What is the meaning of 'life'?
The question we answer with purpose in mind but not what defines life itself
People always ask of the meaning of life and we hear many different theological and philosophical perspectives. Seeking deeper connection or union with a higher power, the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge and understanding, the pursuit of pleasure, cultivating a strong family and community, helping other people, taking care of the natural environment, resolving the world’s injustices and inequalities, and being the best version of oneself. These are just some of the multitude of meanings people attach to life. However, I think the way we answer that question is oftentimes too focused on the purpose of life, and not so much what life actually is itself. I aim to answer the question capturing both senses of “meaning” - definition and purpose.
Life is a constant fight between love and hatred; peace and turmoil; joy and sorrow; dancing and mourning; laughter and tears. It’s a tiresome paradox. Contrary to conventional wisdom, there’s more certainty in life than in death. At least we know there’s a chance we’ll wake up to either lightness or darkness. Do we actually know what’s to come upon our departure from the world? A deceased person has never returned to tell us what it’s like in the realm of the dead. Shouldn’t that be more reason to appreciate and take advantage of living while we can?
In the consistency of life’s fight, we always have the opportunity to find a rhythm. Catching the beat of our own drum by stepping right towards our purpose or passion when the wind is blowing leftwards, is an act of the courage required to live a fulfilled life. Courage is the difference between living in fulfilment and dying from emptiness. The choice is ours.
And whatever religious or philosophical framework we choose to adopt in order to adapt to the fight of life, Sufi poet Shams-i Tabrizi told us in his thirty second rule of love that we should:
“be careful not to make a fetish out of your truths.”
—Elif Shafak, Forty Rules of Love
Indeed, be careful because ignorance makes us lose the fight while rigidity makes us lose our lives. It doesn’t hurt opening our minds to other schools of thought in an effort to cooperate with each other. Ultimately, this helps us win the fight of life together, achieving sustainable love, peace, joy, dancing and laughter, and in turn, saving more lives.