Philosophical reflections on the meaning of life might seem outdated. In spaces like LinkedIn and amidst the AI revolution, it can feel pretentious or even laughable to discuss this topic seriously. Who has the right to speak about this with any degree of seriousness? Haven't enough ancient and modern philosophers already weighed in? Aren't there enough religions, leaders, and gurus offering answers? There are.
It lingers in therapists' offices, with coaches and psychiatrists. It arises in informal conversations among friends. It sits in the quiet corners of your nightstand, in the evening, before you fall asleep. It exists between partners. It stands in the office.
They feel unwell and bad more often. Enthusiasm for daily life diminishes. Desires and pleasures taste like plastic, paper, or, at best, there is no feeling towards them at all.
When the question of meaning arises in a company, among its owners, managers, and employees - conflicts, resignations, sick leaves, lack of productivity, and missed deadlines on a systemic level begin to occur.
Everyone suffers without meaning.
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1. An Active Life: When a person's creative action in their work or hobbies develops conditions where they express what is valuable to them. This gives life meaning.
2. A Passive Life: When a person enjoys and appreciates their surroundings - nature, art, beauty, etc. In this state, they "float" through life and find meaning in seeing and feeling its beauty.
3. A Life of Pain and Difficulties: When meaning can be found in how we choose to show up and go through them. Under such conditions, personal and deep freedom of will preserves and constructs meaning.
Frankl states that, unfortunately, few people, under endless suffering and challenges, manage to find the strength within themselves to decide who they want to be and how they want to go through the pain. Those who do are examples of incredible resilience and spirit.
His reflections are contextualized by World War II, his own experience in concentration camps, and his professional path as the founder of Logotherapy (he is a psychologist, psychiatrist, neurologist, and a philosopher). In other words, Viktor Frankl's life serves as the "perfect" arena where he could observe himself and countless others with a dose of professionalism in conditions of the most brutal loss of any external factors for finding meaning in existence.
While Frankl’s insights provide a robust framework, there are other perspectives worth considering to enrich our understanding of life’s meaning:
· Existentialism: Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that life inherently lacks meaning, and it is up to individuals to create their own purpose through choices and actions. This perspective empowers individuals to shape their destiny and find personal significance in their experiences.
· Humanism: Humanistic psychology, represented by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the inherent potential and self-actualization of individuals. According to this view, meaning is found through personal growth, fulfilling relationships, and achieving one's potential.
· Mindfulness and Presence: Inspired by Eastern philosophies, mindfulness practices encourage living in the present moment. The meaning of life is found in the simple act of being present, appreciating each moment fully, and fostering a deep connection with oneself and the world around.
· Service to Others: Many find meaning through altruism and contributing to the well-being of others. This perspective suggests that purpose arises from the impact we have on other people's lives and the legacy we leave behind.
· Spirituality and Religion: For many, meaning is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs and religious practices. Faith, rituals, and a connection to a higher power can provide a profound sense of purpose and direction.
In creative work that aligns with what is valuable to us; in the enjoyment of our surroundings—nature, art, beauty; in accepting hardships and difficulties as meaning in themselves?
Fundamentally, people need one or a combination of these to feel they are living fully.
While Frankl's era was characterized by clearly defined norms of behavior and expectations (gender, professional, societal, class, etc.) before, during, and after World War II, today people live in a world that significantly alters the previous mentality and offers a wide range of choices. Professionally, gender-wise, behaviorally, and role-wise (in the family, in society, etc.), we are given the choice of who to be. Returning to Frankl's insights, however, few people have the strength to make decisions stemming from inner resilience,will, and human dignity. In conditions of uncertainty, instability, insecurity, and threat, most of us lose the light, the clarity, the direction.
More than ever today, one must work on training their soul and will. Reading books, engaging in creative work that does not necessarily lead to a reward, reflecting, keeping a diary, contemplating strategically, and believing in something greater than ourselves - are crucial for mental health, resilience, and yes, success. They all amount to ‘critical thinking’ – a ‘must have’ ability in today’s reality of informational overflow.
As for companies and organizations as separate systems, the focus should increasingly be on linking morality and profit, ideologies with work, value with accountability. The alternative is short-term success, long-term harm.
Therefore, the answers you reach for yourself and your company, the actions you take for yourself and your company, and the beliefs you adopt for yourself and your company - are uniquely yours. Every situation is different, every moment unique. Thus, the decisions about meaning of life must be personal and yours.
Love and support while we all search for meaning
The ILC Team