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We reside in an era where answers are readily available. A quick query into a search engine or AI chatbot brings forth immediate responses. Yet, one question remains elusive to technology: What is the essence of life? Surprisingly, the answer is straightforward. A postcard I once spotted in a café in Kathmandu encapsulated it well: The meaning of life is whatever you wish it to be.
Since that moment, I have immersed myself in exploring the science of meaning—seeking to determine its true origins. Is it derived from a flow state, well-being, habits, goals, failures, resilience, or simply enjoyment?
What do we regret most?
A more insightful starting point might be to consider the factors that diminish meaning in our lives.
In her book Top 5 Regrets of the Dying, palliative nurse Bronnie Ware shares poignant reflections from those nearing the end of life—when unvarnished truths emerge. The most common regrets include:
- I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
- I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
- I wish I had let myself be happier.
I believe regret resides at one end of an emotional spectrum, while fulfillment—the recognition that life is meaningful, resonant, and coherent—sits at the other. Regret embodies the pain of past decisions, resurfacing in the present. To mitigate it, should we rely on AI for work, courage, and happiness?
Related: 9 Tips for Finding Your Life Purpose
Will abundance lead to emptiness?
Could AI and robotics handle monotonous tasks to make hard work optional? Elon Musk suggests this may be our future reality. He envisions that our challenge will shift from productivity to attaining human fulfillment. In a world devoid of struggle, will an abundance of resources lead to emotional detachment or, worse, confine us within the comfort of personalized digital experiences?
Alternatively, will humanity continue its age-old tradition of crafting challenges, striving for success, and dreaming big? Even if we find ourselves in metaphorical glass cages, observed by a superintelligent entity that enforces consequences, many of us still favor structure. Would I prefer an AI overseer to flawed human governance? Perhaps. Could we see an equitable redistribution of wealth and resources through AI? It’s a possibility. But will AI uphold merit, or necessitate meaningful contributions from all? (I sought input from ChatGPT, which suggested compulsion might only be essential in the face of existential crises.)
What makes the journey worthwhile?
Regardless of what the future entails, the essential challenge continues: ensuring that our journey is meaningful. We must make certain that our actions hold significance, even if solely to ourselves.
Throughout history, various institutions—religions, monarchies, nations, communities, and families—have shaped our values. There was little room for introspection, particularly when survival was the primary concern. Today, however, we are prompted to consider deeper questions: What truly matters to me? What brings me fulfillment? What legacy do I aspire to create?
Though purpose may seem lofty, values often lie hidden beneath our consciousness, manifesting during moments of stress or elation. When you clarify your values, you can start building your personal spiritual practice.
How do you put values into practice?
If fitness is important to you, incorporate morning stretches, evening runs, and structure your life around these activities. If kindness is a core value, engage in service, act compassionately, and volunteer regularly. If peace resonates with you, consider practices like meditation, yoga, and advocating for peace.
Living in alignment with your values fosters meaning, especially in challenging times. Resistance and positive stress are necessary. The most rewarding experiences often highlight how far we have evolved: learning to handle pressure more effectively than in our younger days or restoring balance after disruption.
In my workshops, I inquire about individuals’ proudest achievements over the past year. Their responses rarely focus on what was easy. Instead, they reflect resilience—overcoming health issues, supporting loved ones, reaching ambitious goals, or steadfast perseverance.
What is the hero’s journey today?
Perfection is not an expectation; what matters is the willingness to attempt, fail, and try again. This encapsulates the hero’s journey: stepping out of comfort zones, finding allies, acquiring skills, facing setbacks, and rising stronger. This journey is what infuses life with meaning.
AI cannot provide us with this essence. It can serve as a tool, yet mastery, growth, community, and courage remain quintessential. Some may find themselves sidelined—lost in virtual escapism, sustained by technology, and entrapped in a gamified existence. However, an alternative path exists: we can define our values, and AI can assist in identifying challenges where we can effect change. It can suggest partners in our pursuits and gently guide us toward purpose, allowing us to learn through our missteps.
Related: Want to Find Your Purpose? Stop Looking for It. Start Living With It.
Where do we begin?
We start by engaging in meaningful activities—be it achieving a goal, serving others, or loving deeply.
We embrace a life of authenticity, reducing work-related stress, nurturing relationships, and expressing our truths. We make space for happiness, recognizing that it originates from our values. If we do not consciously select our values, we may unknowingly adopt those from consumer culture, influencers, or convenience, leading to feelings of emptiness.
Therefore, unearth your values. Practice them diligently. Cultivate resilience. Dream ambitiously. Aim high—supported by superintelligence, you may find your aspirations closer than you think.
Source
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