Is the meaning of life something we discover, or is it something we create? In this article, I dive into two distinct approaches to this timeless question. I explore how discovering an objective purpose and creating meaning through our choices and actions can both help us lead more fulfilling lives. This is a deeply personal reflection on how we, as individuals, can navigate the search for purpose—a journey that begins where universal questions about existence leave off.
This article builds on the universal questions about life that I explored in another piece, The Meaning of Life: Why We Are Born, Live, and Die, focusing instead on how we can individually navigate the search for meaning.
Why Is the Question of the Meaning of Life So Universal?
Over time, the deeper I went into my spiritual practice and the more I read, I started to wonder: is the meaning of life something I’m supposed to discover, or something I need to create? As I browsed spirituality blogs and dove into books, I came across different perspectives. I noticed, especially in online discussions, that the prevailing view today seems to be that we create our own meaning rather than find it.
I should mention right away that the inspiration for this exploration came from Amit Goswami, who masterfully blends both of these ideas in his books. I’ll expand on his perspective later, but for now, I can say that his insights opened up entirely new ways of thinking for me. Is meaning a hidden treasure waiting at the end of a rainbow? Or is it a blank canvas that we’re meant to fill ourselves?
The question of meaning is one of those things that connects us all, regardless of culture, era, or worldview. From ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers like Alan Watts and Viktor Frankl, people have always tried to answer this fundamental question. Interestingly, the answers are as diverse as we are.
Albert Camus, a leading existentialist, once said, “You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” His words might seem harsh, but they hold a deep truth—perhaps meaning isn’t something you find, but something you must create.
In this article, we’ll look at the two main approaches to the meaning of life: discovering and creating. We’ll explore their roots in philosophy, religion, and science, compare their pros and cons, and finally, consider how to strike a balance between them. Whether you see yourself as a seeker of meaning or a creator of it, I hope you find something here that genuinely inspires you to reflect.
Discovering the Meaning of Life: The Traditional Approach
The idea of discovering meaning assumes that a universal, objective purpose already exists, just waiting to be found. This approach has deep roots in philosophy, religion, and science. Its proponents believe that life’s meaning is something greater than ourselves—something that exists independently of our personal beliefs or experiences.
Philosophy: The Search for Objective Meaning
In ancient Greece, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to tackle the question of life’s purpose. Plato believed that true meaning lay in the world of Ideas—perfect, non-material forms that are inaccessible to our senses but can be uncovered through reason and philosophy. Aristotle, on the other hand, saw life’s meaning as the pursuit of eudaimonia—a state of happiness and fulfillment achieved through living a virtuous life and realizing one’s potential.
This view suggests that meaning is objective and universal, something we can discover through reflection, learning, and moral development. As Aristotle put it, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.”
Religion: The Meaning of Life as a Gift from God
The world’s great religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, also center on the idea of discovering life’s meaning. In these traditions, meaning is often tied to God or a higher power that gives our existence purpose. In Christianity, for instance, St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” For believers, meaning comes from fulfilling God’s will, achieving salvation, and living in harmony with a divine plan.
A religious approach to meaning offers a sense of direction and a connection to something larger than oneself. However, it can be challenging for those who don’t fit into traditional religious structures or who have doubts about the existence of a higher power.
Science: Searching for the Meaning of Life in the Cosmos
For many, science has become a modern tool for discovering meaning. Research into the cosmos, evolution, and human consciousness helps us understand our place in the universe. The renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan once said, “We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” His words suggest that meaning can be found in uncovering the laws of nature and our connection to the universe.
However, a purely scientific approach has its limits. While it can answer questions about how the world works, it often leaves us with the question of why it all exists. Science can help us understand the mechanics of life, but it doesn’t always provide an answer for its purpose.
Pros and Cons of the Discovery Approach
Advantages:
- A Sense of Direction: For many, believing in an objective meaning provides a feeling of stability and purpose.
- Belonging: Religious and philosophical traditions offer a sense of community and connection to something larger.
