Happiness vs. Meaning: Why They’re Not the Same
Many of us grow up being told that the goal of life is to be happy. But when you pause to think about it — happiness and meaning are not always the same thing.
Some people have everything they thought would make them happy — success, stability, even comfort — yet still feel an emptiness inside. Others may be facing pain, struggle, or even suffering, but they carry a deep sense of meaning that sustains them.
Happiness: The Feel-Good State
Happiness is often linked to pleasure, ease, and things going well. It feels good in the moment — and there’s nothing wrong with that. But happiness is fleeting. It rises and falls with circumstances.
Meaning: The Deeper Thread
Meaning is different. It’s about feeling connected to something bigger than yourself. It’s about purpose, contribution, love, values, and growth.
Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, wrote that meaning is what allows people to survive unbearable conditions. Even in suffering, if someone feels their struggle matters, they can endure.
Why This Distinction Matters
When we chase happiness alone, life can feel shallow or unstable — because it depends on external factors. When we cultivate meaning, we build a deeper foundation.
Happiness asks: “Am I feeling good right now?”
Meaning asks: “Does my life matter in a deeper way?”
Reflection Questions
Where in my life am I pursuing happiness but not meaning?
What gives me a sense of purpose, even if it’s hard?
If suffering is unavoidable at times, how can I find meaning in it?
Final Thought
True wellbeing often comes when happiness and meaning are woven together. We don’t need to choose one over the other. But when happiness fades, meaning is what sustains us — and gives our story depth, even in the hardest chapters.
