A Quest For Meaning

The dilemma of a meaningful versus a happy life.

- Santosh Pattanaik

"Life fe is without meaning. You bring meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be." - Joseph Campbell

Given a choice, which one would you choose - a happy life or a meaningful life? Philosophers, researchers, spiritual leaders, they've all debated what makes life worth living-is it a life filled with happiness or a life filled with purpose and meaning?

Living a meaningful life is an aspiration for many people. It's something that many of us want to achieve and fast. When our lives feel devoid of meaning, there is often an accompanying sense of emptiness, listlessness, and lack of motivation, whereas a meaningful life bestows us with a deep sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well," said Ralph Waldo Emerson.

A well-lived life is not the kind where 'happiness' is the ultimate objective but rather, it's an occasional by-product of a life that is lived in a meaningful way. A meaningful life is one in which you feel engaged, have a purpose, and able to connect your gifts and passions with your highest values. Meaningful lives are the sum of countless experiences and the full expression of one's potential to contribute positively to the world.

Meaningful life is not a sprint. It's an exerting marathon of purpose, passion, patience and perseverance. One does not just stumble upon a meaningful life-it is created through diligent work, habits, and chosen direction.