Excellence Reporter: Dr. Farrell, what is the meaning of life?

Warren Farrell: The meaning of life is paradoxical: it is empty of meaning, and filled with meaning; it is the meaning we ascribe to it. If we ascribe to ourselves a sense of purpose (what the Japanese call “ikigai”), we live longer; if we take that purpose as being the only right purpose, we become self-righteous.

I once assigned myself the purpose of fighting for women’s rights; as I felt the pendulum swinging too far, creating a void in compassion for boys and men, I have worked on boys’ and men’s issues. But in my everyday life, I strive to keep listening to everyone and loving my family. Those are not the meaning of life, but what gives my life meaning.

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~Warren Farrell is an American educator, activist and author of seven books on men’s and women’s issues. President Johnson chose Dr. Farrell as one of the outstanding young educators in the United States. Dr. Farrell has been chosen by the International Biographic Centre of London as one of the World’s 2000 Outstanding Scholars of the 20th Century and, in quite a different take, chosen by the Financial Times as one of the worlds top 100 Thought Leaders. He has also been selected by the Center for World Spirituality as one of the world’s spiritual leaders.
www.WarrenFarrell.net

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