Meaning of life
A contested concept of inherent significance in human existence.
The meaning of life is a concept concerning the inherent significance or philosophical point of an individual's life, human life, or existence in general. There is no consensus on the specifics of such a concept, or whether it exists in any objective sense. The search for life's meaning has produced much philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation throughout history, with different people and cultures believing in different answers. The English expression "meaning of life" first appeared in Thomas Carlyle's *Sartor Resartus*, where he described life as a battle for freedom against necessity. Carlyle may have been inspired by earlier German Romantic writers, including Novalis, who wrote that only an artist can divine life's meaning, and Friedrich Schlegel, who used the phrase in his novel *Lucinde*. These authors were reacting against the rationalism and materialism of modernity, which Carlyle saw as a "Torch of Science" that had parched religion. The explicit question "What is the meaning of life at all?" was first posed by Arthur Schopenhauer, who wondered about the purpose of a life in which character is fixed and unalterable. Many other formulations of the question exist, such as "Why are we here?" and "What is the purpose of existence?" Scientific inquiry provides context by studying empirical facts about the universe, including the Big Bang and evolution, and by exploring factors that correlate with subjective meaning and happiness. Psychological research in positive psychology examines how mastering challenging tasks, often through flow experiences, leads to fulfillment, regardless of the specific task or one's material wealth.
- first_to_ask_question
- Arthur Schopenhauer, in an essay entitled 'Character'
- related_fields
- Philosophy, science, theology, psychology, sociology, neuroscience
- key_psychological_dimensions
- Coherence, purpose, significance
Lore & Background
The meaning of life is a concept concerning whether an individual’s life, human existence, or life in general possesses inherent significance or a philosophical point. There is no consensus on the specifics of this concept, nor on whether it exists in any objective sense. The topic is explored through questions such as “What is the meaning of life?”, “What is the purpose of existence?”, and “Why are we here?”. Answers have been proposed from many cultural and ideological backgrounds, producing philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation. The expression “meaning of life” first appeared in English in Thomas Carlyle’s *Sartor Resartus*, where he linked it to freedom and voluntary force. Earlier usage of the equivalent German phrase *der Sinn des Lebens* appears in writings by Novalis and Friedrich Schlegel, with Schlegel first using it in print in his novel *Lucinde*. The question itself was explicitly asked by Arthur Schopenhauer in an essay titled “Character,” where he wondered what purpose life serves if moral character is fixed and unalterable. The meaning of life can be derived from philosophical and religious contemplation, as well as scientific inquiries into existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness. Scientific contributions focus on describing empirical facts about the universe and exploring the context of life’s “how,” while also studying factors that correlate with subjective meaning and happiness. Excessive pondering on the topic can indicate or lead to an existential crisis.
Reader's Guide
The meaning of life remains a central but unresolved topic across multiple disciplines. Scientific inquiry provides context through studies of the Big Bang, evolution, and factors correlating with subjective meaning and happiness. Psychological research identifies three dimensions—coherence, purpose, and significance—that contribute to meaning in life. Neuroscience examines reward and motivation through neurotransmitter activity, while sociology explores value systems and anomie. The concept's origins in Romantic-era German and English literature reflect a response to rationalism and materialism. Despite extensive speculation, no consensus exists on whether the concept has objective reality, and opinions vary on the usefulness of pursuing an answer. Excessive pondering can indicate or lead to an existential crisis.
Did You Know?
- Arthur Schopenhauer was the first to explicitly ask the question in an essay entitled 'Character'.
- Psychological research identifies three dimensions of meaning in life: coherence, purpose, and significance.
- Greater meaning in life has been associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and heart attack.
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