The philosopher Nietzsche famously said, “[h]e who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” Today, we see a growing sense of unhappiness, boredom, depression, loneliness and, increasingly, suicide. Several research studies showed a connection between retirement and early death. Many parents, especially the stay-at-home parent, suffer depression when their children leave home for college or to start their own lives in their own homes.
Having a purpose in life is very important for both physical and mental health. People that feel they continue to make a difference in the world, they still have value, they are still contributing tend to be happier, healthier and more satisfied. How many actors, athletes, celebrities and socialites have committed suicide? These people seemingly had it all. Rich, famous, powerful, attractive, but that wasn’t enough. How many athletes and actors turn to drugs or engage in violence or other crimes despite having no obvious reason to do so? Alternatively, Charles Krauthammer, who was paralyzed at the young age of 22, managed to have a full, meaningful and joyful life. The brilliant Stephen Hawking was confined to a wheelchair due to the effects of Lou Gehrig’s disease, yet he made world-changing contributions and lived a fulfilling life. How? By having a purpose and meaning to their lives.
Remember Nietzsche: [I]f we have a reason to live (a why) we can bear any how. Several branches of therapy, including Logotherapy by Viktor Frankl, Existential Therapy and, more recently, philosophical counseling attempt to help people find meaning in their lives as a way to deal with anxiety, loss, depression, grief as well as physical ailments. That appears to be one of the reasons why many wealthy people use their wealth to support charities and social causes. Perhaps they made their wealth in fields that are not very meaningful and now they wish to continue their lives in a way that gives them purpose. Many people volunteer or actively help with charities or caring for grandchildren. We all need to feel needed. We all need to believe that we continue to provide value until out last breath. People that feel they have no purpose or meaning, despite whatever outward success they seem to possess, are often very depressed and unfulfilled. Fortunately, there are therapeutic ways to address this problem.
