Each entered the forest at a point he, himself, had chosen, where it was darkest and there was not path. (The Quest of the Holy Grail)
The word “hero” is derived from a Greek word that means “able to choose.” A hero is a chooser. A hero chooses the questions of his or her life, and thereby his or her quest.
“It seems to me that we can never give up longing and wishing while we
are alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good and
must hunger for them.” (George Elliot)
We all want our lives to have meaning – but sometimes we’re unsure what that is. This question of meaning has many significant threads: It’s a question that touches upon our sense of identity and worthiness, and asks us to explore what we’re committed to in this life.
Meaning of Life: Meaning is always available for us to discover; we are free to search for and fulfill our unique meaning.
Will to Meaning: Basic striving to find meaning and purpose; not as a drive or pursuit, but as a choice of direction.
Freedom of Will: Freedom to take a stand toward conditions and change attitudes in the face of difficulties; not freedom from conditions of life.”
We needed to stop just asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life—daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual. These tasks, and therefore the meaning of life, differ from man to man, and from moment to moment. Thus it is impossible to define the meaning of life in a general way.
If you are interested in exploring your “meaning of life” and moving towards a “will to meaning”, a Freedom Resource Center advocate can help.
(image description: the quote, “Life has no meaning. Each of us has meaning and we bring it to life. It is a waste to be asking the question when you are the answer. By Joseph Campbell)
