“The whole law of human existence consists in nothing other than a man’s always being able to bow before the immeasurably great.”

The Laws of Human Nature, Chapter 13, The Law of Aimlessness

Purposelessness—the absence of a greater meaning to our lives—has become a pervasive challenge of the 21st Century, one that affects us humans tremendously.

Science and evidence have attempted to replace that which previously provided us with meaning—religion and faith.

These replacements, however, are failing to satisfy our needs.

We can see this in the condition of various Western countries.

By reducing humanity and the universe to data and formulas and research and observable facts, depression, anxiety, loneliness, nihilism, confusion—all by-products of despair—are rising at rates never before seen in human history.

There are so many mysteries about human life which are far beyond our comprehension.

As such, most of us have now decided to search for meaning elsewhere, beyond science and religion.

Frivolity and the pursuit of pleasure have become our purpose.

To live a life that is constantly stimulating, that is full of wealth and luxury and entertainment, that is relaxed and smooth, has become our sole objective.

Forget science and forget religion, serving our impulses, satisfying our desires, is the meaning behind human existence.

Understanding this reality is important, but this knowledge fails to provide us with actionable solutions.

How do we exist in world where religion appears redundant and science fails to fulfil our needs?

How do we live with a sense of purpose in today’s world?

As the original quote states, bowing before the immeasurably great may suffice as an adequate answer.

But what exactly does this statement mean?