Rufous

What's your primary source of meaning in life?


While I was researching The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed With Happiness, I spoke to many people about what makes their lives meaningful. Patterns emerged, and I found that there are what I call the four pillars of meaning: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. Some people lean on certain pillars more than others to find meaning in life.


What's your pillar? To find out, take this quiz.


I have important long-term goals that I’m working toward
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I am very close to my family and/or friends
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I feel easily moved by beauty, whether in music, nature, art, or literature.
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I’m always thinking about paths that I could have taken in life but didn’t—the “what ifs” and “what could have beens”
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all


I love forming meaningful connections with other people, whether the barista at the coffee shop, my neighbors, or my family members
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I go out of my way to make other people feel cared for and happy
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all


I devote a considerable amount of my free time to activities like meditation and prayer, yoga, and being outdoors
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I have very a good sense of what my interests and talents are
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I have had profound experiences where I’ve felt connected to something vast and much bigger than myself
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

It’s very rare for me to feel unmoored or unmotivated, like I’m drifting
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I often reflect on my childhood experiences and how they made me the person I am today
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I am very involved in my community and civic organizations.
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I’ve had adverse and/or traumatic experiences that I spend a lot of time processing and trying to make sense of
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

Novels and movies can inspire me to think more deeply about my life and what it means to be human
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all

I consider myself a religious or spiritual person and am always cultivating that side of me
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all



I knew from an early age that I wanted to make the world a better place
Absolutely describes me
For the most part
Somewhat
Only a little
Doesn't describe me at all