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"الحياة لا معنى لها. كل واحد منا له معنى ونحن نأتي به."

Joseph Campbell
Joseph Campbell Mythologist
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Quote meaning
Life doesn't come with a built-in purpose. Instead, it's up to each of us to create our own. This idea suggests that meaning isn’t something we find lying around—it’s something we build through our actions, relationships, and choices.

Historically, this line of thought comes from existential philosophy. Think about World War II, a time when people were grappling with immense suffering and questioning the purpose of life amid such chaos. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre argued that life itself doesn’t have inherent meaning. Rather, we are the ones who must infuse our existence with purpose through our actions and decisions.

Imagine a musician who pours their heart and soul into creating music. For them, meaning is found in the creation of art and the joy it brings to others. They didn't discover this purpose ready-made; they built it through years of practice, passion, and performance. Their meaning evolves with every note and every concert, shaped by their experiences and the people they touch.

So, how can you apply this in your own life? Start by figuring out what you love and what matters to you. It could be anything—cooking, helping others, solving complex problems, or even just making people laugh. Once you identify these things, dive into them. Make them a central part of your life. Don’t wait for meaning to find you—get out there and create it.

Let's paint a picture. Imagine you're at a crossroads in your career. You feel stuck and unfulfilled. You’ve been waiting for a sign that tells you what to do next, but it never comes. Instead of waiting, you decide to take action. You start volunteering at a local shelter on weekends because helping others has always brought you joy. Slowly, you realize this volunteer work is more fulfilling than your day job. You decide to switch careers, moving into social work. Now, your days are filled with meaning because you're actively creating it through your new role.

Your journey might not be as clear-cut, but the principle remains the same. It’s about taking ownership of your life and crafting meaning from your passions and values. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that meaning is something you stumble upon. It’s something you build, brick by brick, through the things you do and the people you connect with.

Think about it like building a house. You don’t just sit around waiting for the perfect house to appear. You pick up a hammer, gather your materials, and start constructing. It’s hard work, but the result is a home that’s uniquely yours, filled with the memories and meanings you’ve created.

So next time you find yourself wondering what it all means, remember: you’re the architect of your own life’s purpose. Grab that hammer and start building. The meaning will follow.
Related tags
Existentialism Human experience Individualism Inspiration Life Meaning Personal growth Philosophy Purpose Self-discovery
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