Thoughts on a Possible Meaning to Life

“There are fundamental aspects of reality that may not be ignored when considering life’s meaning concerning the overall objective world.”

Jose Moreno

Humanity has constantly strived to understand itself throughout its existence.  A proper way to lead the limited days alive has been espoused by various cultures throughout time.  Is there any quintessence of life from which to derive meaning? According to French journalist Albert Camus, there isn’t any true meaning and a searching for such things never allows one to truly live life.  Understandingly, to support a universal moral worldview is often seen as problematic given the subjectiveness of human experience. Though, simply because humanity is limited in its understanding, it does not necessarily mean there are no true meanings or purposes to derive from reality.  There are fundamental aspects of reality that may not be ignored when considering life’s meaning concerning the overall objective world. When attempting to arrive at a proper view of reality, given the limitations of our understanding and inherent human nature, it is important to consider (and debate) the logic and rationality of the plethora of possibilities before assuming to have arrived at any correct view.  When dealing with such a topic as the meaning or purpose of life, one must compare evidence given, and arrive at a conclusion based on what makes the most sense after analyzing different arguments and possibilities. Though one should avoid saying they have an absolute meaning of life (because of our finite understanding and limitations), we must ultimately look at what the world around us reveals, and support what makes the most sense, given all the information available to us.  To arrive at an answer which accurately describes a possible meaning of life will require us to look at the subjects of truth, pain, and morality.  

Before being able to define a meaning to life, it is important to establish the existence of truth, without which all meaning and purpose become relative.  Truth is defined as that which corresponds with reality or is in accordance with fact. Though there are some who claim that there are no real truths, their very statement that there is no truth violates the law of non-contradiction.  Similarly as logic shows that there can be no such thing as a square circle or a married bachelor, so the statement that there is no truth, cannot be true. While one is alive, all the experiences and information one observes are either true or not true, regardless of how one feels about them, or one’s lack of understanding/knowledge of them.  But why should one want to seek truth? Well, false perceptions of reality can lead to unknown dangers and disasters that truth may avoid. Having accurate and true perceptions of the world around us, allows us to avoid danger and even flourish if enough truths are learned and utilized properly. The more lies we build our life around, the less likely we will be able to create useful conceptions of the world around us.  Understanding truth’s existence and finding different truths is vital in understanding life’s meaning, without which anyone would be able to define reality, meaning, and purpose the way they choose. It is understood that this is done anyways (the defining of reality, meaning, and purpose individually), but again this does not mean there isn’t any true meaning or purpose to derive from life, especially since we know truth exists. Winston Churchill explains truth’s undeniability when he says, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”(“Winston Churchill Quotes”)

When taking a look at the fundamental human experience, pain is an emotion whose existence is undeniable when we are faced with it.  Though what constitutes pain varies from individual to individual, we undeniably know when we are in pain, and we seek to avoid it. Some may say, “what about those who enjoy “pain” by being hit or injured?”  These people, such as masochists, derive pleasure from being hurt. These people cannot be said to be in pain (because of the pleasure they are deriving which does not fit with pains definition), but rather can be said to be physically injured.  Masochists though, do feel pain. This is the case when taking something held dear or something not wanting to be lost. Human beings, feel pain or discomfort when they lose something they do not want to lose. An example of this type of suffering is expressed in the following quote by author C.S. Lewis, “Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear.” (“A quote from The Problem of Pain”).  This sheds some light on pain’s inevitableness. Also, sooner or later all of us are faced with all kinds of sufferings that are part of our journey towards eventual death. One does not usually move towards those things which cause them pain or discomfort but rather seeks the opposite, those things which align with their current goals or alleviate pain or discomfort. One would then be able to deduce that humanity, in order to find meaning and purpose, should strive to go from those things that cause pain and unnecessary suffering, to those things which cause joy and happiness.  It is important to note that joy and happiness are not what purpose or meaning is, and at times the things that make us happy are not good for us. Understanding pain (as well as joy and happiness) in the correct perspective can be done when what is learned about the importance of truth is properly employed. Meaning and happiness may be gained when one willingly accepts those inevitable realities and truthfully and courageously continues onward regardless. Doing contrary bringing forth the same end but with bitterness and resentment contrary to an ideal view of life. 

We have thus far looked at truth and pain in a pursuit to uncover a possible meaning or purpose to life.  Lastly, we shall look at right and wrong in an attempt to tie its existence with truth and pain. There are those who exist who believe there is no underlying morality in human nature.  The fact that different cultures hold different moral values is usually used as an argument defending this claim. As mentioned above, humanity’s limitation in understanding does not negate the existence of truth, and neither can we say the various, sometimes conflicting, views of ethics and morality negates the existence of true rights and wrongs.  A type of moral code and general ethic is present in humans (such as thinking it is wrong if something is stolen or taken without consent) as is the case in many other social animals. For example, when two wolves fight to be leaders of the pack, the losing wolf will many times get down and expose their neck in surrender, and the winner will usually allow the loser to live and continue to help the pack.  The leader makes a value judgment suggesting keeping the loser is more right than killing him. An implicit, acted-out display of personal moral judgment. In order to live, one must act. Acting demands making a choice. The choice one chooses above all other options available must be the option which best aligns with the aforementioned views of truth and pain. Understanding one’s moral fallibility, with a humble approach towards truth (regardless of the corrections that must be experienced in the process), holds the greatest chance of accurately determining a true meaning or purpose.  The opposition to this humility (being close-minded and set in one’s views), may lead to unfounded beliefs which may lead to incorrect value judgments and moral reasoning. Through the pursuit of truth and avoidance of causing deliberate pain to others, we are best able to arrive at a viable view of the meaning and purpose of life.

Now that truth, pain, and morality have been discussed, what can we say about the purpose or meaning of life?  We have seen that there is truth in the world around us. One of the most undeniable truths we all face, some time or another, is pain. One can react and face this undeniable truth in many different ways, but acting and making value judgments are unavoidable in moving forward.  Genuinely seeking what is true and meaningful, regardless if it conflicts with erroneous previously held beliefs, allows avoiding unwelcome situations founded in ignorance. Reducing unnecessary pain and suffering would be good and doing what is good and true helps avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, as well as allows us to give life a positive meaning even being conscious of life’s struggles.  Famous philosopher Immanuel Kant says this, “Morality is not the doctrine of how we may make ourselves happy, but how we may make ourselves worthy of happiness.” (“Immanuel Kant Quotes.”) Happiness itself isn’t what the meaning of life is. Rather, one should ask what can be done to be worthy of that happiness? Now, taking all things said into consideration we can better arrive at a possible meaning of life.

Works Cited

“A Quote from The Problem of Pain.” Goodreads, Goodreads, www.goodreads.com/quotes/7735329-mental-pain-is-less-dramatic-than-physical-pain-but-it.

“Immanuel Kant Quotes.” BrainyQuote.com. BrainyMedia Inc, 2020. 26 January 2020. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/immanuel_kant_152153 

“Winston Churchill Quotes.” BrainyQuote.com. BrainyMedia Inc, 2020. 26 January 2020. https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/winston_churchill_129864