Historically, the question about Life and its purpose was always interesting; however, it was also ambiguous. Life purpose or the meaning of life can be different, as based on one’s upbringing, cultural heritage, history, learning experiences, environment and the system of beliefs. Many philosophers throughout history also shared various perspectives.
Most influential 19th Century writers speaking about the meaning of life (few to mention) are Tolstoy, Schopenhauer, Kant, Nietzsche, Kierkegaard. According to Schopenhauer, the meaning of life is to deny it. Kierkegaard considers that the meaning of life is to passionately obey God. Most misunderstood philosopher, Nietzsche, asserts that life is meaningless. Another 19th century writer, Tolstoy had many philosophical and spiritual realizations, especially at the end of his life. In his book, “A Confession” (1882), he asserts that the meaning of life is to be found in the realization that our true self is not the ego, but the “eternal, infinite and all-knowing spirit.” He believed that we can only find true happiness and fulfillment by connecting with this spirit, and that this connection can be made through prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices. The purpose of life, according to Kant, was to fulfill one’s moral duties. By doing so, they fulfill the purpose of their life.
However, it is important to note that these writers’ ideas were deeply personal and shaped upon their systems of beliefs and their life stories. Since each of us is an author of a personal story, called life, we are “writing” and creating (consciously or subconsciously) daily. It is inevitable that throughout life, everyone would experience major life changes. Some of them are trauma, breakups, divorces, abuses, survival, war, natural disasters, etc. Such times are so hard, yet through these difficult times, we evolve the most.
So if life is a schooling, what do we come to learn in life? Which classes to graduate from? Exploring schooling of life (for everyone is different) can help to examine the purpose, including the teachings of life and its meaning. From a mental perspective, some classes to graduate (they are different for each individual) can be resentment, anger, forgiveness, victimhood, powerlessness, greediness, etc.
Therapist Notes
Critical Questions to Examine:
- What are your most empowering lessons, which you experienced in life?
- What are the classes (lessons) you have graduated from?
- What are your values/morals/principles/beliefs to live by?
- Does your Soul (Higher Self) reveal to you its goals and meaning in this life?
Recommended reading:
The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukov, https://amzn.to/3LEb83p
A Confession by Leo Tolstoy https://amzn.to/46sNOgN