- Inspiration: The search for meaning can be a source of motivation and inspiration for personal growth.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Answers: What if you don’t find the meaning you’re looking for? This can lead to frustration and a sense of emptiness.
- Imposed Meaning: Some may feel that an objective meaning is being forced upon them, which can limit their freedom.
Creating the Meaning of Life: The Modern Approach
In contrast to discovering meaning, the creative approach assumes that meaning does not exist objectively—we are the ones who give life significance. This idea gained traction in the 20th century, particularly through existentialist philosophy, humanistic psychology, and a growing interest in Eastern thought. Creating meaning is an act of creativity, freedom, and personal responsibility.
Existentialism: Freedom in the Face of the Absurd
Jean-Paul Sartre, a leading existentialist, argued that life itself has no inherent meaning. In his view, humans are “condemned to be free”—we must give life meaning through our own choices and actions. Sartre wrote, “Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.”
Albert Camus, another key existentialist, spoke of the absurdity of life—the conflict between our need for meaning and the universe’s indifference. His answer to this absurdity was to accept it and create his own meaning. As he wrote in The Myth of Sisyphus, “The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
Eastern Philosophy: Meaning in the Present Moment
Eastern philosophies, particularly Buddhism and Taoism, offer a different perspective on creating meaning. Instead of searching for a purpose in the future or outside of ourselves, these traditions encourage focusing on the present moment and accepting reality as it is.
Buddhism teaches that suffering arises from attachment to desires and illusions, and that true liberation can be found in mindfulness and compassion. Taoism, in turn, emphasizes harmony with nature and following the “Tao”—the natural order of the universe. As a Taoist proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Psychology: Creating the Meaning of Life as a Key to Mental Health
Modern psychology also highlights the importance of creating meaning. Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, described his experiences in concentration camps, where he observed that those who found meaning in their suffering were more likely to survive. Frankl wrote, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
Logotherapy, the therapeutic method Frankl developed, is based on the idea that the search for meaning is our primary motivation. Creating meaning—whether through relationships, work, or passions—can be a key to mental health and a sense of fulfillment.
Frankl believed that meaning is objective; it exists independently of us. However, it’s up to us to find it in the specific circumstances of our lives. We do this through our actions, our relationships with others, and even in how we choose to face suffering. In this sense, “creating” meaning is about actively engaging with life and responding to its challenges, which leads us to discover the meaning that’s already there.
So, to sum it up, Frankl leaned more toward the idea of discovering meaning. But he also recognized that this process requires active effort and involvement, which might feel like “creating” in a practical sense.
Pros and Cons of the Creation Approach
Advantages:
- Freedom: You can give your life a meaning that aligns with your values and dreams.
- Creativity: Creating meaning is a creative act that allows you to shape your life on your own terms.
- Flexibility: Life’s meaning can change depending on your circumstances and life stages.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Universal Answers: For some, the absence of an objective meaning can be overwhelming.
- Responsibility: Creating meaning requires courage and taking responsibility for your own life, which isn’t always easy.
Comparing the Two Approaches: Discovery vs. Creation of the Meaning of Life
Discovering and creating meaning are two different paths, but they share a common goal: to give life purpose. Each offers unique perspectives and tools to help us navigate life’s big questions. In this section, we’ll compare these two approaches, highlighting their similarities, differences, and the situations where one might be more fitting than the other.
Similarities: The Search for Significance
- A Drive for Purpose: Both discovering and creating meaning are rooted in the human need to give life significance. Whether meaning is objective or subjective, both paths help us find direction and motivation.
- Reflection: Both approaches require introspection and thinking about what’s important to us. Both discoverers and creators of meaning must ask themselves: “What gives my life value?” and “How can I achieve it?”
- Transcending the Everyday: Both discovering and creating meaning allow us to step outside of our daily routines and see life from a broader perspective.
Differences: Objectivity vs. Subjectivity
- Discovery: This approach assumes that meaning exists objectively and independently of us. It might be tied to a higher power, universal values, or the natural order of the universe. This path often involves searching in religion, philosophy, or science, and the meaning found is seen as something to be understood or accepted.
