"Does Life Have Meaning?" - Facing Existential Emptiness

About a 3 min read.

Existential Emptiness

Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, drawing on his experience in Nazi concentration camps, concluded that "the most fundamental human motivation is neither pleasure nor power, but the pursuit of meaning." His book Man's Search for Meaning documents how those who found meaning even in extreme conditions were the ones who survived.

In modern society, a growing number of people experience existential emptiness - not knowing "what they are living for" - despite material abundance. According to a WHO survey, about 40% of young people in developed countries report "not feeling that life has meaning." It is precisely because basic survival is guaranteed that the question of "the meaning of life" becomes all the more acute.

Three Sources of Meaning

Frankl classified the ways to find meaning in life into three categories.

1. Creative Values - Creating Something

Work, art, raising children, volunteering. The act of giving something to the world is the first source of meaning. Scale doesn't matter. Helping one person, completing one piece of work, doing a day's job with care. The accumulation of small acts of creation gives life meaning.

2. Experiential Values - Experiencing Something

Being moved by a beautiful landscape, having your heart stirred by music, spending time with someone you love. The experience of receiving something from the world is the second source of meaning. Frankl stated that even if you cannot create anything, a single moment of beautiful experience can give meaning to an entire life. (You can deepen your thinking through books on existential philosophy)

3. Attitudinal Values - Your Attitude Toward Unavoidable Suffering

Illness, loss, absurdity. The attitude you take toward unavoidable suffering is the third source of meaning. Frankl emphasized that "it is not suffering itself that has meaning, but the attitude toward suffering that has meaning." Growing through suffering, maintaining dignity in the midst of suffering. This is an act possible only for human beings.

Not "Finding" but "Creating" Meaning

Meaning Is Not Given

"The meaning of life" is not a treasure hidden somewhere in the universe. As philosopher Sartre put it, "existence precedes essence." In other words, humans first exist, and then create their own meaning. Rather than trying to "find" meaning, the attitude of trying to "create" it is what matters.

The Accumulation of Small Meanings

You don't need to discover a grand life purpose all at once. "I was able to help someone today." "I gained a new perspective from this book." "The sunset was beautiful." The accumulation of small daily meanings forms, in retrospect, "a meaningful life." (Books on the meaning of life can also be helpful)

When You Can't Find Meaning

The very fact that you "can't find meaning" is proof that you are seeking it. Those who don't seek meaning don't ask this question in the first place. Continuing to ask is itself a sign of depth as a human being. Even if you don't find an answer, don't stop asking.

Summary

The meaning of life is not something to be discovered but something to be created. Create something, experience beauty, and face unavoidable suffering with dignity. To borrow Frankl's words, continuing to ask "what life expects of you" is the path to meaning.