Meaning of life
A contested concept of inherent significance in human existence.
The meaning of life is a concept concerning the inherent significance or philosophical point of an individual's life, human life, or existence in general. There is no consensus on the specifics of such a concept, or whether it exists in any objective sense. The search for life's meaning has produced much philosophical, scientific, theological, and metaphysical speculation throughout history, with different people and cultures believing in different answers.
- first_to_ask_question
- Arthur Schopenhauer, in an essay entitled 'Character'
- related_fields
- Philosophy, science, theology, psychology, sociology, neuroscience
- key_psychological_dimensions
- Coherence, purpose, significance
Lore & Background
To what purpose is it played, this farce in which everything that is essential is irrevocably fixed and determined?'
Reader's Guide
The meaning of life remains a central but unresolved topic across multiple disciplines. Scientific inquiry provides context through studies of the Big Bang, evolution, and factors correlating with subjective meaning and happiness. Psychological research identifies three dimensions—coherence, purpose, and significance—that contribute to meaning in life. Neuroscience examines reward and motivation through neurotransmitter activity, while sociology explores value systems and anomie. The concept's origins in Romantic-era German and English literature reflect a response to rationalism and materialism. Despite extensive speculation, no consensus exists on whether the concept has objective reality, and opinions vary on the usefulness of pursuing an answer. Excessive pondering can indicate or lead to an existential crisis.
Did You Know?
- Arthur Schopenhauer was the first to explicitly ask the question in an essay entitled 'Character'.
- Psychological research identifies three dimensions of meaning in life: coherence, purpose, and significance.
- Greater meaning in life has been associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and heart attack.
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