Stop Searching for the Meaning of Life. Here's Your Answer.

Written By Saleh Halfi

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If you’re too lazy to read, scroll straight to the end and discover the one-line meaning of life. If you’re lazier still, share this post in one click, and make your friends sum it up for you over next week’s after-work drink.

Stoic philosopher and Buddha meditating together at sunrise, symbolizing ancient wisdom on the meaning of life.

Why We Keep Googling “Meaning of Life” at 3 A.M.

Ever asking yourself "What is the purpose of life?". The billion-dollar question we've all Googled after midnight. We look for guidance in life quotes on Instagram, and TikYok. Then debate whether our purpose is to make millions in real-estate and stock, live in a hut, or chained to the daily grind. High philosophy aside, many of us define the meaning of life in more everyday terms. Like achieving the good life. But what does that even mean?

Depends on who you ask. Some will say it’s all about staying fit and zen: “Live a healthy life, eat natural foods, do yoga at sunrise.” Others chase money and success, seeking that financial freedom where you can retire at 40 and live on a beach sipping mojitos. (Sounds nice, I won’t lie. “How to get financial freedom” is probably its own top Google search). But since you’re here, let’s have a quick overview about it first. No dense jargon, straight to the point.

Ancient Wisdom: Stoics & Buddha on living well

Ever notice how ancient wisdom has a way of sticking around social media? There’s probably a reason. Here are two of the oldest schools of thought. One from the West, one from the East. Tackled life’s purpose in their own styles, and their ideas still resonate. Listen:

Stoic philosopher and Buddha meditating together at sunrise, symbolizing ancient wisdom on the meaning of life.

Let’s dive first into Ancient Greece. The Stoics (like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius) believed that a good life comes from living in harmony with nature and cultivating virtue above all else. In a nutshell, they said the meaning of life is to be a person of virtue (wisdom, courage, justice, self-discipline) and to roll with whatever punches the universe throws. Fame, fortune, goat-status, none of those externals truly matter for a Stoic. What matters is how you live: with excellence of character and acceptance of fate. As Stoics saw it, if you live right (aligning your will with the natural order) you’ll find fulfillment. Epictetus once compared life to a banquet: if dishes (opportunities) come your way, enjoy them temperately; if they don’t, no fuss. This ancient perspective basically says meaning is found in virtue and inner freedom, not in chasing superficial highs. The bonus? A life of virtue leads to a kind of tranquility (ataraxia), unshakable peace. Not a bad deal.

Now let’s hop over to the other side of the world, ancient India. Buddhism’s (not yoga, nore matcha) take on life’s purpose is a bit different. It starts by bluntly stating that life as we ordinarily live it is full of dukkha, a.k.a. suffering or dissatisfaction. (Cheery, huh?) But hold on! The Buddha didn’t leave us hanging in despair. The purpose of life in Buddhism is to end suffering. How? By waking up to reality as it is. According to Buddhist teaching, we suffer because we cling to things (relationships, youth, material comforts, etc) thinking they’ll last forever. Spoiler alert: nothing lasts. The big aha! is that everything is impermanent, and by accepting that and letting go of attachments, we can find peace. Ultimately, Buddhism encourages us to seek enlightenment. A state of understanding where you blow out the flames of greed, hatred, and ignorance and finally escape the hamster wheel of rebirth (samsara).

Whether one takes the monastic route or just tries to be more mindful each day, the meaning of life for a Buddhist is tied to spiritual liberation. In everyday terms: focus on compassion, live ethically, train your mind, and you’ll inch closer to Nirvana (no, not the band! the state of bliss). It’s a path of moderation and insight, and its end goal is the freedom from suffering, for yourself and ultimately for all beings. Pretty meaningful, if you ask us.

Ancient Stoics and Buddhists might seem worlds apart. One says “excel in character,” the other “let go of attachment”. But notice that both point inward. It’s about how you approach life, rather than what life gives you. In their own way, each offers a formula for a life well-lived, if not explicitly a one-liner answer to the meaning of life. And even a few thousand years later, on those days when the Wi-Fi is down and life feels chaotic, their advice holds up. Be good, do good, don’t obsess over what you can’t control. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find some meaning along the way.

Divine Purpose: Judaism, Christianity & Islam on why we’re here

Moving forward in time (and shifting gears), let’s talk religion. Specifically the big three in the Abrahamic family: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These traditions have guided billions of people in Mesopotamia, MENA, and around the world in finding purpose. And while each has its unique flavor, they share a common core idea: life’s meaning is ultimately tied to the divine.

