About the meaning of life
What would be the thing which makes our existence meaningful? Is there any universal answer for that question?
People who believe in God, no matter what name that God would have, might answer that the meaning of life is included in the path to salvation. That would mean being a "good person", following some rules, and not making harm to others. Not everyone believes in a higher power though. 16% of the worldwide population is irreligious and in the life of over 52% of citizens of well-developed countries religion is not as important as other things and its importance constantly decreases. (1) (2)
In our search for the meaning of life, we could focus on more biological reflexes. Nature designed all life to make the survival of the species crucial. If we already have kids, there is a huge chance that our meaning of life will be related to providing a bright future for them - making sure they are safe, fed, they get proper education, and the best start in the adult life we can guarantee them. As much as that might be true for many of us, there are people who cannot or don't want to become parents and it's absolutely fine. Sometimes the reason to stay childless is the result of the financial situation, sometimes is the fear for the future of kids who will be forced to live in post-global warming reality, infertility, or just personal choice to focus on other things in life.
Average household size decreases each year and currently there are 51 countries with more than 35% of citizens who don't have any kids (1 person households + childless couples) (3)
Even though spirituality and biology might be two of the main reasons to make our life meaningful, there is still plenty of people who can't find themselves in that areas, so it can't be called "universal values". I'm one of them - as atheistic and childless gay, I would have to look for another way to make my existence meaningful.
Does universal answer exist at all?
It's difficult to answer that question. The truth is that we, as individuals, are choosing what is really meaningful for us. There are some answers which are more common than the others, but it would be difficult to find one which would satisfy everyone.
If I would say that the meaning of life is making the lives of others people better, would it be true?
It would include taking care of our own kids or, for those who don't have any kids, taking care of our beloved, family members, or friends. Probably 90% would be fine with that answer but what about people with Alexithymia? It's about 10% of society worldwide which is unable to communicate their feelings and doesn't care much about the feeling of others (4)
Is "being a good person" the universal answer?
Probably, but it means nothing. That answer just motivates us to ask more questions. What does "good person" mean? Would it be the same for all of us? Do you think that conservatives and liberals, traditionalists and progressivists, capitalists and green activists can understand "being good" slightly in the same way?
Summary and my personal answer to the question
I assume we all have to accept that there is no universal answer and the meaning of life depends on our personal point of view and the priorities we choose. As long as that priority doesn't make any harm to others, should be embraced by society, even if we don't share it.
For me personally, the most important thing is to make the life of others better. Maybe it's biologically motivated - as I can't have my own children, I'm playing for the same team and fulfilling the need to increase the chance of survival of the species by helping others. It would include charity, donating part of the income for people in need but also simple, everyday help in smaller tasks. We are programmed in the way which causes our altruistic behaviors stronger when we know the person we help, so obviously, I spend more energy on helping people who I know, who I love, although I am trying to be a "good person" in my meaning of this word to everyone, no exceptions.
Personal, additional meaning I'm finding in education. Not necessarily systematic, with the degrees achieved in universities. I like practical knowledge which traveling and talking with people from other cultures gives me. I believe it helps me to understand the world, gives me more tolerance for others' behaviors, and makes me feel more sympathetic to humankind.
What would be your meaning of life?
Thank you for reading,
@papi.mati