Single Idea 3269

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 1. Philosophy]

Full Idea

Those seeking to give their lives meaning usually envision a role in something larger than themselves, …but such a role can't confer significance unless that enterprise is itself significant.

Gist of Idea

If your life is to be meaningful as part of some large thing, the large thing must be meaningful

Source

Thomas Nagel (The Absurd [1971], §3)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.16


A Reaction

Which correctly implies that this way of finding meaning for one's life is doomed.