In plain terms, all three faiths say our lives matter because God wills it so. We’re here to serve a higher purpose defined by God, not just to satisfy our own egos. According to these religions, the meaning of life isn’t a riddle to solve solo. It’s revealed through scripture, prophets, and traditions.

Rabbi, priest, and imam sharing laughter in a Middle-Eastern library, highlighting shared purpose across faiths.

  • In Jewish thought, life’s purpose is often described as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and faithfully following God’s commandments. The idea is that by doing good deeds (mitzvot) and living ethically, you partner with God in making the world better. As one Jewish teaching puts it, “All that God created in Its world It created only for Its glory” (a bit of a megalomaniac, but as Jesus would say a few centuries later: "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone"). In common interpretation, our lives find meaning in honoring God through justice, kindness, family, community. Basically living a righteous life. There isn’t a single catechism answer for “meaning of life” in Judaism, but an overarching theme is covenant: a relationship with God. You live your purpose by upholding your end of that relationship.

  • Christians generally believe our purpose is to know, love, and serve God. And ultimately, to enjoy a relationship with It forever (hello, Heaven). The Catechism might phrase it as to glorify God and enjoy It eternally. The Bible offers nuggets like “Fear God and keep Its commandments, for this is the whole duty of everyone”, implying that living by God’s will is central. Many Christians also talk about discovering your God-given gifts and using them. Whether it’s caring for others, spreading the Gospel, or simply embodying Christ-like love in daily life. There’s also the idea of redemption: life’s meaning is intertwined with God’s plan to save humanity (through Jesus). So for Christians, a meaningful life is one aligned with God’s love and directives, leading toward eternal life. Love God, love your neighbor, love your hater, that’s the elevator pitch.

  • In Islam, the purpose of life is very direct: to worship God and follow Its guidance. The Quran plainly states, “I have not created jinn and mankind except to worship Me” (Qur’an 51:56). Worship in Islam isn’t just rituals; it’s a broad concept that includes doing good, seeking knowledge, being just, and living all aspects of life in accordance with God’s will. A Muslim’s life gains meaning through peaceful submission (Islam literally means peaceful submission to peace) to the compassionate Almighty. As one Islamic scholar summarized, the purpose of our creation is to recognize and serve God, effectively losing ourselves in Its love . This doesn’t mean life is doom and gloom, on the contrary. Admiring God’s creation brings fulfillment. Earthly life is seen as a test or a trust, with the promise of eternal life with God as the ultimate reward. So the everyday acts, even how you treat a stray dog or earn your living, all become part of a meaningful tapestry of worship.

All three of these traditions, in their own way, say that life is meaningful because it’s part of God’s story. The meaning isn’t something we invent; it’s something we discover through faith and devotion. For believers, this can be incredibly comforting. You’re not alone trying to figure life out, you’ve got divine direction. Of course, each individual within these faiths might express their personal sense of purpose differently (one might prioritize charity, another prayer, another spreading wisdom), but the common thread is unmistakable: we’re here to fulfill God’s purpose, not just our own.

Even if you’re not religious, there’s something powerful about this perspective. It says: Life is not random; it’s intentional. And it challenges us to live for something greater than just our next Netflix binge or paycheck. Whether it’s doing God’s work, following the Ten Commandments, or living by the Sunnah of the Prophet, a faithful life is a meaningful life in this view. It’s about responsibility, community, morality, and a connection to the divine. As the saying goes, “Man proposes, God disposes.” The humble believer finds meaning in aligning with what God proposes for us.

Freedom & Absurdity: How Existentialists rewrote the rulebook

Alright, deep breath. Let’s leave the ancient scrolls and scriptures and jump into the modern era. Suppose you’re not convinced that virtue, enlightenment, or God alone give meaning to life. What do the modern philosophers say when they’re not busy chain-smoking and writing novels about despair? Welcome to Existentialism and Absurdism! The dynamic duo of modern thought that basically went: “Meaning of life? Might have to make it up yourself, pal.” This is where that word freedom really kicks in, because according to these thinkers, you’re free (and sometimes condemned in Sartre’s words) to create meaning in an indifferent universe.

According to Existentialism, each person creates the essence (meaning) of their life. It’s not determined by any supernatural god or preset rules. You are free! You’ve probably heard the cliché “existence precedes essence.” What that means is, first you exist. You’re thrown into this world. And then it’s on you to figure out what to do with it. There’s no pre-written meaning of life handed to you on a stone tablet. Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, these folks basically said we are radically free and responsible for our own lives. Scary? Yes. Empowering? Also yes.

Albert Camus, Victor Hugo, and a writer debating life’s meaning in a vintage Paris café, pipes and espresso on table.

