Which is preferable, a life of substance or a life of meaning? Most sources that I could find give the two as synonymous - 'substantive' and 'meaningful' both describe something of considerable importance, yet I was never satisfied with this because there is rarely ever a need to have two words describing the exact same thing in the same language. Typically, differences exist on an abstract or philosophical level which is lost in everyday speech most of the time. Here too, I feel there is a subtle but crucial difference between 'substantive' and 'meaningful', which may impact the way we live our lives in general.
Here it goes. I have often over the past few years heard the question "What am I doing with my life?". Oftentimes the source of that question was myself, yet others have also come to me with this inquiry. I have no degree in psychology or any related field, yet I try to be a keen listener, and do not shy away from existential discussions, which is why I think people open up about such issues. It is not an easy question to address, particularly because it requires displaying some vulnerability, so providing an answer was and still is immensely difficult, not least of all because I have to persuade myself that whatever answers I attempt make sense and cause no harm.
'Meaning' I believe refers to something subjective. What is meaningful to some (such as a gesture of affection or care) might have no meaning to others. Also, meaning is given not just by the gesture itself, but by the context in which it is performed. For example, receiving a bouquet of flowers on your birthday might be less meaningful to you than receiving it when there is no special occasion. Substantively, though, it is still a gesture of affection. One would not typically send flowers to someone they hated, or someone they do not care about at all. Meaning is therefore constructed, personal and dependent on context.
'Substance' however exists outside of personal interpretation. To do something 'substantive' is to impact the world in some way even if that impact goes unnoticed. Throwing your gum in the trash can might not be a meaningful gesture to you or anyone else, but substantively you have contributed to a better world, especially if the alternative was to stick the gum to the bottom of your chair or spit it wherever. A gesture that is hollow in that it has
no impact on the world around (such as saying 'I love you' to your
spouse) might still be meaningful, whereas a gesture that is meaningless (such as driving to work) may have substantive implications.
Understanding that what has meaning may lack substance, and that what has substance may lack meaning is part of the process of figuring out what one can do with their life. We are all shaping the world we live in by merely existing, and even the fact of ending our life would still contribute in some way to the future. Like it or not, we are shaping the future in every single moment, either by what we do or by what de do not do. Yet, in the quest for meaning in life we seem to lose track of substance. Similarly, in the quest for substance, some seem to lose track of meaning. Keeping an eye on both might help people be more mindful and deliberate in their search for happiness, but that is a story for another time.
Understanding that what has meaning may lack substance, and that what has substance may lack meaning is part of the process of figuring out what one can do with their life. We are all shaping the world we live in by merely existing, and even the fact of ending our life would still contribute in some way to the future. Like it or not, we are shaping the future in every single moment, either by what we do or by what de do not do. Yet, in the quest for meaning in life we seem to lose track of substance. Similarly, in the quest for substance, some seem to lose track of meaning. Keeping an eye on both might help people be more mindful and deliberate in their search for happiness, but that is a story for another time.
