The question of whether life has meaning has troubled humanity for centuries. Philosophers from different eras and cultures have explored this profound question, offering varied and sometimes conflicting answers.
1. Friedrich Nietzsche – German philosopher
Life Is What We Make of It
Nietzsche famously declared that “God is dead,” signaling the collapse of traditional sources of meaning, such as religion. He believed that life is inherently meaningless, but this should not lead to despair. Instead, he proposed the concept of the Übermensch (Overman) — a person who creates their own values and meaning through strength and creativity. For Nietzsche, the absence of inherent meaning is an opportunity for personal empowerment.
2. Jean-Paul Sartre – French philosopher
Existentialism and the Burden of Freedom
Sartre argued that life has no preordained purpose. His philosophy of existentialism suggests that humans are “condemned to be free” — we exist first and then define our essence through choices and actions. Sartre believed that meaning comes not from external forces but from how we engage with life. He saw the responsibility to create meaning as both a burden and a source of liberation.
3. Albert Camus – French philosopher
Embracing the Absurd
Camus viewed life as inherently absurd because humans seek meaning in a universe that offers none. He likened the human condition to the myth of Sisyphus, condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down for eternity. Camus believed that recognizing this absurdity doesn’t mean giving up — instead, he argued that true freedom comes from accepting the absurd and living with defiance and passion.
4. Arthur Schopenhauer – German philosopher
Life Is Suffering
Schopenhauer had a pessimistic view of life, rooted in the idea that human existence is governed by blind will and desire, which inevitably lead to suffering. For him, life’s meaningless nature was a source of misery. He believed that the path to peace was through detachment and aesthetic contemplation — essentially escaping the cycle of desire and pain.
5. Adi Shankaracharya – Indian philosopher and teacher
The Illusion of Life (Maya)
Adi Shankaracharya, a key figure in Advaita Vedanta, taught that life as we perceive it is an illusion (Maya). According to him, the world and individual identity are not ultimately real — only the eternal, unchanging Brahman (the ultimate reality) is real. In this view, the apparent meaninglessness of life is rooted in the false identification with the material world rather than the realization of spiritual truth.
6. Buddha – Religious teacher
Liberation Through Detachment
Buddha viewed life as inherently marked by suffering (Dukkha), which arises from attachment and desire. He proposed that meaning comes from understanding the nature of suffering and following the Eightfold Path to achieve Nirvana — a state beyond suffering and illusion. For Buddha, life’s perceived lack of meaning is a result of ignorance and attachment, which can be overcome through spiritual practice.
So, Is Life Meaningless?
Life may not have an inherent meaning, but that doesn’t mean it’s empty or pointless. Philosophers like Nietzsche, Sartre, and Camus saw the absence of a given purpose as a challenge to create our own meaning, while Indian traditions suggest that true meaning lies in transcending the illusion of material existence. Ultimately, no matter our achievements or beliefs, death comes for everyone — kings and conquerors, philosophers and common people alike — leaving behind only memories and legacies that eventually fade with time. This harsh reality makes life’s pursuits feel fleeting, leading some to question if existence holds any true meaning or if we are simply living out a brief moment before fading into oblivion. Yet for others, this impermanence itself inspires a deeper appreciation for life’s fleeting beauty, encouraging us to find meaning in the very act of living.