The Meaning of Value: A Search for Significance in an Ever-Changing World
In the grand tapestry of existence, the concept of value is both elusive and essential. We spend much of our lives trying to define it, seeking its elusive presence in our relationships, careers, possessions, and even in the abstract notions of success and happiness. But as we seek it, we are often faced with an existential dilemma: Is value inherent in the world around us, or is it something we must create for ourselves?
At the heart of existential thought lies the understanding that humans, in their quest for meaning, must confront an indifferent universe that does not offer ready-made answers. Jean-Paul Sartre famously argued that life has no intrinsic meaning, and that we are tasked with creating our own purpose (Sartre, 1943). In this framework, the concept of value is no different—it is not a fixed, universal truth but something we must define through our actions, choices, and relationships.
Value in a Value-less World
Without a predetermined blueprint, we face the challenge of crafting our own values. This can be both liberating and overwhelming. If there is no universal value system, no moral code handed down by fate, then we are free to create meaning for ourselves. However, with this freedom comes the profound responsibility of defining what is truly valuable—both in our personal lives and in the broader scope of human society.
In a world that often appears to be driven by materialism, competition, and superficial markers of success, many wonder whether these external measures of value truly hold any significance. The existentialist perspective would argue that, in a universe devoid of intrinsic meaning, these fleeting accomplishments may be nothing more than distractions from the deeper search for authentic value. True value, then, can only be found in how we live our lives in accordance with the values we choose for ourselves. As Friedrich Nietzsche profoundly stated, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how” (Nietzsche, 1889), implying that the meaning we assign to our existence and struggles gives them their value and significance.
The Role of Relationships and Human Connection
One of the most potent sources of value lies in human connection. For many existential thinkers, relationships offer the opportunity to transcend the self and experience something greater. In the bonds we form with others, we find a reflection of our own humanity and, in turn, are given the opportunity to create shared meaning. Whether through love, friendship, or even the fleeting connection of a conversation with a stranger, these interactions remind us of the value of empathy, understanding, and compassion. As Sartre emphasized, “Hell is other people,” not because people are inherently evil, but because we are often limited by how we are perceived by others (Sartre, 1944).
Yet, human relationships are also fraught with conflict, misunderstanding, and impermanence. Even in our deepest connections, we are reminded of the fragile and fleeting nature of existence. But rather than rendering relationships meaningless, this fragility underscores their significance. In a world where everything is transient, the connections we build become all the more precious. The value we find in others is not static but dynamic, constantly shifting and evolving with each interaction.
In his book Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche explores the idea of the Übermensch (Overman), an individual who transcends conventional morality to create their own values. In this sense, the bonds we form with others are integral to our personal development, challenging us to re-evaluate our values and to build deeper, more authentic connections. Through these relationships, we learn not just about others, but also about ourselves—our needs, our desires, and our capacity for growth.
The Search for Self-Worth
Alongside our relationships with others, the search for self-worth remains an integral part of the human experience. For many, this quest is shaped by societal expectations, personal achievements, or the approval of others. Yet, existentialism posits that true value cannot come from external validation—it must come from within.
In a world that often measures worth through achievement, appearance, and conformity, it can be difficult to untangle our own sense of self-worth from these external measures. However, as existential thinkers suggest, the key lies in embracing our freedom to define ourselves, independent of society’s norms. Nietzsche, in particular, rejected traditional moral systems, arguing that individuals should create their own ethical code based on their personal experiences and desires (Nietzsche, 1887). In doing so, we confront the radical notion that we are the creators of our own value, and that our worth is not something to be earned but something inherent in the very act of existing.
This idea of self-creation is at the core of existential thought. By recognizing that we are free to choose our values and that we are the sole arbiters of our worth, we are liberated from the constraints of society’s expectations. But this liberation comes with a paradox: the responsibility to live authentically, to make choices that are true to our own nature, and to accept the consequences of those choices.
Value in Action: The Role of Work and Achievement
While relationships and self-worth provide the foundation for value, work and achievement offer another domain in which value is constantly assessed and recalibrated. For many, their job, accomplishments, and career trajectory are key markers of personal value. The work we do can provide us with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and self-expression. However, existentialists argue that the value of work is not inherent in the work itself, but rather in the meaning we ascribe to it.
In The Birth of Tragedy, Nietzsche speaks to the duality of existence—the Apollonian and Dionysian forces that shape human experience (Nietzsche, 1872). The Apollonian represents order, rationality, and structure, while the Dionysian symbolizes chaos, passion, and freedom. In the context of work, these two forces represent the balance between following societal expectations (the Apollonian) and embracing personal passion and creativity (the Dionysian). By finding a balance between these forces, we can create value in our work and ensure that it serves not just as a means of survival but as an authentic expression of who we are.
Overcoming the Absurd: Embracing the Meaninglessness
One of the most profound challenges in the search for value is the realization that the universe may not offer any inherent meaning at all. Albert Camus, in his essay The Myth of Sisyphus, confronts this existential absurdity head-on. He suggests that life’s lack of inherent meaning does not lead to despair but rather to freedom. In the absence of a universal purpose, we are free to create our own meaning—just as Sisyphus, condemned to endlessly roll a boulder up a hill, might find value in the struggle itself (Camus, 1942).
This confrontation with the absurd is not a cause for nihilism but an invitation to embrace life fully. When we accept that value is not something to be found but something to be created, we open ourselves to new possibilities, free from the weight of existential despair. The search for value, in this sense, becomes a dynamic, ongoing process, marked by trial and error, reflection and growth.
Conclusion: The Importance of Defining Value for Ourselves
Ultimately, the meaning of value is something each person must grapple with on their own terms. Whether through relationships, accomplishments, or the simple act of being, we must each carve out our own sense of worth in a world that offers no easy answers. The existential journey is not one of finding preordained meaning, but of creating our own path and accepting the responsibility that comes with it.
In an age of distraction, consumerism, and superficial benchmarks of success, it is all too easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But the existentialist call is to slow down, reflect, and ask ourselves: What do we value? And why does it matter? By doing so, we engage in a profound act of self-creation, one that can help us navigate the vast sea of uncertainty and find meaning in the chaos. After all, the value we assign to our lives may just be the most important thing we can ever define.
References
Camus, A. (1942). The Myth of Sisyphus. Gallimard.
Nietzsche, F. (1872). The Birth of Tragedy. Penguin Classics.
Nietzsche, F. (1887). On the Genealogy of Morals. Vintage Books.
Nietzsche, F. (1889). Twilight of the Idols. Penguin Classics.
Sartre, J.-P. (1943). Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press.
Sartre, J.-P. (1944). No Exit. Samuel French.
Davis, L. (2021). Reconsidering Existentialism: The Search for Meaning in a Modern World. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/reconsidering-existentialism
Green, R. (2020). Nietzsche and Modern Existentialism: Value Creation in an Age of Uncertainty. The Existential Journal, 12(4), 58-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exj.2020.05.003
McHugh, M. (2023). Creating Meaning in a Post-Pandemic World: Insights from Sartre and Nietzsche. Journal of Modern Philosophy, 28(2), 112-129. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmp/28.2.112
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