Meaning Connects Us All

Philosophy 101

February 13, 2017  

Meaning Connects Us All

In a Man’s Search For Meaning, Viktor Frankl discussed how through his experience of being in a concentration camp during the Holocaust he found the meaning of his life. Frankl wanted to tell his story because he thought that many people could relate to his struggles and find solitude in his findings of the meaning of life, despite not having gone through the same experiences. The meaning of life is finding the balance between joy and suffering and learning to possess skills to thrive throughout the journey.

Meaning. What even is meaning? In the dictionary meaning, as a noun, is defined as what is intended to be, or actually is, expressed or indicated; signification; import: or as the end, purpose, or significance of something. As an adjective meaning is defined as intentioned (usually used in combination): or as full of significance; expressive. Is there really only one definition to meaning or is it a word that can have a different value to every individual? What are the common themes between each person’s own meaning to life?  In general, both joy and suffering make clear what is important and what is not and brings into focus that which is significant when being in the present. Trying to find the balance between joy and suffering is the struggle. Meaning is also having a network of people around you; your community of family and friends. Meaning is having love and human relationships. Having people to share the moments of joy with and having people you would suffer for.  Meaning is recognizing what abilities one has and using those skills to help others.

Meaning is formed through self-reflection. One must be able to question them self and their actions in order to interpret the meaning of their life. Through criticism from others and the willingness to change, meaning is forged. If something is enhancing to one’s life it would be reasonable to state that it has meaning to them. Meaning can be formed through experience, both good and bad. It is formed through giving to others and by the loss of things taken from an individual. What makes something meaningful is the emotional effect that is has on their personal life. If something holds meaning to life it will cause happiness and joy or pain and suffering. The outcome and reaction that a body has naturally without thought or interference is a sign that something holds meaning in one’s life. To find if something is meaningful and all the parts that is holds one has to ask them self why something is important and what the purpose of it is. Why are they investing in this certain person, place, or even thing? There are many human skills that are operative when establishing the meaning of life. To make a meaningful life one should be able to adapt, help others and make sure one’s individual needs are all met before helping others. One should be open minded and non-judgmental, accepting and kind. Additionally, one should be open to critique as well as being self-aware and reflective.  To possess these skills is to hold a meaningful life. But can each individual really possess all of these skills perfectly?  No they cannot. So is it to say, that if they do not possess these skills then they do not have a meaningful life? The meaning of life is the journey of experiences that is taken with the end goal of possessing as many of these skills as possible.