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Politics and Activism

11 Different Views on the Meaning of Life

There are different theories on what the purpose of human life.

Jane Paolantonio

Oct 25, 2016

Wilson College

9706

11 Different Views on the Meaning of Life

The "meaning of life" has been constantly questioned since the beginning of mankind, and as students, we're told all the time how to live our lives. We're young and I know that I don't know the answers to life yet, do you? There are various philosophies- some popular, some very unpopular who have already put out their opinion on what the so called "meaning of life" is. So while we're still still searching for our answers, here are 11 of the most famous theories on life's purpose:

1) To have pleasure

According to hedonistic theory, the pursuit of pleasure and self- indulgence is most important.

2) To be good

Aristotle's theory on the purpose of life is that humans are meant to do everything with a goal in mind, and that goal must be good.

3) To learn more

In Platonism, the meaning of life is in attaining the highest form of knowledge.

4) To follow God's will

In theism, God created the world with a purpose, creating meaning for humans. In turn, humans must follow God's will as their life purpose.

5) To do anything

According to nihilist theory, life has no meaning and that values are baseless. Therefore, there is no purpose to life.

6) To be self- sufficient

Cynicism believes that the biggest purpose in life is to reject the conventional, be self- sufficient, and master one's mental abilities.

7) To make decisions and be positive

In existentialism, a person's purpose is to act as a free and responsible as possible.

8) To care for nature

According to naturalistic pantheism, the meaning of life is to care for and look after nature and the environment.

9) To act in self- interest and common good

Humanist theory on the purpose of life states that life is extremely personal, therefore each person's purpose will be different. There is an emphasize on common good, and the potential of the individual.

10) To bring the most good to humans

To a pragmatic, the meaning/ purpose of life is subjective, and is only discoverable via experience. The needs of humankind should guide human's questions and therefore the purpose of many is to bring the most good to as many as possible.

11) To defend individual liberty

Classical liberalism emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, and that the purpose of life is to defend this inalienable right.

So while you're out there discovering your "meaning of life" keep these in mind to help you on your journey through the world.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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11 Different Views on the Meaning of Life

There are different theories on what the purpose of human life.

1) To have pleasure

2) To be good

3) To learn more

4) To follow God's will

5) To do anything

6) To be self- sufficient

7) To make decisions and be positive

8) To care for nature

9) To act in self- interest and common good

10) To bring the most good to humans

11) To defend individual liberty

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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