Audalogy

I believe that our short time here on Earth is to prove that we have existed at some point in time. Otherwise, it was pointless to have even been born if no one knew you lived, because then it would have been just as well that you weren’t born in the first place.

On the surface, it may seem that the meaning of life is to be happy. However, what is the underlying drive beneath happiness? How does one be “happy?” On the other hand, if you can prove that you existed, then it seems your life was justified. Your life actually mattered – to someone or something.

Ways to prove you have lived:

1) Pass on your genes (creation)

2) Change the life of someone else

a. Directly (generally results in greater happiness)

i. Build relationships that change the course of an(other) person/people

ii. Mentor other(s)

iii. Become a leader that can affect change;*

b. Indirectly

i. Create a charity foundation or an organization that affects other people

ii. Donate to a meaningful cause (time, money, or organs)*

iii. Lead a group toward a cause

3) Invent or create something new that can continue even after you cease to exist  (i.e. business, intangible     property, product, etc.)

* Keep in mind that passively donating to a non-profit can make you feel under-appreciated and unknown. Being unrecognized returns you to a downward cycle. No recognition –> no proof you existed –> unhappiness with life. Volunteering is in essence a manifestation of this desire to prove existence, but be careful not to get lost in the business and administrative work. Being a governmental leader can be extremely fulfilling if you can see your ideas being implemented and affecting the lives of others. However, it can also be very unrewarding if you start to go with the flow and your voice is never heard above the noise of lobbyists or self-interest groups.

Changing lives or creating life leads to fulfillment and in turn, happiness. That is what everyone should strive for. Everything else is basically a side-effect necessary to complete this core objective. In essence, this is why being a doctor is such a fulfilling profession. It may not be the money or the prestige, but the feeling that every day you are making a tangible difference in the world. You are helping to determine who can continue living and in turn having an effect on the world.

Some fulfilling professions:

1) Doctor

2) Teacher

3) Founder of a company or organization

4) Proud parent, loving spouse, and/or supportive friend

5) Fireman

6) Actor or music artist with a significant audience

7) Religious leader with a following

8) Author with large readership

9) Politician that affects change

10) Any other profession that directly allows you have impact (feel free to add more)

Basically, the greater the number of people you have affected or the deeper your impact, the higher your level of happiness. Thus, the closer you are to achieving the meaning of life. Notice that several of these professions are easily danger of having no meaning – usually when they are paired with no recognition or no appreciation.

Here is how a meaningful profession can change into one that seems pointless:

1) Doctor that prescribes antibiotics each time someone comes in with the flu

2) Teacher that has no appreciation

3) Founder of an organization that isn’t unique or one that doesn’t impact the world in a large way

4) Parent that their child(ren) take(s) for granted

5) Fireman that saves cats

6) Actor, musician, politician, or author that no one notices

If you feel your profession doesn’t feel that fulfililng, then it probably means that you need to find an alternative method outside of your full-time job to successfully attain the purpose of this game called life. Yes, I’m talking to you, investment bankers. Now I challenge you to prove you have existed. It’s your turn to show how much you mean.