In a quest to understand “What Is The Meaning” of life, many have turned to philosophy, religion, and personal reflection. The search for purpose and fulfillment is a universal human experience, prompting us to explore various avenues for answers. This article delves into the perspectives of diverse thinkers, writers, and individuals who have contemplated this profound question.
Like many others seeking answers to life’s big questions, I once found myself at a crossroads, wondering about the meaning of it all. Inspired by philosopher Will Durant’s 1930s experiment, where he sought insights from prominent figures, I embarked on my own journey to discover what different people believe gives life meaning. The responses I received were diverse and thought-provoking, offering a range of perspectives on this age-old question.
‘It’s like alchemy’: Hilary Mantel, late author
Hilary Mantel, the acclaimed author of Wolf Hall, distinguished between “meaning” and “purpose.” She suggested that while life might not have an inherent meaning, individuals can create purpose, and the pursuit of that purpose is what ultimately gives life meaning.
‘It might be an idea to find meaning with something smaller, say a pickled walnut’: Michael Frayn, playwright and novelist
Playwright and novelist Michael Frayn humorously questioned whether “life” could even have a “meaning” in a conventional sense. He suggested starting with something smaller, like a “pickled walnut,” to understand how meaning can be attributed to anything at all.
‘I’ve seen death many times. What matters most isn’t success, or wealth’: Kathryn Mannix, palliative care consultant
Kathryn Mannix, a palliative care consultant, shared her profound experiences from 40 years of caring for people with incurable illnesses. She emphasized that “what is the meaning” boils down to connection, relationships, and love, rather than success or wealth. Grasping our mortality helps us awaken to the preciousness of life.
Mannix highlights the importance of being present and aware, cherishing each moment, and choosing how we respond to our circumstances. Serenity, she notes, comes from appreciating what we have and radiating loving kindness to others.
‘It means, above all, preserving the board on which we play this game’: Bill McKibben, author and environmentalist
Author and environmentalist Bill McKibben believes that the meaning of life is to sustain the “remarkable game of being human.” He stresses that in our current era, this means preserving the environment, as our actions are setting the planet “on fire.”
‘Reading is my cubicle and my treehouse’: Gretchen Rubin, author and happiness expert
Gretchen Rubin, author and happiness expert, connects “what is the meaning” with love—all kinds of love. She finds meaning, purpose, and fulfillment through connecting with other people and understanding herself and others better through reading.
‘The secret of life is a very simple thing’: Matt Ridley, science writer
Science writer Matt Ridley points to the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure, asserting that “what is the meaning” can be found in the infinite possibilities of information spelled out in a four-letter alphabet, capable of self-replication.
‘The first awareness, in Bergen-Belsen, was that kindness and goodwill had survived’: Susan Pollack, Holocaust survivor
Susan Pollack, a Holocaust survivor, poignantly described how kindness and goodwill, encountered even in the depths of Bergen-Belsen, became guiding lights in her life. She underscores the profound impact of small acts of goodness and the importance of cherishing kind words. Music and helping others became sources of meaning for her.
‘I could not be happy if the only things that motivated me were purely mercenary’: John Major, former prime minister
Former Prime Minister John Major expressed that life would lack meaning without family, friends, and a reason to get out of bed each morning. He emphasized the need for purpose, whether large or small, to give life meaning.
‘I want to show up fully, or as fully as possible, for my time on Earth’: Oliver Burkeman, author and journalist
Oliver Burkeman, author and journalist, aligns with Joseph Campbell’s view that we seek the experience of feeling fully alive rather than a specific “meaning for life.” He aims to show up fully for his time on Earth, navigating life by feelings of aliveness rather than control.
‘The meaningless cruelty of my niece’s death taught me about life’s purpose’: Monica Heisey, author, essayist and screenwriter
Monica Heisey, author, essayist, and screenwriter, finds that “what is the meaning” lies in connection with others. Experiencing the tragic loss of her niece revealed the importance of community and supporting each other through life’s brutalities.
‘Four and a half decades of my life have been in a hole, but I’ve still enjoyed it’: Charles Salvador, aka Charles Bronson, one of Britain’s longest-serving prisoners
Charles Salvador, also known as Charles Bronson, one of Britain’s longest-serving prisoners, sees life as a gift that should be respected and appreciated for as long as possible, even in challenging circumstances.
‘Failure is fine. It’s how you respond to it that makes all the difference’: Fatima Whitbread, retired British javelin thrower
Fatima Whitbread, a retired British javelin thrower, believes that adding value to other people’s lives leads to a life of purpose and ultimately, happiness. She emphasizes that failure is a part of life, and “what is the meaning” is found in how we respond to it and learn from it.
‘I asked my mother what she thought it was, from her now frail vantage point’: Anil Seth, professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience
Anil Seth, a professor of cognitive and computational neuroscience, consulted his mother, who, from her frail vantage point, said that “what is the meaning” is about relationships with other people. Seth also explores how understanding consciousness can enrich our appreciation of life.
‘My brief answer: what the hell?’: Alan Ayckbourn, playwright and director
Alan Ayckbourn, a playwright and director, admits that he no longer has a clear answer to the question. He suggests that writing is a reflex and humorously responds with “what the hell?”
‘I do not need to know it’: Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit
Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, says he doesn’t need to know the meaning of life. He finds contentment and gratitude in simple things and the well-being of his family, acknowledging the surprising and humbling gift of simply breathing while healthy and safe.
Ultimately, “what is the meaning” is a deeply personal question with no single answer. These diverse perspectives offer valuable insights, encouraging us to reflect on our own lives and discover what gives them meaning, purpose, and fulfillment. Whether it’s through relationships, creativity, contributing to society, or simply appreciating the present moment, the search for meaning is a journey worth undertaking.
