(6 minute read)

The Cornerstone To Life

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.”

Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams, Reflections (1962)

“The shoe that fits one person pinches another; there is no universal recipe for living.”

Carl Jung, The Aims Of Psychotherapy (1931)

These two quotes from Jung are powerful, but even more so when considered together.

The first, paraphrased, our purpose is to bring meaning to a meaningless world.

The second, paraphrased, that purpose is NOT a one-size-fits-all.

Carl Gustav Jung was a Swiss psychologist. He was born the son of a Swiss Reformed Church pastor. He is noted for founding the practice of analytical psychology. His writings influenced the fields of anthropology, philosophy, and religious studies among others.

Jung spent his life trying to find meaning to life. Not just for his own sake but for the human species, as well. For Jung purpose and meaning, individually and collectively, meant searching for truth. He believed that to be a “fully human being” a person must internalize a meaningful life.

Internalize? To be self reflective, know thyself, decide meaning for your own destiny.

What works for one individual doesn’t work for another. Not everyone thinks the same way. Expecting others to adopt the same value system as you or I do is unrealistic. Study human behavior and you’ll see that notion of “being of one mind” doesn’t square.

In an earlier article, I laid out the notion that there are many schools of theology and philosophy. The implication is that there is no one way that fits everyone.

Jung believed that each of us is responsible for discovering the “light of meaning” that works for us. We achieve this by creating our own “recipe for living.”

For some, that is a scary concept. It means taking a critical look (know thyself) at what they thought were universal truths.

But that’s not how it works. Not now. Not ever.

Yes, there are some universal truths that just about all of us can agree on. Do no harm to others is one. It’s just about in every tenet of faith or philosophy that’s out there. How we do that, nonetheless, is as unique as the individual.

In her New York Times bestselling book, “Reality Is Broken,” Jane McGonigal explores a fascinating phenomenon. McGonigal’s research shows how gamers are finding meaning in online communities. That world provides more fascination and purpose than the “real” world.

While many dismiss a younger generation for wasting away hours (a misnomer, btw) playing Halo, World of Warcraft, et. al., McGonigal sees a gap in the daily lives of the modern individual. Outside of online video games they lack the chance to connect to something bigger than themselves.

One reason is that the opportunities to be a part of something bigger in the real world is fading. Many institutions find their causes and influences impotent and waning. Yet, there is still a fundamental and undeniable human need to feel like we belong. The need to connect with something bigger is still within our genetic structure.

McGonigal thinks that video games almost instantaneously give people that opportunity. She also champions the idea that institutions can learn and adopt some of the same strategies as video games. They readily entice people to “come join us as we save the world.” Similarly, institutions can offer opportunities to be significant by helping individuals make a difference in the world.

Some people find it silly to think that a score in a video game has any significance. But, there is “no real value” or “consequence” in the game’s outcome. No one claims that saving a race in a video game is important as halting climate change or overpopulation. The game exists in a world that isn’t real, so it has no significance in the real world.

But, McGonigal writes, we can learn how to bring that meaning into the real world.

Meaning and purpose are closely linked. We often interchange them as if they had the same meaning. The semantics of each are of little importance here. For example, does one find purpose first before finding meaning or the other way around? Can they be found at the same time? Does it matter? This is where one can insert the shrugged shoulders emoji.

For this exercise, let us define meaning and purpose as identifying something outside of ourselves. This includes having an emotional connection, family, friends, community, an institution, a movement, etc. The need to be significant as an individual remains strong. We still seek to find awe and wonder in the world in which we live.

Where can we find meaning and purpose?

“How do we find more meaning in our lives? It’s actually quite simple. Philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual leaders agree: the single best way to add meaning to our lives is to connect our daily lives to something bigger than ourselves – and the bigger, the better.”

Jane McGonigal, Reality Is Broken, The Penguin Press, 2011

There is meaning that these gamers are finding that they usually can’t find anywhere else. They feel meaningful as they play. Their personal value comes from how that feeling while playing is simulated.

If you are tempted to dismiss this notion of the importance of feelings, let me assure you of something. It is of little or no consequence to the rest of the world. Because the rest of the world does understand it. From religious, educational, media, advertising, public relations and many other institutions their communication efforts are not based on facts only.

Feelings of the watcher or listener as they engage with the message is what matters.

Don’t believe that? In the next car commercial, notice how many facts are presented. The 30 second ad contrasts these facts against the feelings the visuals are trying to invoke in the watcher. You may not remember the size of the engine. You might forget the rack and pinion steering described. Still, you will remember the blissful face of the driver. They drive along a scenic roadway with not another car in sight.

Not a good enough example? Listen and watch a politician as they deliver a message. What images are they attempting to conjure as they deliver their rhetoric?

Need another? Take a look at a pharmaceutical advertisement in a magazine. Notice all the facts and information provided, which is required by law. See how these facts contrast with the visuals. They convey feelings of tranquility, trust, or confidence in the product or company being promoted.

A political rally. A video of a family gathering. A cat meme. All are of value because of what we feel as we engage with them. They all remind us that we are connected in some way to something bigger than ourselves.

The need to feel connected to people, places, and things is as old as human beings. In the next article we will to a look at the anthropology behind the search for meaning and purpose.