Life’s biggest questions can often seem daunting, but they hold the power to transform the way you see the world around you.
Typically, existential questions push you to think more deeply about your purpose and identity, but they can go as far as considering the mysteries of the universe. Instead of trying to find definitive answers to these questions, focus on the personal growth new perspectives they bring.
It’s totally normal to find yourself in the midst of an existential crisis. In fact, it’s actually pretty healthy to question basic assumptions or start a journey of self-discovery at any point in your life.
If you feel like you’ve reached a dead end, or you want to challenge the way you see the world and find more meaning in everyday life, you can start by asking yourself some of these mind-opening questions.
Existential Questions about Life
1. Where do our desires and ambitions truly originate? Are they ours, or are they shaped by something else?
This question makes us think about where our motivations truly come from. Often, we’re influenced by family, society, or even the media – without even realizing it!
If you take a step back to reflect, you can potentially uncover whether your desires are really your own or shaped by one of these external forces.
In turn, this awareness can give you the power to pursue what genuinely excites and inspires you (and not just what you’re ‘supposed’ to want). By understanding the roots of your ambitions, you can create a life that feels more authentic and aligned with who you are.
2. What separates a life full of purpose from one that simply passes by?
A life full of purpose is one where you’re actively creating meaning and not just going through the motions. It’s about feeling connected to something bigger, like your passions, relationships, or goals.
The difference between a purposeful life and one that simply passes you by is intentionality. When you live with purpose, you’ll feel more alive with every moment and start to make choices that align with your deeper desires in life.
It’s not all about big achievements; even small acts of kindness and growth can make your existence feel more meaningful.
3. What values or experiences would you define as essential for a meaningful life?
A meaningful life is typically built on values that matter to you. This can include love, kindness, growth, adventure, and even human connection. It’s also shaped by the experiences that challenge and inspire you.
These values and experiences create a foundation that can help you make decisions that feel right for who you are. When you live in line with your core beliefs, life feels more fulfilling.
It’s about finding what truly lights you up and holding onto those things, whether it’s as simple as a deep conversation with friends or pursuing a passion that makes you feel more alive.
4. If you could revisit one moment in your past, would you relive it exactly as it was or change it?
How much do you value your past, how it changed you, and what it taught you? Something interesting to think about is whether changing a moment would take away from its lessons or offer you a chance to rewrite something you regret.
Asking yourself this question is a powerful way to reflect on how your experiences have shaped who you are today. Maybe the mistakes you wish you could fix are the ones that forced you to grow. Or, maybe having the possibility to relive a joyful moment would give you the chance to think about what truly matters.
5. Is happiness simply a chemical reaction in the brain, or does it have a deeper, intangible quality?
While it’s true that happiness involves a biological component (like endorphins, dopamine, and other ‘feel good’ chemicals), it often feels like so much more.
When you ask yourself this question, it pushes you to think about whether happiness is purely physical or if it could be tied to things that are deeper than that. Maybe you feel as though it’s both: a mix of tangible reactions and intangible moments that make life rich.
Reflecting on this can help you focus on what brings you true joy – whether it’s spending time with close friends and loved ones, achieving something meaningful to you, or simply appreciating the small, beautiful moments in life.
Questions about the Mind
6. What’s more valuable: intelligence to innovate or wisdom to navigate life’s challenges?
Innovation can help drive progress, but wisdom helps us live more meaningfully. This question may help you to think about what matters most in your own life.
While intelligence can create solutions and help you shape the future, wisdom typically brings more balance, empathy, and understanding. Both are valuable in their own ways, but pondering this question can help push you to reflect on what you value as an individual. Do you put more emphasis on making breakthroughs or mastering the art of living?
Perhaps the real answer lies in blending the two concepts. For instance, using intelligence to push boundaries and wisdom to navigate the consequences of those steps forward.
7. Can artificial intelligence ever develop true emotions, or are feelings exclusively human?
Can machines ever learn to feel? Are emotions an exclusive part of the human experience?
AI may be able to mimic emotions, but true feelings come from being human. For instance, we’re influenced by our thoughts, experiences, connections, and even our biology.
A question like this can really shift your perspective and make you appreciate how special human emotions are and how they shape us. At the same time, it pushes you to think about how AI could evolve and what it would mean for the future.
It’s an exciting thought. Going forward, how might machines ‘feel’ in their own way? And how can we ensure that our humanity stays connected to the technology we create?
8. Is there a way to find absolute truth, or is everything filtered through personal perspective?
Is there such a thing as universal truth? Or is everything shaped by your individual experiences? These questions really invite you to think about how you understand the world.
The truth may not be the same for everyone; we all see the world through our own lenses. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t beauty in the diversity. Rather, it helps us grow and connect with other people.
By understanding that everyone has a different perspective, you can become more open-minded. This allows you to learn from others and truly appreciate the many ways people experience the world.
