Books - Happiness, Meaning of Life, History and the Human Condition
My friends ask me what I have learned from my readings during my time-off from formal employment. They know I have been pondering "What is the Meaning of Life?" question. I have discovered that I was really asking, "What is the meaning of my life?"
From reading the Happiness Hypothesis, the general answer seems to be (1) find a few close loving relationships, (2) find personally worthwhile things to do or create, and (3) find something bigger than yourself that can create a sense of awe. The specific answers are different for each person, although there are major themes that are common to the human race. I recommend this book because it has the most up-to-date scientific findings on what makes people happy. I think we are finally beginning to understand.
While looking for meaningful things to do or create, it is much more preferable if that need can be satisfied by a paid job. Since the vast majority of people need a full-time paid job to support themselves, it is best if that job can also fulfil the need for a meaningful work. Many jobs could be remodeled to provide meaning, so this possibility should not be given up too fast. You can also change your current job, after doing a lot of research to find out exactly what type of jobs will provide you with meaning. I highly recommend The PathFinder by Nicholas Lore, for doing just such a meaningful job research.
However, I believe there ARE some jobs that provide LOTS of JOY and MEANING, but MAY NOT PAY the rent. For example, I have come to LOVE sewing, and I produce beautiful gifts for my friends. Giving these gifts to my friends gives me JOY and MEANING. However, due to the current global economic condition, I will not be able to live in the U.S. while working as a seamstress. Chinese factory workers make $1 to $2 a day. I wouldn't make the minimum wage. A contemporary queen-sized quilt sells for $200 to $500 in a quilt shop. A similar quilt requires four to five weeks of full-time effort from me. I estimate material costs at $150-$200. My profits will be $50 to $300 for one month of full-time work! When I give personally sewed gifts, they are valued MUCH more highly by my friends than store-bought items. My friends give gifts to me in return, either their hand-crafted items or purchased items that they know I would love. So it all works out in the end, but I could not make a living from my sewing. For other crafters in my position, I would recommend reading about voluntary simplicity in Your Money or Your Life and retirement advice in Die Broke.
To find out what the human condition is like, in general, so that you can discover your personal meaning of life, I would recommend From Dawn to Decadence by Jaques Barzan and The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant. They are written by giants in their respective fields. These two books are my top-2 recommendation for understanding the meaning of life. If you were to read only 2 books this year, I would recommend these two.
