Why do some people find meaning in things and others don’t?
Answer Podcast
Why Do Some People See Meaning and Purpose, While Others Don’t?
Thank you — that’s a very good question. Why do some people find meaning and purpose in life, while others don’t? There are many factors behind this, and I’ll mention a few.
1. Culture and Upbringing
One key factor is our culture and upbringing. I came across a very interesting documentary comparing parenting and childhood behavior in Africa and America.
In one part of the documentary, American children were shown constantly complaining:
“This food isn’t good.”
“These shoes aren’t nice.”
“This toy isn’t what I wanted.”
By contrast, there was a young girl from Africa, maybe 10 or 12 years old, who had joined a safari with her family. At one point, when the group stopped to set up camp, nobody asked her to help, but she walked over to the others and quietly started assisting. The researchers later asked her why she did that. She replied simply:
“Everyone is doing something useful — I should also do something useful.”
That answer reveals a completely different orientation. When we grow up in a culture of entitlement, we tend to focus on what we are getting — and whether it’s good enough. We often end up dissatisfied.
But when we grow up in a culture of contribution, our focus shifts from what we are getting to what we are giving. Yes, it’s natural to have expectations in life, but what matters is — what is our focus?
- In an ethos of entitlement, our focus is on what we deserve.
- In an ethos of contribution, our focus is on what we can offer.
2. Nature from Past Lives
Apart from culture, another factor can be our nature, which may have been shaped over past lives. Some people are naturally reflective, or inclined to seek meaning; others may be more externally driven. This inner disposition may carry over from past karma and mental impressions.
But even if past lives or present upbringing have shaped our tendencies, there is still one constant power we all have — free will.
3. The Power of Choice and Responsibility
Whether it’s past karma or present culture, we all still have the ability to choose how we respond. Some people are conditioned to complain or feel lost. Others learn to ask:
“What can I do about this?”
We can make a powerful shift by moving from:
“Why is this happening to me?”
to
“What can I do in this situation?”
Even if we can’t do something big, we can always do something. For instance, decide that for the next one hour,
“I’ll do my task sincerely. I won’t complain. I won’t snap at anyone. I’ll just give it my best.”
Can we do that for one hour? Probably yes. And when we succeed, acknowledge it — not with ego, but with encouragement:
“That was good. Let’s do it again.”
This simple shift builds a sense of purpose and positivity.
4. Purpose Isn’t Always Abstract
Often people ask:
“What is my life’s purpose?”
“Who will tell me my deeper meaning?”
But instead of waiting for a grand revelation, we can start small:
- Is there something around you that’s broken?
- Something unfair?
- Something painful?
Then don’t just complain — do something to fix it. Even if it’s small.
You could even take up a personal mission like:
“Every day, I’ll say something nice to three people.”
That small responsibility can bring meaning and joy — both to others and to yourself.
5. How Spirituality Deepens Purpose
This is where spirituality helps immensely. When we understand that the world is not moving randomly, that there is a higher intelligence — the Lord — behind it all, we find purpose even in pain.
It’s not that everything that happens is good. But everything that happens can be used for good, if we adopt a mood of service and devotion.
If I try to do my part, if I act with responsibility, God is expert enough to bring something meaningful even out of a mess.
In Conclusion
Why do some people see meaning while others don’t?
- It could be their upbringing.
- It could be their inner nature.
- But beyond both, it’s about what they choose.
When we shift from expectation to contribution, from complaining to serving, and when we see the hand of the Divine behind life’s events — that’s when meaning becomes more than a question.
It becomes a living experience.