Human Nature and Existence
9. Are humans born inherently good, inherently bad, or a mix of potential waiting to be shaped?
Are we born good, bad, or somewhere in between? This is a question many of us have asked ourselves at one point or another. It encourages us to think about the meaning of human nature. We may be born with potential and then shaped by our environment and circumstances.
While some argue that people are inherently good, others see people as neutral before being influenced by the world around them. A powerful thought is that we’re not necessarily defined by our beginnings. Instead, we have the capacity for growth and change.
A question like this helps you see not only your own potential but the potential of others, too. It can also inspire you to nurture the goodness and endless possibilities within yourself.
10. Do we ever act purely out of free will, or are we always reacting to unseen influences?
Do you make choices freely? Or are you influenced by things that you don’t even notice? This question may make you pause and think about how much control you really have.
It’s not about doubting your freedom. Rather, it’s about understanding that several factors (like your upbringing or culture) shape your decisions.
The more you become aware of these influences, the more you can choose to act in ways that align with your true self. It’s an empowering thought: You’re free, but you’re also able to understand the forces that guide you.
11. Can you ever truly understand someone, or are human connections always a blend of reality and perception?
Relationships are incredibly complex. Can we ever fully know someone? Or are connections shaped completely by how we perceive them?
This is a great reminder that everyone has layers. These layers include thoughts, feelings, and experiences that you may never get to see.
Still, trying to really understand someone can create a more powerful bond between the two of you. This is also true even when you can’t necessarily grasp everything about them. But this question may encourage you to embrace everything that human connection has to offer. This includes appreciating the effort it takes to see and support each other in life.
12. Is love a biological reaction, a spiritual connection, or something in between?
Have you ever found yourself wondering if love is a chemical reaction in your brain or a deep spiritual bond? It may be a mix of both! A question like this can open up a beautiful conversation about the nature of love.
Maybe love isn’t just one thing. Rather, it may be a connection between mind, body, and spirit. Love can be something you feel deeply and also a biological response that helps us connect and survive.
And what’s more, there are so many different forms of love. This includes platonic, romantic, or even familial – and that’s what makes life so rich!
Questioning Our Place in the Universe
13. In the infinite expanse of the universe, does human existence carry any inherent significance?
When you think about how small you are in the universe, it can feel overwhelming. But this question is here to remind you that significance doesn’t come from size. Rather, it comes from the impact that something has.
Maybe our existence is more about the connections we create, the love we share, or the way we shape the world (and the people) around us. Even in the vastness of space, our lives hold meaning because of the way we touch others and leave behind a legacy (no matter how small). It’s a humbling and inspiring reminder of our place in the universe.
14. If the universe had a beginning, what might have existed before it, and what could come after its end?
Thinking about the universe’s beginning and end can spark curiosity about the unknown.
What was before the Big Bang? What happens when everything ends?
These types of questions may make you realize how much you don’t know about life and embrace this mystery. The real beauty of it is that exploring the unknown can make you feel more connected to the vastness of existence. It also reminds you to live with child-like wonder, knowing that some answers may be beyond your understanding but recognizing that asking is just as meaningful.
15. How would discovering intelligent life beyond Earth alter the way we see ourselves?
Finding intelligent life beyond Earth would totally shift how we see ourselves. We’d realize that we’re not alone in the universe, which may make us feel similar in some ways, but also part of something much bigger.
It could also change how you view humanity’s place in the world and how you (and the people around you) treat the planet. The idea of connecting with other beings could even open up new possibilities for cooperation and exploration. It can remind you that there’s so much more out there for you to discover.
FAQs
What Makes Us Question Existence?
Typically, these questions revolve around five main Existential Concerns (ECs), which include:
- Death
- Isolation
- Identity
- Freedom
- Meaning
Thinking about, or dwelling on these topics, often leads people to seek deeper understanding of themselves and their lives.
Are existential questions meant to have definitive answers?
Not really! Existential questions are more about exploration than finding a single ‘right’ answer. They’re designed to make us think deeply about life, our purpose, the universe, and more.
Typically, this leads to personal insights rather than finding universal truths. Although some answers may feel satisfying for a short time, you may find your opinions and beliefs changing as you grow and learn.
So, try not to look at the lack of a definitive answer as a flaw. Instead, it’s what makes these questions so thought-provoking!
Why do existential questions often feel unsettling or challenging?
Existential questions push us to confront the unknown and challenge beliefs that we take for granted. They cause us to think about big topics, like the meaning of life and death or our place in the universe. Of course, this can feel overwhelming and uncomfortable.
However, embracing the challenge of answering these questions can lead to a deeper understanding and even a sense of peace in the midst of an existential crisis.
Our Thoughts on Existence
Humans are curious creatures. So it’s only natural to find yourself questioning things from time to time. And while curiosity may have killed the cat, it can open your eyes to endless possibilities when you ask the right questions.
Existential questions don’t have to feel like a personal attack. Instead, they’re meant to expand your mind and shift your perspective to give your life more meaning.
When you truly understand the answers to these questions for yourself, your perspectives can help you grow and evolve as a person.