My Idea Of Life's Purpose Keeps Evolving - And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

My Idea Of Life's Purpose Keeps Evolving - And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way

I'm striving for peace.

43
My Idea Of Life's Purpose Keeps Evolving - And I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
Photo by Irene Strong on Unsplash

The meaning of life throughout time has always been to find happiness.

People believe that in order to have success in life, one has to find happiness.

At some point, in my teenage days, I argued that the meaning of life was to be successful because it is better to wake up in the morning knowing that you can be proud of yourself for your previous accomplishments. I also believed in quotes like "tough times do not last, but tough people do."

Then I read a book by Darius Foroux which emphasizes that the meaning of life is to be useful. As he quotes, "Always be useful." It seemed like a pretty reasonable point of view, but not the meaning of life I have found to be truly worthy of my way of being.

As an adult, I've learned that the meaning of life is different for everyone.

Everyone can have a different meaning of life and depending on the age, it can change as well. Before I mention the meaning of life I conceptualize, let's review the three flaws of the three meanings of life mentioned in this text by turn.

The flaw with happiness is that it is only temporary. Happiness happens in special moments and we cannot seek constant pleasure 100% of the time. In fact, it would be selfish and would contradict the fact that people can be selfless.

Being successful is always great, but it keeps people in constant motion and pursuing constant achievements which wear out one's mental health. Although it is a worthy point of view to have at a young age, it is not maintaining consistency about what life is all about.

Be useful is a good perspective, but it does bring a sense of relief for accomplishments. As I said, one has to look out for their own mental health as well. Not feeling useful would make one feel bad when they are doing nothing but doing nothing might be a coping strategy for their mental health.

The best philosophy is to have a sense of peace.

Peace is a much worthy goal because, unlike happiness, it is long-lasting. Unlike being successful, it does not keep one in constant motion and allows time for breaks. Finally, unlike being useful, it allows the individual to spend time being human - the most important thing of all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58046
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37396
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959046
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192579
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments