Purpose
We spend our days searching for meaning, to find a purpose, to believe that this is all part of a bigger plan. But what reassurances do we get? Freud believed life to be a quest of pleasure, Adler believed it to be a quest for power. But Frankl believed the greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life.
Man's Search for Meaning
by Viktor E. Frankl
Time Out 50th Anniversary Legacy Edition by The Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959)
by The Dave Brubeck Quartet
About This Discovery Drop
Keystone Learning Discovery Drop: The Meaning of Life
Welcome to this week’s Discovery Drop, where we delve into one of humanity’s most profound questions: What is the meaning of life? “We spend our days searching for meaning, to find a purpose to believe that this is all part of a bigger plan. But what reassurances do we get? Freud believed life to be a quest of pleasure, Adler believed it to be a quest for power. But Frankl believed the greatest task for any person is to find meaning in his or her life.” This search isn’t just philosophical musing; it’s a cornerstone of personal growth. When we understand why we’re doing something, our motivation, resilience, and overall well-being skyrocket. This week, we’ll explore this vital theme through three distinct yet interconnected pieces: a powerful book, a groundbreaking album, and a gripping film.
1. Man’s Search for Meaning: Finding Purpose in the Face of Suffering
Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning is more than just a book; it’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find meaning even in the most horrific circumstances. Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, observed that those who survived the concentration camps were often those who had a sense of purpose, a reason to live, even amidst unimaginable suffering. His theory of Logotherapy, at the heart of the book, proposes that our primary drive is not pleasure (Freud) or power (Adler), but the discovery and pursuit of meaning.
The book directly addresses our theme by illustrating that meaning isn’t something bestowed upon us; it’s something we actively discover and create. It challenges us to ask ourselves: What unique contribution can I make? What values guide my actions? What purpose can I find, even in challenging times? Frankl’s experiences taught him that the meaning of life is not predetermined; it is up to each individual to define it.
2. Time Out: Breaking Boundaries in the Pursuit of Artistic Meaning
The Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Time Out, released in 1959, might seem like an unusual companion to a book about surviving the Holocaust, but beneath the album’s cool jazz exterior lies a profound exploration of meaning through artistic innovation. In a time when jazz was largely confined to 4/4 time, Brubeck dared to experiment with unconventional time signatures like 5/4 (“Take Five”) and 9/8 (“Blue Rondo à la Turk”).
Time Out is about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to express creativity. It represents the pursuit of artistic meaning, the drive to create something unique and valuable, even when it challenges established norms. Like Frankl’s focus on finding purpose in adversity, Brubeck’s album encourages us to find our own unique voice and to strive for creative expression, no matter the obstacles. The album serves as a reminder that the meaning we find in life is often linked to the risks we take to express our authentic selves.
3. Whiplash: The Price of Perfection and the Search for Artistic Greatness
Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash tells the story of Andrew Neiman, a young jazz drummer relentlessly pursuing greatness under the tutelage of the abusive and demanding Terence Fletcher.
While Whiplash doesn’t explicitly endorse Fletcher’s methods, it powerfully explores the question of how far one should go in pursuit of artistic perfection. Andrew believes that becoming a legendary drummer is his sole purpose, and he sacrifices everything – relationships, well-being – to achieve it. The film confronts us with a crucial dilemma: Is the pursuit of greatness, even at a significant personal cost, a valid way to find meaning? It compels us to consider the potential pitfalls of equating our self-worth with external achievements.
Connecting the Threads: Suffering, Innovation, and the Pursuit of Greatness
At first glance, Man’s Search for Meaning, Time Out, and Whiplash might appear disparate. However, they are united by a central thread: the human quest for meaning. Frankl found meaning in helping others survive, Brubeck found it in challenging artistic conventions, and Andrew, in Whiplash, seeks it in achieving musical mastery.
Frankl’s resilience echoes Brubeck’s innovation. Both demonstrate the power of the human spirit to find purpose in the face of adversity, whether it be the horrors of a concentration camp or the limitations of conventional musical forms.
Whiplash complicates the narrative. It forces us to question whether the relentless pursuit of perfection, even at a high personal cost, is a sustainable or healthy way to find meaning. It challenges us to consider what we’re willing to sacrifice in our own searches for purpose.
All three ultimately point to the importance of self-discovery. Meaning isn’t a universal answer; it’s a personal journey. Whether it’s finding purpose in helping others, expressing your unique creativity, or striving for a specific goal, the key is to align your actions with your values and passions.
Key Takeaways and Actionable Insights
This Discovery Drop offers several key learning takeaways:
Meaning is not found, it’s created. Actively seek out what resonates with you.
Challenges can be catalysts for meaning. Adversity can reveal your resilience and purpose.
Authenticity is key. Find meaning in expressing your true self, whether through creativity, relationships, or your career.
Beware of the trap of external validation. While achievement can be fulfilling, it shouldn’t be the sole source of your self-worth.
Reflect on your values. What truly matters to you? Use these values to guide your actions and decisions.
Actionable Insights:
1. Journaling: Reflect on your own experiences and identify moments when you felt a strong sense of purpose. What made those moments meaningful?
2. Creative Expression: Explore a new creative outlet, whether it’s writing, painting, music, or something else entirely.
3. Values Assessment: Identify your core values and assess whether your daily actions are aligned with them. Make adjustments as needed.
4. Set Meaningful Goals: Define goals that are not just about achievement, but also about personal growth and contribution to something larger than yourself.
This Discovery Drop is designed to spark introspection and inspire action. By exploring these diverse perspectives on the meaning of life, we hope you’ll gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your own unique journey.
Leave a Reply