This means the pressure (or opportunity) is on you to decide what matters. Whether it’s pursuing art, helping others, fighting for a cause, or just embracing the day-to-day small joys, existentialists would say that’s your project to define. But (and here’s the kicker), with great freedom comes great responsibility. You can’t just blame society or fate for a meaningless life. If it lacks meaning, existentially speaking, it’s time to examine the choices you’re making. One of Sartre’s famous lines: “Man is condemned to be free. because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does.” It’s a bit heavy, but the silver lining is that it puts the power in our hands. You get to write your own life story. For some, that story might be about freedom and authenticity. Living true to oneself (cue “how to live free” guides), which itself can feel deeply meaningful. Think of it like life being a blank canvas. Terrifying at first, but it means you can paint whatever you want.

Now, what if you set out to write your own meaning but the universe responds with radio silence or a cosmic laugh track? That’s the vibe of Absurdism, popularized by Albert Camus (the guy who wrote The Myth of Sisyphus. You know, the dude rolling a boulder up a hill forever). Absurdism says there’s a fundamental disharmony between our search for meaning and the universe’s apparent lack of one. We desperately crave purpose, but the cosmos is huge, old, and indifferent to our little lives. Ouch. Camus described this conflict as the Absurd. But he didn’t throw up his hands and declare all is lost (well, not exactly). Instead, he offered a few possible responses. One is despair (even suicide), but Camus quickly rejects that as giving up. Another is belief in a higher reality (like a leap of faith in God), but Camus cheekily called that “philosophical suicide,” essentially punting the problem to an unverifiable realm. His preferred response? Acceptance. Embrace the absurdity and live on anyway.

Imagine Sisyphus pushing that rock, knowing it’s pointless, yet finding joy in it regardless. Camus famously ends that essay with, “We must imagine Sisyphus happy.” The idea is that by acknowledging life’s absurdity, you rebel against it by living fully, freely, and passionately in spite of it. Create your own meaning right in the face of meaninglessness. It’s almost punk rock in a philosophical way.

The takeaway: Life might intrinsically have no meaning, but instead of despairing, you can see that as liberation. You’re free to give it whatever meaning you want, no rules of the universe to stop you. Help others, build a family, chase knowledge, or simply enjoy the absurd ride. The value comes from choosing it. Between existentialists and absurdists, the 20th-century mood on life’s meaning was a mix of angst and defiant optimism.

No external script, no guarantees. Just us free beings trying to make sense of a chaotic world. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea (mint tea for me please), but there’s a certain charm in this perspective. It’s honest about the scary parts “what if nothing matters?” yet empowering in its answer “then make it matter, darn it!”. And hey, a little absurd humor goes a long way on a dull Tuesday. As an existential comic strip once quipped, “The meaning of life is the meaning you give it. So give it beans!” In other words: if life is a blank page, start writing your story, even if the pen occasionally leaks or the plot makes zero sense to anyone else. That freedom is the meaning, for many modern souls.

Stardust Math: what Biology and Cosmology say about Us

We’ve heard from philosophers and theologians, but what about the folks in lab coats? What does science say about the meaning of life? Science, by design, answers the how more than the why, but its insights are crucial to our puzzle. Sometimes understanding how life began on Earth and how it works can inform how we feel about its meaning.

Two scientists study life: one at a microscope, one at a telescope, bridging biology and cosmology.

First off, science has given us a mind-blowing backstory: life on Earth began roughly 4 billion years ago in, likely, some warm little pond or deep-sea vent. From simple self-replicating molecules, through trial and error (aka evolution), we eventually got DNA, cells, jellyfish, dinosaurs, and yes, us: storytelling, espresso-sipping Homo sapiens. Knowing this, one might ask: if life started by chance chemical reactions and evolved by natural selection, where does meaning come in? Are we just cosmic accidents?

One scientific perspective (often associated with evolutionary biologists like Richard Dawkins) is that life’s “purpose” from a biological standpoint is simply to survive and reproduce. Harsh, but not unreasonable. Every lion, oak tree, and bacterium is here because its ancestors managed to successfully pass on their genes. Dawkins famously described living organisms as “machines for propagating DNA”, the gene’s way of making more genes. In that view, the meaning of your life, biologically, is that you’re a link in the chain of DNA going back to the first microbe and forward to who-knows-what.

That might sound a bit mechanistic (or depressing), but remember, this is just the evolutionary function of life, not necessarily the meaning you feel in your heart. Still, it’s humbling and fascinating: every one of us is part of life’s great saga of adaptation and change. From the first spark of life in those primeval pools to you reading this on a smartphone, how wild is that journey?

