What is the meaning of life? This is an important question. There are many possible ways to address this question. In one view, meaning of life pertains to the question of why we are here. It is a question about the purposes of life. It is something that would be true for everyone.
The question of what is the meaning of life is different from the question of how we find meaning in life. In the Reflections section of this website I have an article involving the difference between meaning of life and meaning in life. The article is entitled, "Meaning of Life Versus Meaning in Life." (1)
In my book, Finding Meaning (3rd edition), I mention two conditions of universality. One of them is that it must be something that everyone can achieve to some degree. The other condition is that it must be something that can be achieved regardless of whether one experiences negative or positive events in one's life. Based on these two conditions of universality, I suggested that learning and self-transcendence are two basic purposes of life.
I state in my book (the quotation below can be viewed as one of a number of important quotations on life), Finding Meaning (3rd edition):
As we grow older, we can reflect on all that we have learned in life. Our lives
can be perceived as significant regardless of any external indications of
achievement, such as awards and positions obtained. The perception that we
have learned a great deal about life can help us to achieve a sense of meaning in
life. (p. 27)
Learning is something that everyone can achieve regardless of their situation. Even if we are experiencing adversity, there is a signficant opportunity to learn something. In fact, much of our wisdom and insight may be derived from experiencing hardship.
This learning partly invovles gaining self-knowledge. Thus, self-reflection is an important part of everyday life. We need to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and experience in order to make sense of ourselves.
Self-transcendence is also something that everyone may be able to acheive to some degree. In my book, Finding Meaning (3rd edition), I state that "Self-transcendence involves understanding, appreciating, caring about, and feeling connected to things that transcend the self. You are concerned with other people, society, and the environment" (p 31). Self-trascendence partly involves perceiving one's identity in the larger scheme of things.
Notes
1. See my book, Finding Meaning (3rd edition), for information about seven possible sources of finding meaning in life. Also, in the Reflections section of this website I have an article entitled, "Sources of Meaning."
References
Bell, B. (2007). Finding meaning (3rd ed.). Portland, OR:
Blue Fox Communications.