Why Do We Keep Going? Exploring the Human Search for Meaning
We’ve all had moments when life feels heavy—when the alarm clock rings too early, when relationships strain, or when the news cycle seems relentlessly bleak. In those times, it’s natural to ask: Is any of this really worth it? Yet, despite the chaos and challenges, most people wake up each morning and keep moving forward. What drives this persistence? Let’s unpack the layers behind humanity’s complicated relationship with existence.
The Paradox of Suffering and Joy
Life isn’t a linear journey of triumphs. For every promotion or wedding, there’s a layoff or a loss. Research from Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program reveals that nearly 70% of people report experiencing significant hardship in their lifetimes—yet over 80% still describe their lives as “meaningful.” This paradox suggests that suffering doesn’t automatically negate life’s value. Instead, many find purpose through adversity.
Take Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, who wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning: “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’” His observations in concentration camps showed that individuals who clung to purpose—whether love for family, faith, or creative goals—were more resilient. Modern psychology echoes this: studies link having clear personal values to higher life satisfaction, even amid pain.
The Science of “Enough”
Our brains aren’t wired to default to gratitude. Evolutionarily, we’re programmed to focus on threats and unmet needs—a survival mechanism. But neuroplasticity allows us to rewire this negativity bias. Activities like mindfulness, journaling, or volunteering activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and oxytocin. Over time, these practices can shift our baseline perception of life from “What’s missing?” to “What’s possible?”
Interestingly, the mundane often holds the key to contentment. A 2023 Gallup poll found that daily routines—like sharing meals, walking in nature, or chatting with neighbors—contribute more to long-term happiness than infrequent “big wins.” As poet Mary Oliver famously asked: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” For many, the answer lies not in grand achievements but in savoring ordinary beauty.
Cultural Narratives and the “Good Life”
Society bombards us with conflicting messages about what makes life worthwhile. Social media glorifies hustle culture and luxury, while spiritual traditions often emphasize simplicity. This dissonance can leave people feeling unmoored.
But cross-cultural studies offer clarity. In Japan, ikigai—a concept blending passion, mission, vocation, and profession—guides many toward fulfillment. In Denmark, hygge (coziness and togetherness) is central to their status as one of the world’s happiest nations. Meanwhile, Bhutan measures national success through “Gross National Happiness” instead of GDP. These diverse frameworks share a common thread: connection—to others, to work, and to something larger than oneself.
The Role of Autonomy and Growth
Psychologist Carl Rogers argued that humans thrive when they experience “unconditional positive regard” and freedom to evolve. This aligns with modern findings on autonomy: people who feel in control of their choices report higher well-being. However, growth requires discomfort. Learning a new skill, mending a relationship, or confronting personal flaws all involve friction—yet they’re also pathways to self-discovery.
Consider the “hedonic treadmill” theory. Humans adapt quickly to positive changes (a raise, a new car), returning to a baseline level of happiness. But eudaimonic happiness—rooted in personal growth and contribution—creates lasting fulfillment. Volunteering, mentoring, or creating art leaves a legacy that outlives momentary pleasures.
When the Scale Tips: Understanding Despair
Of course, not everyone finds life sustainable. Depression, chronic illness, or systemic oppression can make existence feel unbearable. Suicide rates, particularly among young people, have risen sharply in the past decade—a stark reminder that access to mental health resources and community support is critical.
However, even in despair, hope often flickers. Crisis hotlines report that most callers feel ambivalent, not certain, about ending their lives. This ambivalence is a window for intervention. As author Matt Haig writes: “The tunnel may be dark, but if we keep going, we’ll find light—or someone will hand us a flashlight.”
The Everyday Alchemy of Meaning
So, do people really find life worth living? The answer isn’t universal, but data and stories suggest that most do—by crafting meaning in ways both quiet and bold. It might be tending a garden, raising a child, or fighting for a cause. It might be laughing with friends or finishing a good book.
Ultimately, the question isn’t whether life is inherently worthwhile, but how we choose to make it so. As physicist Brian Cox once mused: “We’re the universe’s way of understanding itself.” That’s a messy, heartbreaking, miraculous job—and most of us, in our imperfect ways, keep signing up for it.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Why Do We Keep Going