Definition of Meaningfulness, Happiness, and Morality Using Todd May Ideas

Introduction

Todd May in his book; Human Meaning in a Silent Universe, try to explain the meaning of life by basing his arguments on the subjective point of view of life. May 9197) claims that purpose in life is not what human being find or discover instead is what one fashion or develops. Hence, May asserts the life of human beings meaningless when depending on finding the purpose of life from the universe or supernatural being.

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Meaningfulness

According to Todd, he dismisses faith as a standard of defining purpose in human life in general. Therefore, to find the meaning of life, humanity has to assume that universe or Supreme Being does not exist and develop their sense of life through a generation of goals. The goal in returns produces motivation that keeps pushing one to achieve success or desire of one in life. Centering meaning of life in universe or supreme demeans the value of life since one will lack inspiration because they know that at the end of the day, it is mandatory for world or Supreme Being to fulfill their role in human's life. Thus, the meaning of experience obtained from the universe is dependent on one's ambition in life. Hence, " Our lives can be marked by intensity, curiosity, perseverance, or any other qualities that become guiding narrative values."(May 10). These values lead one to find meaning in life and connect with universal values that help to cultivate happiness.

Happiness

In the topic of happiness, May asked this question "what makes for a meaningful life?" (May 26) In an attempt to answer the question, he gives all conditions necessary for attaining happiness in life. Therefore, happiness is a process that begins with the creation of purpose in ones' life, and it ends at the fulfillment of ones' generated mission (goals). It is, therefore, attainment of desires, attitude, wants, and, preference makes one happy. However, happiness in a being is not attained by avoiding pain in life, but it is realized through the achievement of what makes one feel good. Therefore, satisfaction is personal and depends heavily on the attainment of own generated purpose in life. It is true thus to say that a successful person in life is the happiest being in the universe.

Morality

Moral values are connected with happiness. Moral value according to the May line of thought adds delight, delight in return ensure living up to the value commitment leads to satisfaction in life, thus creating meaning in life. That is why May claims meaningfulness is distinctive from morality. For example, when one spends time helping others not just, because one is expected to do so, but because of an inner push, attains helps fulfillment of one's purpose in life and long-run happiness increase. Moreover, May believes that "One is born, one dies, the land increases." (May 61). Thus, human beings have a moral duty to contribute to others' well-bei

Work cited

May, Todd. A significant life: Human meaning in a silent universe. University of Chicago Press, 2015.