"What is the meaning of life?" An oft-asked question in both jest and sincerity.
However, to be pedantic for a moment, the question contains an inherent bias. "The meaning of life" is a misnomer. It carries with it the implication that there is a single, ultimate meaning to life. Not everyone agrees with that.
That is not to say that life is meaningless - far from it. Life has as much meaning to it as we are each willing to give it. What differs is the place people find meaning. One person's passion is another's monotony. It is not for anyone to dictate what gives meaning to another's life. So the question has many answers for different people at different times. Meaning can come from art, music, literature, friendship, love and much more besides.
Meaning to those who love the natural world may be in the form of a chance sighting of a rare creature, the enormous sense of beauty and space felt from a mountain top or the freedom of travelling through their own effort away from artificial landscapes.
To the skilled sports person meaning is felt in the flow of their body and mind in harmony. No longer merely manipulating their body, but acting outside themselves. A sailor reacts so instinctively to a change in wind or wave that the boat, the sea and even the wind feel like an extension of themselves. They are no longer a stagnant observer, but a feeling, moving integral part of nature.
For a student of any age meaning can be found in personal discoveries, puzzles demystified and intellectual growth bringing wonder and excitement about the treasures that lie ahead.
Often the greatest meaning for humans is found in our relationships with each other. Friends, family and even strangers can give our lives meaning in countless ways.
A helper or supportive friend knows that the relief felt by others and experienced through their own empathy gives immeasurable meaning. The smile of a sufferer and simple yet sincere expression of gratitude can make the smallest or most arduous tasks deeply significant and worthwhile. This creates meaning for both parties; the kindness shown is meaningful to the giver and the recipient.
Friendship makes meaningful the dullest of journeys and mutual appreciation augments the simplest of pleasures.
A parent finds meaning in the life of their child as they grow and learn. They share the delight as their children discover the world and perhaps recall their own childhood. They may laugh to see themselves or their ancestors in the mannerisms of their children and momentarily feel a sense of continuity or immortality.
There is not a meaning of life. There are many meanings - far more than it is possible to describe here. Meanings are accessible to us all in forms personal to each of us. Some are there waiting to be experienced, some we can create for ourselves or for others.
