People have long argued whether meaning already exists, waiting for humans to discover it, or whether humans create it for themselves. This age-old debate touches on how we understand happiness, relationships, and personal growth. It shapes the way we live our daily lives.

On one hand, many people believe meaning is something we discover. There’s purpose built into life and the world. For example, our job is only to open our eyes, observe carefully, and uncover what is already here. According to this opinion, we stumble upon true passion by chance, and we find deep connections with the right people. Meaning is stumbled across, not invented. Supporters of this view think we only need to be patient and keep searching. If we are lucky enough, we can finally build a brilliant career.

On the other hand, others argue that the world has no built-in purpose. We assign value through our thoughts and attitudes. For example, failure itself means nothing; it gains meaning only if we choose to learn and grow from it. From this perspective, events carry no inherent meaning. The meaning lies in our actions, goals, and outlooks on life. Pain, loss, and daily events are neutral in nature. It is our choices that turn plain experiences into something precious or devastating.

In my opinion, meaning is created. Life offers experiences, and we decide their importance and value. We may encounter opportunities, but real meaning lies in our responses. We should not passively wait for some pre-determined purpose to reveal itself. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to give their life significance.

© 2026 Andrew Hale, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.

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