The Meaning of Existence in Life: Definition and Purpose

By Alex Assoune Apr 16, 2025

What does it mean to exist?

It’s one of the most fundamental and timeless questions we ask as human beings. Since ancient times, people from all walks of life have wrestled with the mystery of existence and the meaning of life. Why are we here? What is the purpose of living? And how do we find meaning in our everyday lives?

This article explores the concept of existence and the meaning of life through the lenses of philosophy, religion, science, and personal experience. Whether you're searching for answers or simply curious, these ideas provide a foundation for reflection, growth, and understanding.

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What Is Existence? A Simple Definition

At its core, existence means being — to have reality, to be alive, to be present in the world.

In philosophy, “existence” is the state of being real or having objective reality. It’s about more than just physical presence; it involves consciousness, identity, and experience.

Existence includes everything that “is” — people, nature, time, matter, thought, and even abstract concepts. The question of why something exists at all — instead of nothing — lies at the heart of metaphysics, a central branch of philosophy.

The Meaning of Life: A Universal Question

While existence is about being, the meaning of life is about purpose — why we exist, what we’re meant to do, and what gives life value.

This question has been explored by countless thinkers, spiritual traditions, and cultures across time. Some see life’s meaning as divinely given, others view it as something each person must define for themselves.

There are many dimensions to life’s meaning:

Purpose: What am I here for?
Significance: Does my life matter?
Connection: How do I relate to others and the world?
Fulfillment: What makes life truly satisfying?

Let’s take a closer look at the key ways people have sought answers.

1. Philosophical Views on Existence and Meaning

Existentialism: Meaning through Freedom and Responsibility

Existentialism is a modern philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. Key figures include Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus.

Sartre famously said, “Existence precedes essence.” This means that we are not born with a fixed purpose; instead, we create our own meaning through our actions and choices.

Camus explored life’s absurdity — the idea that life has no inherent meaning, but we can still live with courage, love, and joy. His metaphor of Sisyphus — endlessly pushing a boulder up a hill — suggests that even in a meaningless universe, we can find dignity in our struggle.

Key idea: Life may have no built-in meaning, but we are free to create our own.

Nihilism: The Rejection of Meaning

Nihilism, often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, is the belief that life has no objective meaning, value, or purpose. It can be unsettling, but Nietzsche didn’t stop there — he challenged people to create values that affirm life.

While nihilism may seem dark, some interpret it as an opportunity to rethink what truly matters — beyond social constructs or illusions.

Key idea: If life has no inherent meaning, we must invent our own — or rise above the void.

Humanism: Meaning through Human Potential

Secular humanism finds meaning not in religion, but in human dignity, reason, and compassion. Life’s purpose is to pursue knowledge, improve society, and help others flourish.

Thinkers like Carl Sagan and Bertrand Russell encouraged finding wonder in the universe and meaning in our shared humanity.

Key idea: Meaning comes from connection, progress, and living ethically.

2. Religious and Spiritual Perspectives

Religion has offered some of the most enduring answers to life’s biggest questions. While beliefs vary, many traditions agree that life’s meaning is tied to a higher power, moral responsibility, and eternal purpose.

Christianity

In Christianity, life’s purpose is to know, love, and glorify God, and to live in a way that reflects His love and truth.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart... and your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37–39

Christians believe life has deep value because we are created in God’s image and called to live with eternal significance.

Islam

In Islam, the purpose of life is to worship Allah and live according to His guidance, as revealed in the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“I did not create jinn and humans except to worship Me.” – Qur’an 51:56

Life is seen as a test, and meaning is found in submission to God and service to others.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, the focus is on awakening — understanding the nature of suffering and finding inner peace. The meaning of life is to overcome ignorance, attachment, and desire through practices like meditation and compassion.

The ultimate goal is nirvana — liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Hinduism

Hinduism sees life as a journey of the soul through many lifetimes. The purpose of life is to fulfill one’s dharma (duty), seek moksha (liberation), and realize one’s divine nature.

Each person’s path may be different, but all are part of the cosmic whole.

3. Scientific and Psychological Perspectives

Science: Understanding, Not Purpose

Science doesn’t claim to answer why we exist — but it explains how we came to be.

From the Big Bang to evolution, science helps us understand the mechanisms behind life. While it doesn’t offer moral meaning, many find wonder, awe, and curiosity in exploring the universe.

As physicist Stephen Hawking once said, “We are just an advanced breed of monkeys… but we can understand the universe. That makes us something very special.”

Psychology: Meaning and Well-being

Psychologist Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning that finding purpose is essential for human survival and fulfillment.

He believed we find meaning in three main ways:

Through work or creativity
Through love and relationships
Through suffering, when it has purpose

Modern psychology supports this. Studies show that people who feel a strong sense of meaning in life experience greater happiness, resilience, and mental health.

4. Defining Your Own Meaning

So, where does that leave us?

The meaning of existence might not be a single answer, but a deeply personal journey. Whether through faith, reason, love, service, or discovery, we each have the capacity to create and experience meaning.

Here are some ways people define it:

To love and be loved
To make the world a better place
To learn, grow, and explore
To leave a legacy
To enjoy life’s beauty and mystery
To connect with the divine
To raise a family, help others, or build community

Conclusion: A Mystery Worth Living

The question of existence — and the meaning of life — may never have one final, universal answer. But that doesn’t make it any less valuable to explore.

In fact, the very act of searching, reflecting, and living intentionally gives life depth and richness.

Whether you find meaning in faith, reason, love, or purpose-driven action, the journey itself is a gift. We are not just passive observers — we are active participants in the unfolding story of existence.

“The meaning of life is to give life meaning.” – Viktor Frankl

Maybe that’s what makes existence so beautiful: the freedom to wonder, to seek, and to create meaning in the time we’ve been given.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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