- Creation: This approach assumes that meaning is subjective and depends primarily on our choices, values, and experiences. This gives us freedom but also the responsibility to shape our own lives—we actively build meaning on our own terms, based on what matters most to us.
When Does Each Approach Work Best?
- Discovery: This can be more helpful in times of crisis when we feel lost and need stability. Believing in an objective meaning can provide a sense of direction and belonging to something larger.
- Creation: This approach works well in daily life when we want to give our actions and relationships purpose. Creating meaning allows us to flexibly adapt its significance to changing circumstances and shape our lives on our own terms.
A Practical Example: Two Roads to Meaning
Imagine someone who has just lost their job. The discovery approach might lead them to look for a deeper meaning in the situation—perhaps seeing it as part of a larger plan or an opportunity for self-reflection. In contrast, the creation approach might encourage them to take active steps—like developing new skills, changing their career path, or getting involved in hobbies that give their life new significance.
Alan Watts, who often spoke about the meaning of life, emphasized that we don’t need to obsessively search for answers—it’s enough to live in harmony with the present moment. He said, “You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.” His words remind us that both discovering and creating meaning can be ways to understand ourselves and the world more deeply.
Quantum Physics Meets Spirit: The Perspective of Amit Goswami of the Meaning of Life
As I mentioned in the introduction, I was inspired to write this article by Amit Goswami’s books, and his take on whether we discover or create meaning resonates with me the most. Goswami, a distinguished quantum physicist and thinker, offers a fascinating solution to this dilemma. In a scientific world dominated by materialism, Goswami boldly introduces consciousness as the ground of all being. His approach, often called “quantum activism,” suggests that meaning is not one-dimensional. It’s not a zero-sum game where we have to choose one path.
In his groundbreaking book, The Self-Aware Universe, Goswami argues that consciousness is the foundation of all existence, and matter is merely its derivative. This radical statement has huge implications for our question about meaning.
The Dance Between Discovery and Creation
According to Goswami, these two processes are inextricably woven together in the quantum dance of reality:
Discovery (The Inner Dimension): The journey to meaning starts by going inward. We must discover who we truly are beyond our ego and social conditioning. Goswami speaks of the need to connect with our “higher self” or find our “spiritual purpose.” This is a moment of introspection where we realize we are part of a larger, conscious whole. We uncover the potential that lies dormant within us, like the hidden source code of our existence.
Creation (The Outer Dimension):
But discovery alone is not enough. Knowledge of our potential is useless if it isn’t translated into action. This is where the creative aspect comes in. As conscious beings, we are co-creators of reality. Through our intentions, choices, and, most importantly, by “collapsing the wave of possibilities” into concrete events (to use the language of quantum physics), we give life its unique shape.
Goswami teaches us that we are not passive observers of a universe where meaning is imposed from above. We are active participants. The meaning of life is born at the intersection of these two worlds: when we discover our deepest values and spiritual nature, and then create a life that is an authentic expression of them.
This can be summed up in a simple yet powerful thought: You discover your essence, then you create the form in which that essence can manifest in the world. This approach lifts the pressure of searching for a single, ultimate meaning hidden somewhere “out there” and instead invites us into a continuous process of becoming more.
Finding Your Balance Between Discovery and Creation
Life is rarely black and white, and the question of meaning doesn’t have to be a choice between discovering and creating. In fact, both approaches can complement each other, creating a more balanced and fulfilling way of life. In this part of the article, let’s explore how to combine these two ways of thinking to find a meaning that is both deep and flexible.
Reflection: What’s Important to You?
The first step to finding balance is understanding what truly matters to you. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel that my life’s meaning is something I need to discover or something I can create?
- What are my most important values?
- Are my actions and choices in line with what gives my life meaning?
Reflecting on these questions can help you identify which approach feels more natural to you and which one might need more of your attention.
