A Journey to Understanding Meaning in Life
Written on
Chapter 1: My Path to Meaning
In my sophomore year of college, as I delved into philosophy and contemplated my future academic endeavors, I encountered a thought-provoking video featuring five philosophers discussing a profound question:
What does it truly mean to lead a meaningful life?
While I had heard this query before, it was this particular instance that significantly transformed my perspective and engagement with the world.
The Journey of a Meaningful Life: Part 1
Raised in a Baptist church in Northern Virginia, my upbringing was heavily intertwined with faith. Although I wasn't technically a preacher's child, my parents' active participation in church made it seem like I was. Our family was frequently engaged in church activities, attending services and events three times a week.
This environment shaped my character both subtly and distinctly. I discovered my faith at a young age, and it became an integral part of my life. To this day, I can recall biblical verses, themes, and stories without conscious effort. As an adult, my faith persists, yet I haven't regularly attended church in over five years.
My childhood was characterized by what Dr. Cornell West refers to as a "life of the mind." I immersed myself in literature, poetry, and essays. This intellectual pursuit complemented my Christian beliefs while also sparking a deep interest in worldly ideas. There was never a conflict between my faith and the broader world; as Elizabeth Alexander poignantly states in her poem "Ars Poetica," "Aren't we of interest to each other?"
The college experience introduced me to philosophy in a new light, prompting me to confront two interpretations of my faith:
- It embodied a doctrine focused on "the least of these," tying my beliefs to those in distress, pain, and hardship—an active faith dedicated to aiding the suffering.
- Conversely, my faith also connected to a spiritual and mysterious essence, where the writings of Psalms and Proverbs held significance, alongside the explorations of writers pondering the ethereal aspects of belief.
My core beliefs remained intact, but I found solace in engaging with diverse ideas that enriched my understanding of truth.
The Church's Shortcomings
In my quest for community, I sought a church that would allow me to explore my faith, appreciate the world's beauty, and engage with profound questions. Instead, I encountered a system entrenched in dogma, wary of outsiders, and consistently attributing the world's problems to non-Christians.
My faith taught me that we are all flawed. However, my church conveyed that others "belonged to the world" and were solely part of the issues we faced.
During my later high school years and into college, I surrounded myself with individuals from various backgrounds and beliefs, each carrying their unique stories of hope and loss. We all yearn for something.
My faith reassures me that hope exists in God. While I recognize that this may not resonate with everyone, I aim to convey that goodness exists in the world, and I wish to share that light.
However, my church insisted I was mistaken. Being told I was wrong or advised to avoid "those things" (sinners, sinful acts, etc.) did not diminish the hunger for hope in others. It didn't alleviate the grief of those suffering or inspire them to contribute positively to the world when all they heard was condemnation.
While I'm not a pastor, I feel a calling to serve as a minister of my faith. I read my Bible and extend an invitation to others: you are loved. If you're curious to learn more, I can guide you on that path, but if you merely seek affirmation of your worth, my door is open to all.
The Journey of a Meaningful Life: Part 2
While the church may have fallen short in my eyes, my faith has not wavered. The history of philosophy is filled with thinkers attempting to define and prescribe meaning. From Plato's cave to Hobbes' mechanistic view of the mind, and Rousseau's contemplation of civilization, we have spent centuries striving to understand our existence.
Personally, two significant pieces of literature shaped my artistic and philosophical endeavors in college and continue to influence me today, complementing my Christian beliefs.
A Meaningful Life
In a compelling documentary, various philosophers and thinkers address what it means to lead a meaningful life, ultimately concluding that it is a lifelong journey. Each philosopher presents unique approaches to pursuing this truth, yet the quest remains constant.
Dr. West cites Plato, stating, "The unexamined life is not worth living." He also references William Butler Yeats, who asserts, "It takes more courage to examine the dark corners of your soul than it does for a soldier to fight on the battlefield."
"We are to die daily," Dr. West emphasizes, highlighting the necessity of introspection to shed outdated versions of ourselves that no longer represent who we truly are.
The core takeaway for me lies in the ongoing tension between our finite selves and our infinite aspirations. Humans are tethered to the limitations of our physical existence while perpetually striving for boundless ideals like love, power, hope, and, indeed, eternity. This philosophical inquiry did not alter my faith; rather, it provided structure within the realm of ideas, prompting deeper contemplation about myself and those around me.
Holy the Firm
Annie Dillard, while crafting her acclaimed work, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, also authored this concise 90-page nonfiction piece. It whimsically examines truth, suffering, and the realities of daily life.
Dillard questions humanity's inclination to seek meaning from God or a higher power. She reflects on our desire for a "nickel's worth of sense" to guide us through the myriad outcomes of our lives.
This quest for meaning has profoundly influenced my creative pursuits, craft, and vocational choices. I recently spoke with a teacher who felt her identity was entirely tied to her role as an educator, despite the anguish and difficulties she has faced in her profession. Dillard's insights resonate here, as she addresses the need for understanding in our lives, often tied to our desire for control over various aspects of our identities.
Dillard contextualizes suffering by recounting the story of a young girl whose face was disfigured in a plane crash. Many question the existence of God in light of suffering—a valid inquiry rooted in the human need for control and definitive meaning. How can we possibly find absolute clarity in this world?
Holy the Firm presents a significant arc, emphasizing the quest for something solid or 'Firm' (with a capital F) in our truth-seeking. This 'Firm' represents a deeper spiritual connection tied to our physical and material existence.
This book has granted my spiritual journey a tangible foundation. It has prompted me to question suffering while exploring the duality of a grounded yet metaphysical faith. While it may not serve as the definitive guide for my Christian beliefs, this exploration has drawn me closer to my faith.
The Journey of a Meaningful Life: Part 3
Despite my struggles to reconnect with a church—be it a new congregation or my family’s church—my faith remains steadfast.
I still yearn for the community that church provides. I still seek the hope and love that I believe the church embodies.
However, I wish for churchgoers to recognize that we are simply mirrors reflecting the same flawed world the church often seeks to distance itself from.
What I've learned and wrestled with regarding my faith is that we often convince ourselves we are not part of the world, yet our actions reveal otherwise. Yes, we grapple with faith, morality, and truth daily, but we are equally imperfect. We contribute to the world's issues and share in its tragedies. While we have this one life on Earth, we often act as if we are not "of this Earth."
What have I come to realize?
We are part of the complexities and questions posed by the world. We share in its challenges and insecurities. We are intertwined with its issues and sins.
As Christians, we embrace a greater purpose and belief in the world. That faith elevates us beyond our personal struggles and the minor issues we face. We are called to the people.
In this insightful interview, David Brooks shares wisdom on how to lead a meaningful life, emphasizing the importance of relationships and purpose.
This video explores timeless wisdom on living with purpose, showcasing insights from various thinkers about the essence of a fulfilling life.