourselves</strong>. Yet no one walks around thinking, If I could only find more people to help today, then I could be happier! But the evidence suggests such thinking would be more psychologically accurate ...",
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"In a new book, “Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence?,” Wilkinson, an associate professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, integrates principles from many scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology to cognitive psychology, to create a framework that suggests not only that there is an overarching purpose to human existence, but what that purpose is.",
"“When you combine the concept that we are free to choose with the dual potential of human nature, to me this strongly implies that life is a test,” said Wilkinson, who is also director of the Yale Depression Research Program. “The purpose of life is to choose between the good and evil impulses inherent within us. ... Samuel Wilkinson: The idea for the book stems from an existential crisis I experienced as a medical student 15 years ago. I was concerned that some of the lessons of science and evolution conflicted with some of the beliefs I have, that most people have, that life has value, meaning, and purpose.",
"Wilkinson: Certainly, I agree that different circumstances influence our decisions, but there’s compelling data showing how our conscious thoughts also influence our behavior. I like the metaphor from [social psychologist and writer] Jonathan Haidt of the elephant and the rider.",
"In a counterintuitive way, serving others often leads to more happiness than pursuing things for ourselves. Yet no one walks around thinking, If I could only find more people to help today, then I could be happier! But the evidence suggests such thinking would be more psychologically accurate than our natural intuitions."
],
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"title": "‘What’s Your Purpose in Life?’ Psychology Prof Explains Why that Question Makes All the Difference - Cornellians | Cornell University",
"url": "https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/purpose-psychology/",
"description": "Psychologist Anthony Burrow runs <strong>the Purpose and Identity Processes Lab</strong>, which studies the vital role that a sense of purpose plays in human wellbeing. Also director of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Burrow has stressed the importance of purpose in such ...",
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"Psychologist Anthony Burrow runs the Purpose and Identity Processes Lab, which studies the vital role that a sense of purpose plays in human wellbeing. Also director of Human Ecology’s Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Burrow has stressed the importance of purpose in such national media as Psychology Today and NPR’s podcast The Hidden Brain.",
"Do researchers know why purpose is so good for us?"
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"title": "Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923189/",
"description": "<strong>Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations</strong>, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
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"Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
"Graybiel A. M., Smith K. S. (2014). Good habits, bad habits. Sci. Am. 310, 38–43. 10.1038/scientificamerican0614-38 [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar] Hart J. (2014). Toward an integrative theory of psychological defense. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 9, 19–39.",
"This process ideally starts with an intervention that entails a combination of reflecting on one’s values, passions and goals, best possible self, goal attainment plans, and other positive psychology intervention techniques. Important elements of such an intervention are: (1) discovering values and passion, (2) reflecting on current and desired competencies and habits, (3) reflecting on present and future social life, (4) reflecting on a possible future career, (5) writing about the ideal future, (6) writing down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans, and (7) making public commitments to the goals set. Prior research has shown that personal goal setting and goal attainment plans help people gain a direction or a sense of purpose in life.",
"Research findings from the field of positive psychology, such as salutogenesis, implementation intentions, value congruence, broaden-and-build, and goal-setting literature, can help in building a comprehensive evidence-based life-crafting intervention. This intervention can aid individuals to find a purpose in life, while at the same time ensuring that they make concrete plans to work toward this purpose."
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"title": "15 Ways to Find Your Purpose of Life & Realize Your Meaning",
"url": "https://positivepsychology.com/find-your-purpose-of-life/",
"description": "Increasingly, psychologists have begun to realize the importance of meaning to our wellbeing and happiness. Recent research suggests that <strong>people with increased meaning are better off – they appear happier, exhibit increased life satisfaction, and report lowered depression</strong> (Huo et al., 2019; ...",
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"Explore questions on the complex topic of meaning and discover techniques & tools to help you and your clients find your purpose in life.",
"Questions central to the complex topic of meaning & purpose of life.",
"Increasingly, psychologists have begun to realize the importance of meaning to our wellbeing and happiness. Recent research suggests that people with increased meaning are better off – they appear happier, exhibit increased life satisfaction, and report lowered depression (Huo et al., 2019; Ivtzan, Lomas, Hefferon, & Worth, 2016; Steger, 2009).",
"The Positive Psychology Toolkit© is a groundbreaking practitioner resource containing over 500 science-based exercises, activities, interventions, questionnaires, and assessments created by experts using the latest positive psychology research."
