"Nos besoins existentiels supérieurs sont ce qui nous motive à passer notre bref temps sur la planète de manière significative."

We all want our time on this earth to mean something. It's like this inner drive urging us to do more than just eat, sleep, and work. These deeper needs—call them our higher existential needs—push us to find purpose and significance in our lives. It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving in a way that feels meaningful to us.

Think back to the early days of human civilization. Even then, people sought meaning through art, religion, and community. They weren't just focused on finding food or shelter. They built temples, painted on cave walls, and created music. Why? Because they needed to feel like their lives had purpose beyond the immediate struggle for survival.

Let’s take a real-life example, someone like Malala Yousafzai. She could have chosen a quiet, safe life after the traumatic events she went through. Instead, she’s spent her time advocating for girls' education. Her higher existential need drives her to make a difference—to ensure that her life has a meaningful impact on the world. She didn't just want to live; she wanted to create change.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by asking yourself what truly matters to you. What are the things that, when you think about them, give you that feeling of deep satisfaction? It might be your family, your work, your hobbies, or something else entirely. The key is to identify what those higher needs are for you and then align your time and energy towards fulfilling them.

Imagine you’re sitting in a coffee shop, chatting with a friend. You’re both in your forties, looking back on the last two decades. Your friend says, “You know, I’ve spent so much time just working and paying bills. I wish I had done something more meaningful.” That hits you hard. You realize you don’t want to have that same regret. So, you start volunteering at a local shelter or take up that passion project you’ve been putting off. It doesn’t have to be grandiose—small acts that align with your deeper values can make a huge difference.

Think about the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness." Remember how Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, isn’t just looking for a job? He’s searching for dignity, stability, and a way to provide for his son. His higher existential needs push him to keep going, even when things seem impossible. It’s that deeper drive that not only gets him through the tough times but also makes his eventual success so much sweeter.

Applying this to your life means being honest about what you really want to achieve. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but taking a step back to ask, “What makes my life meaningful?” can change everything. Try journaling or talking it out with someone you trust. Once you have a clearer idea, set small, achievable goals that align with your values.

In the end, it’s about recognizing that you have this one life, and it’s worth spending it in a way that feels deeply satisfying. It’s not always easy, but by focusing on what truly motivates you, you can find ways to make your time on this planet count.