11 Different Views on the Meaning of Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

11 Different Views on the Meaning of Life

There are different theories on what the purpose of human life.

9928
11 Different Views on the Meaning of Life

The "meaning of life" has been constantly questioned since the beginning of mankind, and as students, we're told all the time how to live our lives. We're young and I know that I don't know the answers to life yet, do you? There are various philosophies- some popular, some very unpopular who have already put out their opinion on what the so called "meaning of life" is. So while we're still still searching for our answers, here are 11 of the most famous theories on life's purpose:

1) To have pleasure


According to hedonistic theory, the pursuit of pleasure and self- indulgence is most important.

2) To be good


Aristotle's theory on the purpose of life is that humans are meant to do everything with a goal in mind, and that goal must be good.

3) To learn more


In Platonism, the meaning of life is in attaining the highest form of knowledge.

4) To follow God's will


In theism, God created the world with a purpose, creating meaning for humans. In turn, humans must follow God's will as their life purpose.

5) To do anything


According to nihilist theory, life has no meaning and that values are baseless. Therefore, there is no purpose to life.

6) To be self- sufficient


Cynicism believes that the biggest purpose in life is to reject the conventional, be self- sufficient, and master one's mental abilities.

7) To make decisions and be positive


In existentialism, a person's purpose is to act as a free and responsible as possible.

8) To care for nature

According to naturalistic pantheism, the meaning of life is to care for and look after nature and the environment.

9) To act in self- interest and common good


Humanist theory on the purpose of life states that life is extremely personal, therefore each person's purpose will be different. There is an emphasize on common good, and the potential of the individual.

10) To bring the most good to humans


To a pragmatic, the meaning/ purpose of life is subjective, and is only discoverable via experience. The needs of humankind should guide human's questions and therefore the purpose of many is to bring the most good to as many as possible.

11) To defend individual liberty

Classical liberalism emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, and that the purpose of life is to defend this inalienable right.

So while you're out there discovering your "meaning of life" keep these in mind to help you on your journey through the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

The Great Christmas Movie Debate

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

542
The Great Christmas Movie Debate
Mental Floss

One staple of the Christmas season is sitting around the television watching a Christmas movie with family and friends. But of the seemingly hundreds of movies, which one is the star on the tree? Some share stories of Santa to children ("Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"), others want to spread the Christmas joy to adults ("It's a Wonderful Life"), and a select few are made to get laughs ("Elf"). All good movies, but merely ornaments on the Christmas tree of the best movies. What tops the tree is a movie that bridges the gap between these three movies, and makes it a great watch for anyone who chooses to watch it. Enter the timeless Christmas classic, "A Christmas Story." Created in 1983, this movie holds the tradition of capturing both young and old eyes for 24 straight hours on its Christmas Day marathon. It gets the most coverage out of all holiday movies, but the sheer amount of times it's on television does not make it the greatest. Why is it,
then? A Christmas Story does not try to tell the tale of a Christmas miracle or use Christmas magic to move the story. What it does do though is tell the real story of Christmas. It is relatable and brings out the unmatched excitement of children on Christmas in everyone who watches. Every one becomes a child again when they watch "A Christmas Story."

Keep Reading...Show less
student thinking about finals in library
StableDiffusion

As this semester wraps up, students can’t help but be stressed about finals. After all, our GPAs depends on these grades! What student isn’t worrying about their finals right now? It’s “goodbye social life, hello library” time from now until the end of finals week.

1. Finals are weeks away, I’m sure I’ll be ready for them when they come.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas tree
Librarian Lavender

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays because of the Christmas traditions my family upholds generation after generation. After talking to a few of my friends at college, I realized that a lot of them don't really have "Christmas traditions" in their family, and I want to help change that. Here's a list of Christmas traditions that my family does, and anyone can incorporate into their family as well!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

1972
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

3236
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments