The meaning of life: the strongest answers of philosophy

In childhood and adolescence, no one thinks about the meaning of life. Such thoughts come in adulthood. And many people closer to their 40s increasingly ask themselves the question – why do they live, what is the main goal of their existence.

Teachers in schools and universities insist on the pursuit of education and development. They say, learn – and a wonderful future will be opened to you. Parents wish to see their children successful and fulfilled. To help them and "pull up" the younger ones. In short, it seems that everyone is trying to instill some sort of their program in us from an early age.

So what is the meaning of a person's life? In helping others? But that’s unlikely. Charity when one has the means is, of course, good and noble. But turning it into the sole purpose of one's existence is definitely not worthwhile.

Or is the meaning in obtaining education and self-realization? Undoubtedly, work that brings pleasure and good money is important. But is that all there is to a person's life? What about those who have not managed to find their dream job? Or workers in factories, mines, and waste processing plants? Agree – these people hardly dreamed of working in these industries. But their work is essential and needed for everyone else.

Maybe the meaning is to leave behind offspring? But some people remain alone or do not wish to have children at all. Or they may not have that opportunity. So, is their life, then, devoid of meaning?

If we consider the opinions of famous philosophers, each of them had their own answer. Here are a few of the strongest views:

• Socrates believed that the meaning of existence lies in moral self-improvement;
• Aristotle urged people to develop unique abilities and intellect, considering this the key to a happy life;
• Epicurus suggested that the meaning of life is found in the absence of mental and physical pain;
• Thomas Aquinas saw the purpose of existence as living according to God's laws;
• Karl Marx stated that we must unite and build a just society;
• David Hume believed that every person is free to choose their own path to happiness – and in that lies the meaning of their life.

Perhaps there simply isn't a single answer to this question. Each of us has our own values and desires, our own measure of happiness. And that is absolutely right.