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"reference_number": 41
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"title": "Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8669210/",
"description": "Growing evidence indicates that <strong>a higher sense of purpose in life (purpose) is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases and mortality</strong>. However, epidemiological studies have not evaluated if change in purpose is associated with subsequent ...",
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"With further research, these results suggest that sense of purpose might be a valuable target for innovative policy and intervention work aimed at improving health and well-being. Keywords: epidemiology, purpose in life, sense of purpose, psychological well-being, well-being",
"Second, some studies did not adequately account for potential confounders (e.g., baseline health, psychological distress). Third, most longitudinal studies did not control for pre-baseline outcomes, thereby failing to address reverse causality concerns. Fourth, some studies used limited assessments of purpose in life (e.g., single-item measures). Fifth, few, if any, longitudinal studies have controlled for purpose in life in the pre-baseline wave, which allows researchers to ask a slightly different question—how changes in purpose (“incident exposure”) affect health.",
"Future studies could re-evaluate these findings using objectively assessed physical health and health behavior outcomes, beyond mortality, to address this limitation. Four years of follow-up data were available and may not be long enough for a psychological factor to exert influence on chronic diseases. Thus, future research could evaluate these associations with datasets with longer follow-up times.",
"Purpose was assessed at baseline (t1; 2010/2012) using the 7-item purpose in life subscale of the Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scales, 43 previously validated in a nationally representative sample of adults. On a 6-point Likert scale, respondents rated the degree to which they endorsed items such as, “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.” The mean of all items was taken to create a scale with scores ranging from 1 to 6 where higher scores reflected higher sense of purpose (Cronbach α = 0.76)."
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"title": "Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development",
"url": "https://journal.psych.ac.cn/xlkxjz/EN/10.3724/SP.J.1042.2017.02192",
"description": "<strong>Purpose</strong> is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish some...",
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"Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2017, Vol.",
"LAN Gongrui, LI Houyi, GAI Xiaosong. Purpose in life: A psychological construct that indicates positive development[J]. Advances in Psychological Science, 2017, 25(12): 2192-2202.",
"(1 Normal College of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China) (2 Changchun Finance College, Changchun 130028, China)) (3 School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China)"
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"title": "Meaning and Purpose | The Human Flourishing Program",
"url": "https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/determinants-purpose",
"description": "Sense of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> <strong>and</strong> subsequent health and well-being in older adults: an outcome-wide analysis. American Journal of Health Promotion, 36:137-147. Hanson, J.A. and VanderWeele, T.J. (2021). The Comprehensive Measure of <strong>Meaning</strong>: <strong>psychological</strong> <strong>and</strong> philosophical foundations.",
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"Chen, Y., Kim, E.S., Shields, A.E., and VanderWeele, T.J. (2020). Antecedents of purpose in life: evidence from a lagged exposure-wide analysis. Cogent Psychology, 7:1825043.",
"The Measurement of Meaning project aims to make use of these important distinctions to develop comprehensive measures of meaning and purpose, useful both for personal reflection, and for empirical research. ... Padgett, R., Hanson, J.A., Nakamura, J.S., Ritchie-Dunham, J.L., Kim, E.S., and VanderWeele, T.J. (2024). Measuring meaning in life by combining philosophical and psychological distinctions: psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Measure of Meaning.",
"Journal of Positive Psychology, in press. Nakamura, J.S., Ryff, C.D., Chen, Y., Folk, D., Heine, S.J., VanderWeele, T.J., and Kim, E.S. (2022). What makes life purposeful? Identifying the antecedents of a sense of purpose in life using a lagged exposure-wide approach.",
"The Determinants of Purpose project seeks to understand what brings purpose in life. Nearly everyone desires purpose, and yet we know remarkably little empirically about what leads to purpose in life."
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"title": "Psychiatry.org - Purpose in Life Can Lead to Less Stress, Better Mental Well-being",
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"description": "What is <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>? <strong>It</strong> <strong>means</strong> having a central, organizing <strong>life</strong> aim, an overall sense of direction in one'<strong>s</strong> <strong>life</strong>, <strong>and</strong> a belief that one’<strong>s</strong> <strong>life</strong> activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. <strong>Research</strong> indicates that having a <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is good for mental ...",
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"What is purpose in life? It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world. Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health.",
"It means having a central, organizing life aim, an overall sense of direction in one's life, and a belief that one’s life activities are valuable and important — making a positive mark on the world.1, 2 Research indicates that having a purpose in life is good for mental health.",
"More than half of young adults (58%) reported that they lacked “meaning or purpose” in their lives in the previous month and half of young adults reported that their mental health was negatively influenced by “not knowing what to do with my life.” · Importantly, the research does not explain how that connection is made.",
"Boreham, I.D., Schutte, N.S. 2023. The relationship between purpose in life and depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, volume 79, issue 12."