Practices That Blend Both Approaches
There are many practices that can help you combine discovering and creating meaning:
- Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices, drawn from Eastern philosophy, help you focus on the present moment and discover meaning in everyday experiences.
- Journaling: Writing in a journal is a great way to reflect on your values, goals, and experiences. You can write down your thoughts on what you’re discovering in life, as well as what you’re creating.
- Talking with Others: Sharing your thoughts with loved ones or mentors can help you see your life from a new perspective.
- Exploring Philosophy and Spirituality: Reading books, listening to lectures, and participating in discussions about the meaning of life can provide inspiration for both discovery and creation.
A Personal Example: My Journey Toward Balance
For me, finding a balance between discovering and creating meaning has been a process that continually evolves with my experiences. I’ve drawn inspiration from philosophy and spirituality, which have helped me see universal truths about human existence. But ultimately, I’m the one who gives my life meaning through my own choices, decisions, and daily actions. Meditation and mindfulness have played a huge role here—these tools have allowed me to know myself better, face my own needs honestly, and consciously shape the direction I’m heading.
At the same time, life has thrown challenges my way that have become powerful catalysts for change. When my wife decided to leave, and I was left to care for our three children while co-running our business, I had to fundamentally re-evaluate my priorities. On one hand, I rediscovered passions that had been pushed aside. On the other, I felt a deep obligation to protect my children from suffering and provide them with stability—even if it meant a great deal of effort and taking on responsibility for my ex-wife as well. Despite difficult emotions, betrayal, and grief, my spiritual and empathetic perspective led me to decide not to leave her alone with the company, knowing she wouldn’t manage it by herself. Her growing health and personality issues also made it impossible for me to just walk away.
So I had to set healthy boundaries to avoid losing myself in self-sacrifice, even while supporting my loved ones and being a caregiver. It was a journey of finding balance: how much to give to my children, how much to my ex-wife, and how to take care of myself in the process. My spiritual practice allowed me to see that helping others is a universal dimension of meaning, but it’s up to me to decide what form that support takes.
All of this made me start to wonder how I could use my life experiences and knowledge to build a new, meaningful life—not just for myself, but for my children too. My relationship with them took on a deeper meaning as we discovered shared interests and passions that hadn’t had a chance to blossom before. The blog I run and my growing skills in web design have become not only a form of self-fulfillment but also a way to inspire my children to live creatively and consciously. Through this, I experience every day how to translate inner discoveries into practical actions and new relationships, and the balance between discovering and creating meaning has become a living process for me.
Find Your Own Balance
There’s no single, universal answer to how to find the balance between discovering and creating meaning. Each of us has to find our own path, one that aligns with our values, experiences, and dreams. The key is to be open to different perspectives and willing to experiment.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Meaning
Is the meaning of life something we must discover, or something we can create? The answer to that question depends on you. Discovery offers a sense of direction, while creation gives you freedom and creativity. The real beauty is that you don’t have to choose just one path. You can combine both approaches, taking the best from each.
If you agree with Amit Goswami, it can be summed up in a simple yet powerful thought: You discover your essence, then you create the form in which that essence can manifest in the world. This approach lifts the pressure of searching for a single, ultimate meaning hidden somewhere “out there” and instead invites us into a continuous process of becoming more.
To summarize, according to Amit Goswami, the meaning of life is neither solely discovered nor solely created—it’s a dynamic balance of both processes. First, we get to know our inner truth, and then we translate it into authentic actions and choices, thereby co-creating our own unique reason for being.
I believe we can find inspiration not only within ourselves through meditation and mindfulness, but also by getting to know ourselves through creative self-expression—like art, philosophy, and religion—while at the same time actively creating meaning through our daily actions, relationships, and passions.
Finally, I’d like to encourage you to reflect: What gives your life meaning? Do you feel it’s something you’re discovering or creating? Or maybe, like many of us, you’re blending both approaches on your own unique journey?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your perspective. Remember, the question of meaning isn’t a problem to be solved, but a journey worth experiencing to the fullest.
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