Nowadays, finding happiness or meaning has become the most debatable topic among many people. Some people argue that pursuing happiness is the most important task in their lives, while others reject to this notion and claim that pursuing meaning in life is most significant. I completely agree with this and feel that meaning is the most precious thing. This essay will further elaborate it’s both sides and thus, will lead to a logical conclusion.
To start with, happiness seems present-focused and fleeting. It is only for short duration of time and these moments fall short unless they can provide satisfaction in one’s life. So, satisfaction of desires was a reliable source of happiness. After happy moments, we also face bad experiences which gives anxiety and stress. For example, getting a high paid job in one of the top companies may offer some happy moments to some, but when people get frustrate due to high work pressure, then it starts affecting the people. As a result, they prefer to choose more peaceful low salaried jobs. So, it proves that happiness is not a lifelong phenomenon.
In contrast, meaning in life gives peace to people. This happens when people choose to stay calm and relaxed irrespective of any circumstance they may face in their lives. Meaning extends into the future and the past and looks stable. People think that acquiring a meaningful life helps them to stay happy in the long run. For example, pursuing passions, reading a book or going for a walk can bring mindfulness to one. Therefore, the meaning is a more definite phenomenon and makes one composed.
Overall, this essay elaborated on how pursuing happiness is time-bound and meaning is a more flexible approach to life. In my opinion, acquiring meaningful life is the only aim that we should long for in our lives.