Why meaning matters
“The purpose of life is not to be happy.
It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be
compassionate, to have it make some
difference that you have lived and lived well.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Many people believe the purpose of life is to be happy. This is understandable, but the problem with this theory lies in the reality that we simply can’t be happy all the time. Suffering is an unavoidable part of life, regardless of wealth, success or social status. Happiness can be taken from us in a split second through mistake, accident, diagnosis or even something as seemingly insignificant as taking the wrong route home. Actively pursuing happiness is an admirable pursuit, but the elusive nature of this goal can lead to more unhappiness.
Research has shown that the key to a happy life is our ability to cultivate meaning and a sense of purpose. Happiness comes and goes, but meaning and purpose anchor us through difficult times. Finding your life’s purpose can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying existence.
According to author and researcher Emily Esfahani Smith, we should actively