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"title": "The Power of Purpose and Meaning in Life | Psychology Today",
"url": "https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201901/the-power-purpose-and-meaning-in-life",
"description": "The secret to healthy aging? A new study reveals the powerful, positive, and pervasive effects of filling <strong>life</strong> with people and activities that feel worthwhile.",
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"The feeling that one’s life has meaning can come from any number of things—from work (paid or unpaid) that feels worthwhile, from cherished relationships, from religious faith or even from regularly appreciating the sunset. While it does not much matter what gives you purpose, it does matter that you find it somewhere. A growing body of research has found that the feeling that one’s life has meaning is associated with a host of positive health outcomes.",
"And now a new study of older adults published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences goes even further by revealing that the sense that one is living a worthwhile life appears to be positively linked to just about every aspect of our lives, not just health. The new study also followed people over time and found that the more worthwhile they found their lives the more positive changes they experienced over the following four years. “These associations seem quite pervasive, right across a whole spectrum of our experience,” says lead author Andrew Steptoe, a psychologist and epidemiologist at University College London who oversaw the study.",
"Lydia Denworth is a science journalist and author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life’s Fundamental Bond. ... Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today.",
"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? Subscribe Issue Archive"
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"title": "Purpose in Life and Associated Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms | Journal of Happiness Studies",
"url": "https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-024-00771-6",
"description": "<strong>Purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong>, further exploration is needed about the processes implicated in <strong>purpose</strong> from a cognitive and affective perspective. This scoping review aims to identify ...",
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"Purpose in life is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of purpose in life, further exploration is needed about the processes implicated in purpose from a cognitive and affective perspective. This scoping review aims to identify the cognitive and/or affective mechanisms (CAMs) correlating with purpose in life and to examine these relationships based on relevant existing literature.",
"Journal of Happiness Studies - Purpose in life is a well-established contributor to positive well-being. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of purpose in life, further exploration is...",
"Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning. ... Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript. Purpose in life is widely recognised as a fundamental aspect of psychological well-being and is intimately linked with motivation and meaningful goal engagement (Kashdan & McKnight, 2009; Ryff & Singer, 2008).",
"Research consistently shows that increased purpose in life is associated with an extensive range of benefits such as increased life satisfaction, psychosocial and physiological well-being, and reduced risk of psychological distress and mortality (AshaRani et al., 2022; Kim et al., 2022). Despite its clear importance, researchers have yet to comprehensively explore the cognitive and affective mechanisms (CAMs) linked with purpose in life consequently hindering advancements in this field. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, emerging literature is recognising purpose in life and meaning in life as different constructs (George & Park, 2016; Martela & Steger, 2016)."
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"title": "Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults - PMC",
"url": "https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7494628/",
"description": "Accumulating evidence shows that a higher sense of <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is associated with lower risk of chronic conditions and premature mortality. Health behaviors might partially explain these findings, however, the prospective association between ...",
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"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 · Prev Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2021 Oct 1. Published in final edited form as: Prev Med. 2020 Jun 25;139:106172. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106172 ... 1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H.",
"Our results, suggest that a sense of purpose in life might emerge (with further research) as a valuable target to consider for interventions aimed at helping older adults maintain some health behaviors. Keywords: epidemiology, health psychology, purpose in life, psychological well-being, health behaviors, physical activity, smoking, body weight, sleep, alcohol consumption",
"Early randomized controlled trials, ranging from volunteering to cognitive behavioral therapy in groups, preliminarily suggest that a sense of purpose can be enhanced.6–10 Results from this study suggest that a higher sense of purpose is associated with maintenance of some health behaviors; future experimental research might provide even stronger tests of this hypothesis. With additional work, policies and interventions aiming to enhance purpose might be a novel way of simultaneously enhancing the psychological, behavioral, and physical health of our rapidly aging population.",
"Purpose was assessed at baseline (t1;2006/2008) and then at 4 year intervals after baseline (t3;2010/2012 and t5;2014/2016), using the validated 7-item purpose subscale of Ryff’’s Psychological Well-Being Scales.34 On a 6-point Likert scale, respondents rated the degree to which they endorsed items like “I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.” Following HRS protocol, if respondents completed at least 5 of 7 items (96.9%), a purpose score was derived by calculating the mean of all items (Cronbach α=0.74)."
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"title": "Frontiers | Life Crafting as a Way to Find Purpose and Meaning in Life",
"url": "https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02778/full",
"description": "Having a <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is one of the most fundamental human needs. However, for most people finding their <strong>purpose</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>life</strong> is not obvious. Modern <strong>life</strong> has a...",
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"Positive psychology, or the scientific study of human flourishing that aims to optimize human functioning within communities and organizations, has become very influential both within and outside the scientific community (Gable and Haidt, 2005; Donaldson et al., 2015; Al Taher, 2019).",
"Graybiel, A. M., and Smith, K. S. (2014). Good habits, bad habits. Sci. Am. 310, 38–43. doi: 10.1038/scientificamerican0614-38 ... Hart, J. (2014). Toward an integrative theory of psychological defense. Perspect. Psychol. Sci. 9, 19–39.",
"This process ideally starts with an intervention that entails a combination of reflecting on one’s values, passions and goals, best possible self, goal attainment plans, and other positive psychology intervention techniques. Important elements of such an intervention are: (1) discovering values and passion, (2) reflecting on current and desired competencies and habits, (3) reflecting on present and future social life, (4) reflecting on a possible future career, (5) writing about the ideal future, (6) writing down specific goal attainment and “if-then” plans, and (7) making public commitments to the goals set. Prior research has shown that personal goal setting and goal attainment plans help people gain a direction or a sense of purpose in life.",
"Research findings from the field of positive psychology, such as salutogenesis, implementation intentions, value congruence, broaden-and-build, and goal-setting literature, can help in building a comprehensive evidence-based life-crafting intervention. This intervention can aid individuals to find a purpose in life, while at the same time ensuring that they make concrete plans to work toward this purpose."
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