Meaning, Goals, and Other Things I Pretend to Understand

From a biological standpoint, the “purpose” of life is to survive and reproduce—genes passed through time. But that doesn’t explain why we care about art, kindness, exploration, or legacy.

As Noam Chomsky said, “The meaning of life is what you create. You design it for yourself.” I also believe that life has no inherent purpose—except the one we give it.

Everyone, then, is tasked with finding—or creating—a meaning for their life. Or, you can take the shortcut and let someone else define it for you (e.g., by choosing a religion). But either way, the need for meaning remains.

So what is meaning, anyway? To me, meaning is the why behind your life—not just a goal you set, but the deeper thread that ties your actions, desires, and values together. You live it out through your goals, but it’s more than a task list. Meaning is what helps you decide which goals matter in the first place.

That meaning can look different for everyone. It might even seem completely trivial to others—and that’s okay. No one else gets to judge it. You just have to be at peace with it yourself.

For example: maybe your meaning in life is to be rich, comfortable, and live with ease. But are you okay with the unhealthy habits you might pick up along the way? If not, then maybe your meaning is to be rich and healthy. These inner trade-offs help clarify your values—and meaning sits at the core of them.

I’ve noticed that when I sincerely wish someone well, I say: “Be happy and healthy.” But by “happy,” I don’t mean pleasure or constant positivity. That’s overrated—frankly, meaningless and unachievable. Life includes suffering—and maybe it should. Suffering is often necessary when you’re pursuing something real.

So when I say “happy,” what I really mean is grateful. And by “healthy,” I mean not just the body, but the mind. Grateful and mentally well—that’s what I wish for others. And maybe, deep down, that’s what gives my life meaning.

But why does having a purpose—or creating meaning—matter, anyway?

Because without it, it’s easy to get swept away by daily busyness. Life passes by, one task at a time, and before long, you forget to ask what any of it is for. Meaning shapes how we perceive things, which in turn shapes how we experience life. And when we face important decisions—especially the hard ones—meaning acts as a compass. It doesn’t eliminate the struggle, but it helps us choose with clarity and intention.