Essay Sample on Why People Pursue Meaning Instead of Happiness in Life

Introduction

People pursue meaning instead of happiness because the pursuit of meaning brings a more profound and enduring life than when they seek to find happiness. Harold S. Kushner says "You don't become happy by pursuing happiness. You become happy by living a life that means something," Kushner implies that happiness does not give life substance, but meaningful lives carry weight and value attached to life.

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Similarly, Tom Path in one of his motivation books known as "Are you fully charged" states "The odds of being completely engaged in your job increases by 250% if you work on meaningful projects each day." In this quote, Path explains that working is not satisfactory if it does not have meaning. In other words, working on meaningful projects increases the level of engagement which would not have been experienced if the work was not significant. He further explains that meaning lasts and it connects the three phases of a person's life which are the past, present, and future. I argue that happiness push people to want to satisfy their needs and wants but these things are irrelevant to a meaningful life. In this regard, one can say that wealth, health, and comfort in life leads to happiness but not meaningfulness.

I understand that people pursue meaning in life because it is ongoing and enduring while happiness is only experienced in the present times. Additionally, people seek meaningful lives because it entails challenges that allow room for growth. Besides, meaning encompasses the fulfillment of other people's lives because it involves giving. I also agree that Meaningful life leads to the expression of oneself through cultural identity and self-care, for instance, having wisdom or being innovative is associated with meaningfulness and not happiness. I agree that people pursue meaning instead of joy because they have found the truth about the two and they can choose which way to follow based on informed and well-thought decisions

Christine L. Carter says "Compelling research indicates that the pursuit of happiness - when our definition of happiness is synonymous with pleasure and easy gratification - won't ultimately bring us deeper feelings of fulfillment; it won't allow us to live in our sweet spot." In her statement, Carter explains that when happiness is pegged on desires then inner contentment cannot be achieved, and that is what a meaningful life entails. She further argues that as much as the optimal goal of every human being is to live happy life happiness does not create a feeling that matter as compared to living a meaningful life. Carter states "pursuit of happiness" is our inalienable right and the primary driver of the human race, we humans do better pursuing fulfillment and meaning - creating lives that generate the feeling that we matter." Don't get me wrong but I think a meaningful life leads to inner satisfaction even at people's places of work and only those who pursue meaning enjoy their work and tend to have less stress than those who seek happiness. For instance when salary is what makes a person find satisfaction and enjoy work then when it is not there they are demotivated, and they become unhappy but if they pursue meaning even when there is no salary they still enjoy doing what they can do best.

Additionally, I think people pursue meaningful lives because it does not end after it is achieved and it does make not only worth living to themselves but also other people. When people seek meaning they are likely to make; others find meaning in their lives too. Mark Twain states "The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why." in his quote; he suggests that when a person finds the reason he or she was born, then they have found purpose or meaning of life. I, therefore, think that being alive is not enough but finding the meaning life is the ultimate goal, and this justifies why people pursue meaning and not happy in life.

On the other hand, some people pursue happiness instead of meaning because they believe in living in the present, forgetting about the past and not bothering about the future. Such people want to be happy at the present moment as they live one day a time. In this regard, such people rush into looking for material wealth, health, and things that bring immediate gratification. They are not concerned about other people but themselves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to note that people pursue meaning instead of happiness because purpose endures. Similarly, they seek meaning because it connects to the three phases of their lives that is the past, present, and future. Sense is broad and does not only entail material satisfaction but finding purpose in life. It also encompasses helping others as it is characterized by giving and not receiving .meaning is not concerned with what people have or lack, but it is an approach and mindset to life. Although research indicates that there is a connection between happiness and meaning people pursue meaning more than happiness.

Works Cited

Jason, Marsh & Jill, Suttie. Is a Happy Life Different from a Meaningful One? Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/happy_life_different_from_meaningful_life 2014

Emily, Esfahani Smith & Jennifer Aaker. Pursue Meaning Instead of Happiness https://www.thecut.com/2016/12/in-2017-pursue-meaning-instead-of-happiness.html 2016

Rath, Tom. Are you fully charged?: The three keys to energizing your work and life. Missionday, LLC, 2015.

Smith, Emily Esfahani. The power of meaning: Crafting a life that matters. Random House, 2017.