Western psychology has conducted empirical research on meaning in life for more than 40 years. Especially with the rise of the positive psychology movement, research on the meaning of life has seen a renaissance. Meaning in life is considered an important component and/or source of psychological well-being. A large number of empirical studies have found that meaning in life plays an important role in alleviating test anxiety, illness coping, and stress regulation. Additionally, meaning in life consistently predicts psychological well-being.
In order to measure the meaning of life, American scholar Steger and others compiled the Meaning of Life Scale in 2006, which includes two factors: experience of meaning in life and seeking meaning in life. Life meaning experience refers to the extent to which an individual currently experiences and perceives his or her life to be meaningful, while life meaning seeking refers to the extent to which an individual actively seeks the meaning of life or life goals. Each factor contains 5 items. The questionnaire showed good reliability and validity among American and Japanese college student samples.
In order to study the sense of meaning in life among Chinese college students, Liu Sisi et al. introduced the Meaning of Life Scale (MLQ) compiled by Steger et al. and tested the applicability of the scale among Chinese college students. Finally, they formed the Chinese version of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (C-MLQ), which provided a measurement tool for domestic research on the meaning of life.
The meaning and value of life are fundamental issues about human existence, involving individual goals, objectives and pursuits. This question involves thinking and discussion in the fields of philosophy, religion, psychology and ethics.
In the field of philosophy, the meaning and value of life have always been one of the core issues that philosophers pay attention to. Various theories and views have been proposed by different philosophical schools and thinkers. For example, existential philosophy believes that the meaning of life is established through free choice and responsibility, and that each individual needs to find his or her own meaning in a meaningless world. Utilitarianism emphasizes that the value of life lies in the pursuit of happiness and interests for the greatest number of people. Philosophy of religion believes that the meaning and value of life come from a relationship with God who transcends the self, religious beliefs, and the fulfillment of moral obligations.
From a psychological perspective, the meaning and value of life are closely related to an individual’s psychological well-being, self-realization and satisfaction. Finding and experiencing meaning in life can give people a sense of purpose, satisfaction, and happiness. Psychological research also shows that people who have clear goals, values, and a sense of meaning are more likely to cope with challenges, overcome difficulties, and improve their mental health.
In addition, the meaning and value of life are also related to ethics. Ethics explores how people should act and pursue a meaningful life. Ethics provides moral principles and principles that help people think about what is a good, upright, and worthwhile way to live.
Some famous quotes on the meaning of life, which summarize people’s profound thinking and inspiration on the meaning of life:
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‘The meaning of life is not to discover yourself, but to create yourself.’ - George Bernard Shaw
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‘The meaning of life is to live for others.’ - Albert Einstein
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‘The value of life lies not in holding great power, but in using power for good.’ - Nelson Mandela
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‘The meaning of life is to discover your talents, and the meaning of purpose is to use them to benefit others.’ - Johns Hopkins
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‘Success is not the meaning of life, but a response to meaning.’ - Frank Alter
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‘The meaning of life is to find your calling and pursue it wholeheartedly.’ - Robin Sharma
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‘The meaning of life lies in continuous growth and progress, and the continuous pursuit of higher realms.’ - Gorky
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‘The meaning of life lies in experiencing, not merely existing.’ - Friedrich Nietzsche
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‘The value of life lies in selfless devotion, love and care.’ - Martin Luther King, Jr.
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‘The meaning of life is to form deep connections with others, to share joys and dilemmas.’ - Desmond Tutto
These golden sentences provide different perspectives and ways of thinking, which can inspire people to think about the meaning of life and encourage them to pursue a meaningful and fulfilling life. Everyone may find golden sentences that are consistent with their own values and beliefs, and use them to guide their actions and life.
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