University of Life

Today's podcast features a discussion recorded for the upcoming Happiness 101 course, which, among other things, reveals and explores many of the best happiness sources available. One of these sources is "meaning," or the sense of satisfaction and fulfillment you can draw from experience, connection, contribution, objects, events, beauty, etc.

As you listen to Carlos Roundy and Mikaela Shipley share meaningful moments, ask yourself the same questions, and allow yourself to get inspired to participate in activities which will pack more meaning and happiness into your life!

Disclaimer: Carlos is my father and Mikaela is one of my adorable nieces.

“The Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert talk about the two ‘hungers.’ There is the Great Hunger and there is the Little Hunger. The Little Hunger wants food for the belly; but the Great Hunger, the greatest hunger of all, is the hunger for meaning… There is ultimately only one thing that makes human beings deeply and profoundly bitter, and that is to have thrust upon them a life without meaning. There is nothing wrong in searching for happiness. But of far more comfort to the soul is something greater than happiness or unhappiness, and that is meaning. Because meaning transfigures all. Once what you are doing has for you meaning, it is irrelevant whether you’re happy or unhappy. You are content – you are not alone in your Spirit – you belong.” – Laurens van der Post

“Nothing is inherently meaningful. Meaning is subjective, and you can consciously create it (and receive the satisfaction it generates) by finding value in things both great and small.” – Shaun Roundy

“In some ways suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice.” – Victor Frankl