I recently heard a quote that goes like this: " I think there comes a time in a man's life where he has to ask himself whether he wants a life of happiness or a life of meaning. You can't have both because those are two very different paths. To be truly happy, a man must live absolutely in the present, and with no thought of what's gone before, and no thought of what lies ahead. But…a life of meaning, a man is condemned to wallow in the past, and obsess about the future."
What do you think? Talk amongst yourselves!
2007-03-13 05:27:16 · 10 answers · asked by notahappyguy 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
Life – it has a meaning and loving purpose - you just have to find your purpose and live it.
I believe every person is here for a definite purpose. Each person is special and valuable; that refers to me, you, your family, friends, in fact everybody! There is a loving plan for each of our lives here on earth and there is no such thing as coincidence. I don't believe that anything in life happens by chance and that every aspect of our lives points to something deeper.
You need to decide now to live for God rather than for yourself. You spend your life on Earth preparing yourself (as best you can) for death. I don't see death as a scary, negative experience, but birth into a bliss filled eternal life with God. I believe that this is something you have to consciously choose or not during your life on earth.
The meaning of life is for us to discover that we are true children of an infinitely loving God, to find out what our responsibilities are to our Creator, and to fulfill those responsibilities. Each of us is called to affirm, accept and develop the talents God has given us.
2007-03-13 06:36:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think that's an interesting quote and partially true. Either way, you have to make sacrifices. If you choose the 'life of happiness' option as outlined then you'll never settle down and never be able to share your life with someone. I don't believe that life of meaning means that you are trapped by your past. That's a very defeatist attitude. It not taking responsibility for yourself or your actions. Like throwing up your hands and saying "I can't do such-and-such because my daddy didn't hug me enough when I was a kid...oh well." Not a very productive lifestyle to say the least.
2007-03-13 12:32:59 · answer #2 · answered by Kitten 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Happiness is just a state of mind that people give allot of credence to as the be all end all.
A life of meaning is what you make meaningful.
If you are a selfish and needy person you will lead that life. It might be meaningful to you but not to anyone else.
Are you happy?? maybe, but are you so easily pleased in life by only the things you want???/.. This is a shallow outlook for any person.
I believe that unconditional caring and love can bring both meaning and happiness.
If you are in a state of mind that you are free from the bonds of social scrutiny and give freely of yourself when and how you want, to me that is the epitome of meaning and happiness in life.
So the quote I find a little wishy washy and I do not believe you can't have one without the other.
Happiness and meaning is love for yourself and mankind given unconditionally....
Unconditionally for now, then and future , no judgments, no scrutiny and no fear.
2007-03-13 12:58:29 · answer #3 · answered by doclakewrite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should pick up GWF Hegel's The Essential Writings, or Wheelwright's translation of Aristotle. Both talk about living life pursuing absolute truth, happiness and meaning, along with living a virtuous life. Enjoy.
2007-03-13 12:32:27 · answer #4 · answered by DMBthatsme 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can have both if you choose to... A life of meaning and purpose is very important... You can choose to be happy and still live a life of meaning and purpose... We should be content and happy with what we have and where we are in life. You can heal from your past and work on the present and still be happy. A man does not have to choose to dwell on the past and be a victim to it... Life is all about choices and we should make a choice to live with purpose and meaning every day and to be happy with what we have each day in life. We should never obsess about the future or be victim to our past BUT we can learn from our past and choose to live for each day and live it to the fullest and not worry about the future because God is in control and the futrue will take care of itself and we cannot change the past so why worry about what we cannot change. All we can do is choose to live wisely each day and do things that are positive and fun. You either choose to be miserable and unhappy with your life or you choose to be happy and live life to the fullest each day. What is your choice and how will you choose to live?
2007-03-13 13:05:16 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Hewitt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting concept. I believe in balance. You can learn from the past. You must live in the present. But you must plan for the future. You can have both.
2007-03-13 12:34:09 · answer #6 · answered by ntoriano 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You heard it from Malcom McDowell on the show Heroes.
People who live meaningful lives may also be happy, satisfied in their own accomplishments.
People who live in the present are often not happy. Constant self-indulgence does not lend itself to sustained high standards of living.
2007-03-13 12:32:01 · answer #7 · answered by Martin Pedersen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe in being happy with a meaningful life.
2007-03-13 12:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When your life is meaningful you ARE happy!
Thats a stupid quote, by the way. When I do meaningful things in my life, and do for others, it ALWAYS make me happy. We are human, this is part of who we are.
2007-03-13 12:44:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's true for me.
2007-03-13 12:48:01 · answer #10 · answered by WhyNotMe 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