Yes — we’re going there.

“What’s the meaning of life?” This question has been a perennial quest for millennia, perplexing philosophers, theologians, and thinkers. From the Kalahari Bushmen of today to the Ancient Greeks and even countless thinkers lost to pre-history, this question has echoed through the ages. I’ve covered this briefly before.

This quest, perhaps the quintessential philosophical dilemma, leads us down a path of existential inquiry—like a Russian doll, revealing layer upon layer of questions, each yielding more inquiries than answers.

But, is this question itself fundamentally flawed? It implies a linear relationship between existence and inherent meaning, presupposing that life must have a predefined significance.

I propose a shift in perspective:

The essence of life’s meaning is not an enigma to be solved.

Instead, meaning is simply an emergent property of a life well-lived, intricately woven through the fabric of our daily responsibilities and actions.

Meaning does not precede life; rather, life, in its engagement with the world, becomes meaningful.

But before we dive in, let’s start by defining what we mean by the words “meaning” and “responsibility”

• Meaning: The significance or value an individual ascribes to their life experiences, actions, and contributions to the world.
• Responsibility: The duties, obligations, and roles individuals accept and enact within their personal lives and broader societal contexts. It implies a moral and ethical commitment to act and make decisions that affect the individual’s life, the well-being of others, and the environment.

Condemned to be free?

Jean-Paul Sartre, a leading figure in existential philosophy, argued that humans are “condemned to be free.” This means that we are thrust into existence without a predetermined purpose and must bear the responsibility of defining our own essence through our actions.

For Sartre, existence precedes essence, suggesting that it is up to each individual to create their own meaning and purpose in life.

Sartre’s philosophy centres on radical freedom and personal responsibility. He believed that since there is no God or predetermined moral values to guide us, individuals must take full responsibility for their choices and the consequences of those choices. This responsibility is a heavy burden because it means we are entirely accountable for our lives and the lack of inherent meaning in the world.

Sartre posited that individuals find meaning in life by authentically engaging in it, making choices based on personal conviction rather than societal pressures, and accepting responsibility for these choices. In this sense, the search for meaning is an active and personal endeavour deeply entwined with our responsibility for shaping our lives and the world around us.

His ideas encourage embracing the freedom we have to create our values and meanings, urging us to live authentically and responsibly in a world without given meaning. For Sartre, the essence of life, its purpose, and meaning are things each person must construct for themselves through their actions and choices, always acknowledging the weight of responsibility that freedom brings.

Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, extensively discussed the concept of finding meaning through suffering and responsibility in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning.” According to Frankl, life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. He introduces the concept of “logotherapy,” a form of existential analysis that emphasizes the human search for meaning as the central motivational force in life.

Frankl argues that we can discover meaning in life in three ways:

1. Through work or doing something significant.
2. Through experiencing something or encountering someone. This includes experiencing beauty, art, nature, or loving other people.
3. Through our attitude toward unavoidable suffering, Frankl suggests that when we face situations of unchangeable suffering, we can still choose our attitude toward this suffering, thus finding a deep sense of meaning in our stance against our hardships.

He insists that taking responsibility for finding and creating meaning in life, regardless of the circumstances, is essential. Frankl’s ideas emphasize the importance of responsibility to ourselves and others in our quest for meaning. He believes that by embracing life’s responsibilities, including the responsibility to find meaning in suffering, we can live more fulfilled lives.

Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and professor, echoes this and emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility to find meaning in life. In his book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, Peterson suggests that life is inherently filled with suffering and chaos, but meaning comes from taking on the responsibility to bear this suffering and work towards making the world better.

Peterson argues that adopting responsibility, especially for oneself and one’s well-being, is fundamental to creating a meaningful life. He believes that meaningful lives emerge from taking on the burden of responsibility—not just for our own lives but also for the lives of those around us and society at large. Peterson often discusses that responsibility, coupled with truth-telling and the pursuit of what is meaningful (over what is expedient), gives life its deepest significance.

One of my favourite quotes from one of his interviews where he discusses responsibility is this:

Some people just die, and horribly.

Peterson is making the point that life is not fair, that some people are dealt shitty hands, to begin with, and that we all go through incredibly difficult periods of our lives, but that we cannot make excuses.

Engaging in genuinely meaningful activities requires facing and overcoming difficulties. Doing so voluntarily, instead of being dragged kicking and screaming by the torrent of life, strengthens individuals and gives their lives purpose.

Why does responsibility lead to meaning?

At first glance, the link between responsibility and meaning may appear counterintuitive, especially in a culture that often equates happiness with pleasure and leisure. But let’s assume that we agree with the above that responsibility comes from meaning.

That still leaves us asking: why is that the case?

Why should we engage in challenging tasks? We may initially resist leading to a meaningful life. Why can’t indulging in leisure activities like playing video games or ordering pizza delivery constitute a fulfilling existence?

To address these questions, it’s essential to delve into the etymology of “responsibility.” The term originates from the Latin “responsabilis,” meaning “answerable” or “liable to be called to account,” and is derived from “respondēre,” which translates to “to respond” or “to answer to.”

Historically, it emphasized the obligation to respond when summoned or to account for one’s actions to others.

This foundation suggests that actions devoid of responsibility—those that do not necessitate an answerability to others—are inherently lacking in meaning.

The network of relationships we have creates a web of meaning in our lives. Each relationship we build creates obligations. By fulfilling these obligations, we mutually exchange value and purpose, anchoring our existence in a broader social and ethical context.

This leads me to consider an interesting thought experiment. If I was the only person alive, would my life have any meaning?

At first glance, the absence of other people might suggest a void of obligations and, consequently, a lack of meaning. Without others to respond to or be accountable for, one might assume that the fabric of meaning unravels, leaving a barren existential landscape.

However, this scenario prompts a deeper examination of the concept of responsibility, extending beyond the social domain to include intrinsic obligations to oneself and the natural world. The essence of meaning in solitude might not hinge on social obligations but rather on the relationship one has with oneself and the environment.

In the absence of social interactions, the responsibility towards oneself becomes paramount. This encompasses self-care, personal growth, and the pursuit of understanding one’s place in the universe. Cultivating self-awareness, mastery of skills, and exploring personal potential can imbue life with a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment. This inward journey reflects a foundational obligation to realize one’s capacities and live authentically, suggesting that meaning can emerge from self-imposed responsibilities and the quest for self-actualization.

Moreover, the solitary individual’s interaction with the natural world introduces a different dimension of responsibility. This involves stewardship of the environment, a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life forms, and a recognition of one’s role in the ecological web. Engaging with nature, whether through cultivation, conservation, or simply marvelling at its beauty and complexity, can foster a sense of belonging and purpose that transcends human relationships. Even without human witnesses, the responsibility to preserve and appreciate the natural world suggests that meaning can be derived from respect and care for life in its myriad forms.

Thus, while the network of human relationships undeniably enriches our lives with meaning through mutual obligations, the thought experiment of solitary existence reveals that meaning is not solely contingent upon social interactions. It underscores our inherent responsibilities toward ourselves and the natural world, which can provide a foundational sense of purpose and significance. This exploration suggests that meaning can be cultivated from within by fulfilling intrinsic obligations and appreciating our connection to the broader tapestry of life.

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