The Search For Meaning

Ministry Pass Verified independent store

→

One of the primary uniting factors of the human experience is the search for meaning and satisfaction. In simpler times, many people saw this meaning of life as being a provider or contributor to one’s family and community. Many people in history have never dreamed of any bigger than that. Today, the idea of meaning has been distorted. Meaning seems to be directly linked to perceived greatness: wealth, status, power, and influence. Yet, when we think about massive accomplishments, even in a historical scale, we can see that this will never really satisfy us. An oft-repeated saying about Alexander the Great, one of the most accomplished conquerors and leaders in global history, is, “And Alexander wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer.” He had lost what he believed was his purpose. (Here’s an interesting article discussing that quote and its real origins and meaning.) Even the greatest of achievements by the standards of the world’s power do not guarantee fulfillment or true sense of purpose. Show more