The definition of the true meaning of life or a life well lived
The definition of the true meaning of life or a life well lived are subjects that most scholars and philosophers still debate. Apart from the distinctions between a person’s life and that of a whole, there are minimal findings of life as the logical holder of meaning. Philosophers’ field of life meaning consists of multiple attempts to clarify what people mean when they inquire in virtue of what life has a purpose. Numerous researches on life meaning indicate a positive final value that a person’s life can demonstrate. Zach Braff’s movie, Garden State and Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophical analysis finding on life meaning, shows life through the existentialism aspect. Sartre’s rational reasoning argue existence precedes essence, while Braff’s film highlights examples that support Sartre’s existentialism school of thought. Both the materials complement each other in the explanation of life purpose, the value of human experience, and the value of community and social relationships.
Sartre argues that the primary premise of existentialism is that existence precedes essence. According to Sartre, human life has no predetermined meaning. However, the purpose of life is relative according to how every person lives his or her life. Hence, it is one’s responsibility to make his or her life meaningful. Also, human culture, norms, and beliefs do not give a meaning or purpose to life. Even though rules and customs are social constructions aimed at helping people live a morally guided life, an individual can only define the meaning of life. Therefore, there is a purpose to human life. Humans can derive the purpose by acting as independent, responsible and conscious beings rather than being defined by roles, societal expectations, and preconceived social categories. For instance, in the film Garden State, Andrew Largeman confronts his father, Gideon. Andrew tells Gideon.” I am not taking those fucking drugs anymore. I have felt so fucking numb to everything I’ve experienced in my life”. Andrew lived is all life according to societal standards and had to depend on anti-depressant his father prescribed to him.
Andrew’s experience after returning to New Jersey started to create value in his life. He wanted to be free from anti-depressants that controlled and numbed his feelings. He wanted to be open, feel, cry, and experience. Also, he tried to free himself from his past guilt of blaming himself for his mother’s death. Human life value is not intrinsic. A person has to create value in his life by how he acts. According to Sartre, people can create value in their lives through authentic existence, free from unnecessary influence and pressure. Hence people should allow themselves to feel pain when necessary and have experiences in their lives even if they are negative. The concept of authentic existence is demonstrated in the film. For instance, Andrew acknowledges that his past life has been miserable because of hiding his feeling and numbing his pain. Andrew tells his father,’ For the first time, let’s allow ourselves to be whatever it is that we are”. Andrew concludes,” and that will be better.”
Human beings are social creatures and need community and relationships to derive life’s value. The community and connections were essential to turn Andrew’s life around and make his life meaningful. For instance, Andrew’s friends, Dave, Mark, and Jesse, played a crucial role in bringing meaning to Andrew’s life through numerous adventures. Also, Sam gave Andrew the affectionate love that enhances their sense of life.
Existentialism is a humanism that requires a human to exist, understand his or her potential, explore his or her environment independent of predetermined social construct, and afterward define his or her value. People can make their lives meaningful through exercising their independence conscious of their background, action, community, and relationship. Hence, the value of experiences can generate meaning to one’s life through his association with the community and relationships.