Re:Are we happier when we spend more time with others?
by saiya-jin on Wednesday July 24, 2019 @07:41AM
(#20514142)
Well then we have different views on what a meaningful activity is for us. I don't have an exact definition per se, but it would go along: changing the world for the better, if only by slightest amount. Helping others. Improve myself (debatable since its usually a tough workout and exposing oneself to dangers changes personality a bit for the better).
Maybe its about about direction - inwards vs outwards. Dunno. But climbing some big rock, risking my life definitely doesn't feel like it has big meaning to me. I am not saving anybody hanging there. But it makes me happy. Working for some NGO, being a doctor or improving peoples lives would definitely be in the category of work with purpose/meaning.
> Climbing to the top of some peak doesn't have any proper meaning, it has been done 1000s before and will be done after me, the only meaning is how it feels during and after the adventure.
I don't quite understand what is your concept of meaning. You say that you pursue all these difficult and dangerous things that make you feel 200% alive and extremely content with your life. I wonder, how much more meaning could you ask for? To me, feeling completely alive while immersed in something is pretty much the definition of a meaningful activity! Happiness and contentment seems to be a nice bonus caused by the realization that you are in the middle of something that feels very meaningful to you.