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On Finding Existential Meaning Without Occupation

Meaning and existential purposefulness cannot be universally defined. Work (labour, occupation, industriousness or employment) doesn’t automatically equal an objective meaning. Yet, society forces this on us – the idea that work is the answer to all things meaningful or purposeful.

I see no objectivity in the notion of work being humanities central meaning of purpose. It is purely subjective and dependent on an individual’s values (whether such values are consciously decided or subconsciously developed). One can apply meaning and purpose in one’s own life, rather than what is collectively assumed or expected by society such as the practise of daily labour.

Finding alternatives – such as music, reading, family, writing, hobbies, activities, travelling and so on – can be very simple depending on the individual in question. These alternatives are self-reliant and liberating, whilst work means one has to be controlled by either its market or its bosses.

Contemporary labour involves the excesses of conformity; one has to seek validation and only through superficial conformity can such validation be achieved. These aren’t positives for the individual and this scenario – which is prevalent in human nature and the nature of work – cannot solely lead to the development of self-determined, existential meaning.