Now, zoom out further: cosmology tells us we quite literally come from stardust. The carbon in your cells, the oxygen you breathe. All forged in ancient stars that exploded, seeding the galaxy with elements that eventually became... well, us. As Carl Sagan put it, “We are made of star-stuff.” Understanding this can give a sense of awe and connectedness. Science shows that we’re physically connected to the universe in an intimate way. Our sun is one star among hundreds of billions in our galaxy, which is one galaxy among trillions. On one hand, that can make life feel insignificant, a tiny blip in a vast cosmos. On the other hand, it can make life feel precious. Against incredible odds, a bunch of star-stuff got together and started pondering its own existence. We are a way for the universe to know itself, as Sagan also said. There’s poetic meaning in that, even if it’s not a purpose handed down from above.

Science won’t tell you that the meaning of life is to love your neighbor or to be happy. Those are value judgments outside its scope. But it provides context. It tells us that life is rare and fleeting (as far as we know, our little planet is the only place teeming with life in the observable universe). It tells us that life is connected (all known life on Earth has a common origin. You, a sunflower, and a blue whale share some DNA heritage). It tells us that life is transformative. Simple microbes over eons can give rise to conscious beings capable of art, philosophy, and sending rockets to Mars. If nothing else, these revelations can inspire a deep appreciation for life. Maybe the meaning of life is what we make of this incredible cosmic accident. Cherishing our time, exploring the wonders of nature, unraveling more mysteries. In a way, science hands us the ingredients and says, “Look what’s possible.” The recipe (the meaning) we still have to cook up ourselves, perhaps using a dash of wisdom from all the other perspectives we’ve discussed.

Some scientifically-minded folks find meaning in the pursuit of knowledge, every new discovery a raison d’être. Others find it in alleviating suffering, using medicine, technology, etc., to improve lives (a nod to that evolutionary empathy hardwired in our brains). And some take a quite pragmatic view: since life has no inherent meaning that we can test in a lab, we’re free to enjoy the ride, cultivate kindness (it tends to be a happier life strategy per psychology research), and stand in awe of the universe. After all, when you consider that the ultimate fate of the universe might be a cold dark expanse trillions of years from now, it does put our day-to-day worries in perspective.

So, does science answer the meaning of life? Not directly. But it sets the stage: a 13.8-billion-year-old universe, a 4-billion-year-old earth, and a species that just recently learned to ask this question. In that grand play, maybe our role is simply to marvel, to understand, and to use our knowledge wisely. We may be tiny, but as far as we know, we’re the only part of the cosmos that can applaud its own grandeur. Or laugh at its absurdity.

Stop scrolling: you’ve reached the one-line meaning of life

Alright, let's cut the clichés and get candid for a second. When you truly observe life as it is (no filters, just straight-up facts), you'll notice everything exists in pairs. Think about it: day and night, hot and cold, joy and sorrow, hunger and repletion, proton and neutron, even male and female. Nature itself teaches us balance: it's always two sides of the same coin.

Infographic comparing lifespans: mayfly, butterfly, dog, human, tortoise, bristlecone pine, Sun.

And here's the kicker: life has its own pairing too. It's called death. Now, before you swipe away thinking this got too morbid, hang on. This isn't doom and gloom, it's perspective. Death is our only real certainty. From the tiniest mayfly (living just 24 frantic hours) to humans averaging about 80 years (if you cut down on junk food and Netflix binges), to tortoises slowly strolling past a century, right up to our Sun casually burning for around 10 billion years before quietly fading out. Everything eventually comes to an end. Every single thing has a life expectancy. No exceptions.

When you strip it down, life isn't a complicated concept; it's just a chunk of time we get to spend. Imagine you're playing the new GTA 6 game, but here's the catch: you've got just one round, no respawns, no second chances. Every choice matters, every moment counts. Suddenly those side quests and distractions might seem a little less appealing compared to the main missions that genuinely matter to you, right?

Time, my friend, is your real wealth. It's the ultimate capital. So here's the billion-dollar question: How are you spending yours? Are you investing your time wisely, making memories, chasing dreams, loving deeply? Or are you scrolling through existence on autopilot, wondering where the hours went?

The beautiful part of this reality check? You still get to decide. You’re holding the joystick. You choose the path. At the Freedom Company, we're just a bunch of people who've figured out the secret isn't waiting for life to hand us meaning; it's crafting it ourselves, day by day, choice by choice.

So, here’s our invitation: don’t just exist, live intentionally. Connect, create, laugh, love, risk, forgive, and grow. Join us, not as customers or followers, but as companions in this great, messy, beautiful game called life. Because at the end of the day (and the game), what counts is how we spent our time, and who we spent it with.

Remember, life is only a matter of time. Let’s make it count.

— The Freedom Company

Resources to deepen reflection

Saleh Halfi