At some point, almost everyone asks the question: “What is the meaning of life?”
If you’ve ever wrestled with this, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most fundamental human questions—and one that can feel overwhelming. Philosopher Albert Camus once wrote, “To decide whether life is worth living is to answer the fundamental question of philosophy.”
But answering this question isn’t just an abstract thought experiment. Research shows that a strong sense of meaning and purpose is linked to real, measurable benefits for your well-being. People who feel their life has meaning are more likely to:
Build deeper friendships and stronger social connections
Engage in cultural and community activities
Have lower risks of depression and chronic disease
Maintain healthier lifestyles and physical activity
Experience lower rates of divorce and loneliness
In other words: feeling connected to meaning isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s an essential part of thriving.
But despite being so important, answering the question of the meaning of life can be really hard. Let’s explore how people have answered this question throughout history, why it feels more complicated today, and practical ways you can start building meaning and purpose in your own life.
A Brief History of Meaning—and the Modern Crisis of Purpose
Throughout history, humans have largely turned to religion to answer life's biggest questions. Religious traditions provided clear frameworks for understanding our purpose, offering explanations for why we're here and how we should live. These belief systems gave people a sense of cosmic significance and clear moral guidelines.
But in our modern world, traditional religious explanations have become less compelling for many. The rise of scientific understanding, global connectivity, and secular worldviews has challenged these age-old answers. This has left many people searching for new sources of meaning in their lives.
What has emerged in place of religious frameworks is complex and often contradictory. Our increasingly global perspective can make individual lives feel insignificant against the vast scale of human existence. We see ourselves as tiny dots in an enormous universe, which can make it harder to feel that our lives have inherent meaning.
Additionally, the rise of individualism in modern society has created a double-edged sword. While it has given us unprecedented freedom to choose our own path and create our own meaning, it has also placed an enormous burden on individuals to figure out what matters for themselves. Without shared cultural narratives to guide us, many people feel lost in their search for purpose.
Why You Might Struggle to Find Meaning
If you’ve been searching for meaning and coming up empty, you’re not broken—you’re human. In fact, many teens, young adults, and young professionals today feel the same way. The world has changed in ways that make it harder to feel grounded in purpose. Traditional sources of meaning don’t always resonate, and the pressure to “figure it out” on your own can feel overwhelming. Here are some of the most common reasons why people struggle:
Religious explanations may feel unconvincing: For some, faith once offered clear answers, but in light of modern perspectives, those explanations may feel less satisfying or harder to believe.
Following the “right” path hasn’t worked: You might have done everything you were “supposed” to do—get good grades, land the right job, get married, earn approval from others—but still feel empty.
Looking for answers externally doesn’t work: Waiting for someone else to give you meaning—whether it’s family, friends, or society—rarely leads to fulfillment. Purpose is not handed down; it’s something you create for yourself.
How to Start Creating Meaning in Your Life
The good news is that meaning isn’t something you either “have” or “don’t have.” It’s not a hidden treasure you need to stumble upon—it’s something you create through action and intention. Building a meaningful life starts with small shifts in how you see the world and how you choose to engage with it. If you’re feeling lost, these steps can help you begin moving toward a greater sense of purpose:
Reflect on the preciousness of life: Recognize that life is finite, and because of that, your choices matter. This awareness can make even ordinary moments feel significant.
Remember that humans are meaning-making creatures: Our minds are wired to seek patterns, stories, and connections. Instead of resisting that tendency, lean into it—find the stories that inspire you.
Zoom back in: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vastness of the universe. Instead, focus on what’s close at hand—the people you love, the experiences you’re having, the opportunities right in front of you.
Engage in the world: Meaning grows when we participate, not just when we consume. Volunteer, create something new, or connect with others in real ways. These actions bring purpose to life.
Activities That Can Provide Life Purpose
While the search for meaning can feel abstract, it often becomes clearer through the things we do. Psychiatrist Irvin Yalom identified several common pathways people use to cultivate purpose in their lives. These aren’t one-size-fits-all—what feels meaningful for one person may not for another—but exploring them can help you discover what resonates most with you. Here are some of the activities that often give people a sense of purpose:
Altruism: Helping others—whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or mentoring—can create a strong sense of connection and meaning. When you give to others, you often feel more grounded in your own life.
Dedication to a cause: Fighting for something bigger than yourself, like social justice, climate change, or community development, can give you a powerful sense of direction and significance.
Creativity: Expressing yourself through art, music, writing, or even problem-solving is one way to bring new ideas and beauty into the world. Creativity allows you to leave a unique mark that reflects who you are.
Hedonistic enjoyment (done mindfully): Finding joy in life’s pleasures—like food, nature, music, or friendship—can remind you that meaning is also found in living fully in the present.
Self-actualization: Developing your skills, pursuing your interests, and growing into your full potential can feel deeply purposeful. This path focuses on becoming the best version of yourself.
Self-transcendence: Connecting with something larger than yourself—whether through spirituality, community, or the natural world—helps you see your life as part of a greater whole.
Exploring these different pathways can help you notice where you naturally feel most alive and fulfilled. You don’t need to pick just one; many people create meaning through a combination of these practices.
Final Thoughts: Meaning Is Created, Not Found
In the end, the search for the meaning of life isn’t about uncovering a hidden secret. It’s about building a life that feels meaningful to you. Meaning is created by what you choose to do, the relationships you cultivate, and the ways you engage with the world.
If you’re struggling to connect with a sense of purpose, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Gofman Therapy and Consulting, we help teens, young adults, and young professionals explore meaning, navigate challenges, and build fulfilling lives. Serving clients in-person in Fairfield, CT and throughout Virginia and Connecticut, our team of experienced therapists can support you in your journey.
