In Part I of this series, we discussed the role of typology, metaphysics, and religion in finding meaning, purpose, and identity. There, we explored how metaphysical and typological perspectives can provide an important foundation for moving forward in our quest for identity, purpose, and meaning. In this post, we will explore two types of meaning: “everyday meaning” and the meaning that stems from pursuing one’s passion. We will then discuss the risks and benefits of the latter, as well as its emergent and evolving nature.
“Everyday meaning” refers to the general sense of meaning we experience simply through living life, by meeting our basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, health, family, and friends. Everyday meaning involves things such as conversation, chores, childrearing, games, shopping, reading, and various forms of media and entertainment. For many people, these sources of everyday meaning are enough to make life meaningful. Such persons “do what they need to do” without really asking themselves why they are doing it. They accept the basic structure and trajectory of their lives as a given. Personality wise, they are often Myers-Briggs Sensing types, especially extraverted Sensing types.
For others, many of whom are Intuitive personality types, everyday sources of meaning may be insufficient to imbue their lives with an overarching sense of meaning and purpose. Such types often desire a more focused and intense type of meaning, which they commonly describe as a “mission,” “passion,” “purpose,” or “calling.” Instead of contenting themselves with simpler, everyday forms of meaning, they seek a larger purpose that is more abstract and clearly defined. For these types, knowing their purpose cannot be divorced from clarifying their identity, both of which are highly abstract endeavors that involve an integration of diverse elements (e.g., diverse interests or personality traits) into a single unity (i.e., a unified purpose or identity). This may be why Intuitive types are captivated by such endeavors. Intuitives enjoy the challenge of synthesizing myriad parts and pieces into orderly and comprehensive wholes. The close association between purpose and identity may also explain why Intuitives (especially Introverted Intuitives) feel it necessary to understand themselves before they can act with a true sense of conviction.
The High Stakes of Pursuing a Unified Purpose
Despite its intrigue and allure, pursuing a unified purpose does not come without its risks. In some ways, it is akin to investing the majority of one’s resources into a single stock. While it can increase the chances of a big return, it can also increase the likelihood of a severe crash. Not only could the actuality of such a crash be debilitating, but the mere possibility of it can be enough to engender great anxiety. When everything is contingent on a single investment, life can quickly become an emotional rollercoaster, characterized by extreme highs and extreme lows.
Considering these high stakes, I have personally felt it necessary to explore “safer” alternatives, such as Buddhism. Buddhist practices are generally aimed at cultivating inner peace, equanimity, and compassion rather than striving toward a worldly or creative purpose. While the Western world might be characterized as intensely driven, creative, and productive, Buddhism takes the opposite approach, working to foster a dispassionate, non-judgmental, and non-striving attitude toward life.
Seeing the value of and reasoning behind both Eastern and Western thought, I have long-sought an approach to life that marries the two. My quest has been characterized by questions like these: Is it possible to devotedly strive toward a purpose, but to do so in a balanced fashion? Is it possible to have a central mission in life without becoming consumed by it? Is it possible to take one’s calling seriously, but not too seriously? Can I function as an idealist and still persevere if the world refuses to conform to or affirm my efforts? Can I have a single driving purpose and still authentically invest in other things, such as relationships? Can I work to improve the world while also accepting that the outcome is, to some degree, out of my control? Is it possible to simultaneously embrace and release one’s purpose?
After wrestling with these issues for many years, I do believe it is possible to devote oneself to a unified purpose while also minimizing, or effectively coping with, the attendant emotional rollercoaster. For me, the costs of not striving toward a creative purpose outweighed its inherent risks. I have concluded, on more than one occasion, that I would rather risk failure than try to accept or cope with a mediocre or mundane existence. I decided I would even accept a shorter life if it meant being able to live with a stronger sense of purpose and conviction.
The Emergent Nature of Purpose
My journey toward purpose has consisted mostly of small acts of courage and commitment, interspersed with a few larger ones, as well as an ample measure of good fortune. For most of my adult life, I have wrestled intensely with my mission and identity. It has been a constant process of definition, exploration, and redefinition as I have worked to understand myself, the world, and my place in the world. During this period, I have read voraciously, worked professionally in a job I was not always crazy about, and periodically compared notes with a few friends. While rarely aware of where I was headed, I have always had a vague but consistent sense that I was going somewhere and that my explorations were somehow important; this has been a profoundly importance sense, a consistent driving force in my life.
While sometimes feeling frustrated, discouraged, or lost, I have generally enjoyed (and still enjoy) the process. It has allowed me to increase in confidence, wisdom, self-understanding and self-awareness, as well as knowledge in my core interest areas. Reading about the lives and ideas of like-minded thinkers has also served as an important means of insight and inspiration in my journey.
While some individuals may pursue a single focus for much of their lives, it is equally common to experience shifts in purpose over time. The fact that our interests may shift and morph does not mean, however, that they will not be interrelated or mutually enriching. Indeed, it is only through pursuing our current interests that we develop new ones, as well as the skills and abilities to pursue them. David Deida speaks to this evolving nature of purpose:
You will experience layer after layer of purposes, each one getting closer and closer to your deepest purpose…Each purpose, each mission, is meant to be lived to the point where it becomes empty, boring, and useless…This is a sign of growth, but you may mistake it for failure.
Related Posts
Meaning, Identity, & Purpose: Part I
The Problem of Truth & Meaning in Modern Life
Readers might also consult my recommending reading page, which includes summaries of books that have proved instrumental and inspirational in my life.
