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Life Quote by Eric Maisel

“How you conceptualize meaning matters. If you hold that it is outside of yourself and must be tracked down, you have one idea of meaning. If, however, you conceive of it as I've been describing it—that it is a subjective experience, that it sometimes comes unbidden and that it can also be coaxed…” quote by Eric Maisel
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““How you conceptualize meaning matters. If you hold that it is outside of yourself and must be tracked down, you have one idea of meaning. If, however, you conceive of it as I've been describing it—that it is a subjective experience, that it sometimes comes unbidden and that it can also be coaxed into existence, that when it is absent we must try to create it rather than search for it, and so on—then you are holding a very different idea of meaning. It should go without saying that what sort of idea you hold about meaning matters a great deal—in fact, it completely dictates how you will live your life. How you construe meaning dictates how you will live your life. The way you construe meaning affects everything, from how much pleasure you get from ordinary things to how sincere an effort you make in manifesting your values and your principles. I think that the idea of meaning that I'm promoting, by being true-to-life and by returning meaning to your hands, will help you live more intentionally, more richly, and more happily. Be that as it may, you get to form your idea of meaning—and whatever you decide about meaning dictates how you will live. Remember that life is not set up to meet our meaning needs. It only sporadically provides us with the experience of meaning.””

Eric Maisel

About This Quote

Meaning is a subjective experience we can create; how we view meaning shapes our lives, pleasure, and values.

In simple terms: Meaning is something we make, not just find; our view of it guides life.

Key Takeaway

Choose to actively create meaning.

Themes

meaning subjectivity personal agency philosophy life purpose

Mood

reflective motivational

Type

philosophical self‑help

When to use this quote

  • creative projects
  • mindfulness practice
  • goal setting

Practical Applications

  • cultivate meaning daily
  • align actions with personal values

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your definition of meaning affect your choices?
  • What practices help you generate meaning?
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