I am in the midst of reading, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel H. Pink, and I really resonated with the following section on the paradox of prosperity and the pursuit of purpose and meaning.
From Daniel H. Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind, p. 35
Some of the highlights from above
“Abundance has brought beautiful things to our lives, but that bevy of material goods has not necessarily made us much happier. The paradox of prosperity is that while living standards have risen steadily decade after decade, personal, family, and life satisfaction haven’t budged. That’s why more people…are resolving the paradox by searching for meaning….”
“…you can glimpse this quest for transcendence in action.”
“…the pursuit of purpose and meaning has become an integral part of our lives.” – All quotes by Daniel H. Pink, A Whole New Mind, p. 35
In a similar vein, I had a conversation with one of my colleagues this past week on the deeper meaning of work. I greatly value the existential dialogue we have in the workplace.
We talked about how we struggle with the balance between material goods and finding significance in our life experience. When is enough-of-the-stuff enough? Are we at that stage in our careers where we are seeking more meaningful impact towards making a difference and less about status, salary, or benefits (although these elements are essential in helping us move beyond survival mode)? That work is way more than a job? And why? Why is there an inner ache for something more? And how can we live with a soulful intentionality with some sort of regularity?
We didn’t have any answers, just more questions and a willingness to keep searching, to keep questioning, and to keep paying attention to the bigger context of life.
The journey continues….
How is your quest for transcendence?
What is your pursuit of purpose?
How is life meaningful for you?
What are you seeking?
With whom do you share your search for meaning in work? In life?
“The most striking feature of contemporary culture is the unslaked craving for transcendence.” – Andrew Delbanco, Columbia University
Nedra Gallagher says
Perhaps there are no absolute answers to the questions inherent in seeking the meaning of life. However, I would like to suggest that doing one’s best to put brain (and heart) around some kind of answer helps provide direction and a sense of peace. So, here are my “answers.”
My quest for transcendence is a desire to return to the full presence of God? (aka “Love,” ). But I disagree that the “unslaked craving for transcendence” is a “striking” feature of contemporary culture. This feature has been revealed in every aspect of human history. Such a craving is wired into humanity from the beginning. Why is there an inner ache for something more? Because God made us that way! Our creator and source of being (in whose image we are fashioned) desires us to return our love and desire, in how we live our lives, how we love one another, and how we worship God. Of course this requires a choice, (a life-time of choices, daily, even) which, necessarily, can be very difficult at times.
And, I also give pause to the term “transcendence.” Use with caution! If “transcendence” means to live by/for/with a deeper and/or higher awareness of the spiritual power which is beyond (which transcends) our earthly existence, (aka The Holy Spirit) then I would agree. However, if by transcendence one means a desire to “escape” or live “other” than where we find ourselves, then I would suggest that such an understanding puts God/LOVE way out there and denies any belief or reality that God is, actually, truly here, now, always. “Transcendence” is not an idea compatible with Christian beliefs. Jesus was NOT God transcendent! He was (and is) historical, actual “God with us!”–Emmanuel. So, if an “unslaked craving for transcendence” means a craving for LOVE and the presence of God, then, yes, I, too am certainly on that quest!
My pursuit of purpose is to be loving and life-giving–obedient to what my creator has revealed is my reason for being, which, although it’s not always or constantly “felt,” is that I am loved by my creator and God desires ME.
Life is meaningful for me when I can say and do things that express LOVE, in ways that may, with grace, show to other people that God is Love, and God loves them, too. I share my “search” for meaning in life and in work with my spouse, first and foremost; then my children–as much as they will ‘follow’ or listen, and with anyone who may be interested or who happens to cross (or join) my path.
Denise Pyles says
Thanks Nedra for sharing your perspective, and thank you for being on this quest for LOVE and the pursuit of purpose! Well said.