Merely living reflects the meaningless emptiness known in philosophical terms as the Existential Void

In contrast, living with purpose emphasizes consciously setting a goal for one’s life.

Abdullah Usman Morai | Sweden

When the journey of human life begins, in childhood, living simply means eating, playing, and sleeping. But as awareness grows, a person begins to realize that merely living (Surviving) and living with purpose are two completely different things. This difference either gives life meaning or renders it meaningless. On the path of life, every person keeps walking, but in this journey, two kinds of travelers are found: some who only cover distances, and others who know the meaning of every step they take. That is the true essence of the difference between merely living and living with purpose.

Merely Living

Merely living is an existence bound within a mechanical routine, waking up in the morning, working, eating, drinking, and sleeping at night, without any deep or meaningful purpose. In such a life, people remain deprived of inner peace and happiness. By contrast, those who live with purpose discover the meaning of their existence. They know why they live, what their life’s goal is, and which destination they wish to reach. This difference becomes the foundation of life’s quality and its success.

Merely living means going through life mechanically, each day with the same routine, the same worries, and the same habits. In such a life, survival depends only on food, earnings, and the effort to stay alive. People living this way are often empty of purpose. They remain trapped by worldly pressures, economic problems, or social traditions. As a result, the fragrance of life, creativity, and true peace fades away.

Example: Salman’s daily routine was the same: wake up, go to the office, work, and come home to rest. He had no deep interest in his job. He only tolerated his work to earn a living. His job brought him neither peace nor joy. He waited for weekends to escape the monotony of his life. His life was like a tree that is watered but bears no fruit and offers no shade.

Living with Purpose

Living with purpose means connecting life to a greater meaning, goal, or principle. That goal may be social service, participation in education and knowledge, or a dream of creating something better for one’s family and society. Purpose gives life direction. It motivates a person to rise, work hard, and bring value into their existence. Philosophically, purpose is what makes life meaningful.

Example: Saira was a woman who left her high-paying job to dedicate her time to an orphanage. Her purpose was to bring peace and happiness into the lives of orphaned children. She did not receive great financial compensation there, but she found deep spiritual peace and joy in her work. She realized she could truly bring positive change into someone’s life. She woke up each day with new energy and enthusiasm because she knew her life had a significant and meaningful purpose.

Social and Psychological Review and Impact

In our society, many people are forced into merely living due to unemployment, poverty, and injustice. Yet even in such conditions, those who strive to live with purpose become examples for others. From a social and psychological perspective, living with purpose is essential for human progress.

When a person has a goal, they develop self-confidence, patience, and a desire to do something for others. Research has shown that people who live with purpose generally experience mental peace, happiness, and a healthier life. They are far more protected from stress. For a long, healthy life, having a strong purpose is vital.

When such people strive to achieve their goals, they bring positive changes into society. They become successful teachers, doctors, social workers, or achieve great names in their fields. Their efforts make society more advanced and developed. Those who merely live are often imprisoned by their own personal gains, while those who live with purpose benefit society through their talents.

Philosophical Review and Impact

Centuries ago, Aristotle presented the concept of Eudaimonia, true happiness, which is not in luxury but in living with purpose and virtue. Similarly, Sufi philosophy emphasizes that the true purpose of human existence is self-realization and benefiting humanity. Philosophically, this difference is tied to the deep meaning of human existence.

Many philosophers believe that life has no fixed or natural purpose; rather, humans themselves give meaning to their existence. Merely living reflects the meaningless emptiness known in philosophical terms as the Existential Void. In contrast, living with purpose emphasizes consciously setting a goal for one’s life. That goal provides strength and courage to move forward, even in hardships and difficulties. As the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “He who has a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any how.”

For example, an artist whose art is the purpose of his life, even if he faces poverty and difficulties, finds the greatest happiness in the satisfaction his work brings him.

Conclusion

In the end, it can be said that life can be lived in two ways: merely living or living with purpose. In merely living, a person only carries the burden of the world and lives a meaningless life, which leaves them empty and restless. In contrast, living with purpose gives a person a true reason to live, allowing them to live a meaningful and peaceful life. Such a life always gives courage to move forward, and makes a person a source of light and hope for the world and society.

Life’s purpose doesn’t need to be something grand. Even keeping one’s family happy or helping someone nearby can be a purpose. That is why every person should find some purpose in their life, because life is not just the act of breathing, but the art of living with purpose.