The media is obsessed with the idea of happiness, bombarding us with guides like ‘10 changes to transform your life’. The constant messaging creates an all-consuming need to ‘be happy’ — but what does it really mean to be happy? There are two interpretations of how to achieve this goal. Some chase happiness while others look for meaning, two seemingly different sides of the same coin. Happiness promises joy, while meaning calls for purpose and sacrifice. Is it possible to pursue both, or do we inevitably have to choose between them?
Defining Happiness and Meaning
The dichotomy between happiness and meaning can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy. Aristippus advocated for hedonism, seeing pleasure as life’s end goal. Aristotle however, developed eudaimonia which roots happiness in living virtuously and fulfilling one’s potential. The disconnect between ideas persists in today’s struggle between happiness and meaning.
Happiness is about experiencing satisfaction and pleasure. It can arise from something as simple as a comforting meal or the company of close friends— also known as hedonic well-being, a state of feeling good in the moment.
Meaning, on the other hand, goes beyond how life feels. It’s about finding a sense of purpose by contributing to something greater than yourself, whether it’s raising a family or pursuing a passion. This eudaimonic well-being often involves hard work and delayed gratification. The tension between these two paths comes from the practical and emotional trade-offs of living in the moment vs striving for something bigger, which more times than not does not lead to an immediate reward.
Are They Mutually Exclusive?
Despite their differing timelines, happiness being more immediate and meaning being delayed, there are moments when happiness and meaning can collide. For example, take the enjoyment of doing impactful work such as volunteering, which is both rewarding towards oneself and others.
There are, however, equally notable examples of the two conflicting. A doctor may find a strong sense of purpose in their work but also experience emotional strain and fatigue. Similarly, chasing temporary satisfactions like an impulsive shopping spree, something that in the moment has a ‘cure all’ effect but once the initial adrenaline disappears, leaves you back where you started. The divergence implies that happiness is immediate and temporary while meaning is long-lasting and cumulative. One does not necessarily exclude the other. They are instead both parts of a greater whole.
Both Are Vital
Happiness is essential for immediate well-being. It helps create positive emotions that enrich our daily lives. Studies have shown that happiness enhances creativity, strengthens relationships and boosts mental health. Meanwhile, meaning provides a sense of direction and ongoing fulfillment, it gives a reason to keep going even when pleasure seems out of reach. Life without happiness risks being bleak, while life without meaning risks feeling hollow and aimless. The problem arises when we prioritize one at the expense of the other.
One way to balance the two paths is to align your actions with your core values. For instance, if you value connection, prioritizing your relationships offers both happiness and meaning, as human connection is deeply fulfilling in both immediate and lasting ways. However, the most important lesson is that balance requires intentionality. Life’s complexities do not neatly align with philosophical ideals, and navigating them demands a willingness to embrace both joy and sacrifice.
Finding a Balance
The pursuit of happiness and the pursuit of meaning are not inherently at odds, though they may diverge at times. Together, they create a life that is both enjoyable and purposeful. So maybe the real question isn’t which one to pursue—but how to let them coexist.
Featured Image: Courtesy of BoredPanda
