Why Are We Here?: A Collection of Perspectives on What the Meaning of Life Is All About

By Victoria Carr

It is nothing new to question the meaning of life. History shows that the search for understanding has been ongoing for many years, not only in the modern world but also in ancient minds. Throughout time, many people have pondered this subject, and in this book you will become familiar with many outlooks from people past and present.

This book is a special collection of answers to the eternal question: what is the meaning of life? In its pages you will find the musings of a diverse and inspiring group of people, along with an exploration of philosophy and a selection of poignant quotes that will influence your own life’s journey.

If you have ever found yourself questioning the meaning of life, or are seeking a deeper understanding of something you can’t quite articulate, this book will help you unlock the answers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Mar 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781982296865

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Victoria Carr.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

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without the written permission of the author except in the case

of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use

of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical

problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The

intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help

you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use

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right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9822-9685-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-9686-5 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date:  03/02/2023

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1   The Past

Chapter 2   The Present

Chapter 3   Lessons I am learning on my journey

Chapter 4   Happiness

Final notes

References

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

There are many people to thank for their contributions to this book and their support throughout my journey.

I would like to acknowledge all of the incredible people who contributed their feelings on the meaning of life. Their efforts and thoughtful responses are very much appreciated.

I am so grateful for all of my wonderful family and friends, and for their support and guidance.

I want to thank Shelly Drewitz for supporting me while I wrote this book. Her way with words really helped the book come to life. Thanks also to Anna Sweet for her careful edits.

FOREWORD

It is nothing new to question the meaning of life. History shows that the search for understanding has been ongoing for many years, not only in the modern world but also in ancient minds. Throughout time, many people have pondered this subject, and in the following pages you will become familiar with many outlooks from people past and present.

A philosopher is known as someone who is searching, someone who spends their life contemplating. Philosophers concentrate on solving questions about life and our lives as humans. The meaning behind the word philosopher is lover of wisdom.

I highly recommend you do some research into these amazing, inspirational people as I am only giving you a small insight into their worlds. Look for the books you feel inspired to read and be open for information to come to you as it is needed. If you feel drawn to it, explore it, read it, understand it and enjoy the process.

The meaning of life is to give life meaning – Viktor E Frankl

INTRODUCTION

What do you think is the meaning of life?

Today I sit and write this book as part of my journey through life. It all began when I was young and I repeatedly asked the question, What is the meaning of life, and why am I here on Earth? From then on, it has been an adventure in understanding why I am here.

In my search to find answers, I have spoken with a number of incredible people about this topic and, over time, I have started to feel that I am here for a specific reason. I’ve begun to think that I need to make some major changes – not only in my life, but in others’ lives too. Like many people before me I have found myself asking, What am I doing? Where is my life going? To me, it feels like I am searching. I am on a mission to find out why I am here. Interestingly, I’ve found myself with a sense of guidance, as the lessons I need to learn seem to appear at just the right time.

This new outlook has reinforced my pursuit to discover more about my life’s purpose. And so, I have been moved to write this book to bring together the words from so many beautiful people, for the same reason you have been moved to read this book today. Curiously, when asking people to contribute a paragraph on the meaning of life as seen through their eyes, I found that some people needed to take time to consider their answers, while others could answer within a day. Overwhelmingly, the main message I received was one of thanks – thanks for being given the opportunity to reflect on what life is really about.