![]() to a low of 1% in France, Germany, Greece and South Korea. Service to the community and civic engagement are part of a meaningful life for some people, ranging from a high of 7% who say this in the U.S. In most places, education is roughly the 10th most mentioned source of meaning. Similar shares also bring up learning in New Zealand. Education comes up most frequently in Australia and Sweden, where 8% refer to learning in the context of meaning in their lives. It’s great that it’s possible.” In a handful of places, those on the ideological left are also somewhat more likely to mention learning than those on the right.įewer than one-in-ten bring up education in all publics surveyed. Because I am a refugee, I didn’t think I could go to university, but it turned out to be possible. For one German woman, meaning in life comes from continuous learning: “Life is about learning new things, about progress, and staying curious.” Another Dutch man instead referenced his formal education: “I started university in the Netherlands. In these cases, people mention attending university, staying informed and the pursuit of knowledge more generally. Some respondents also mention education and learning when discussing what provides meaning in their lives. One man in Spain said that he finds it meaningful “to have more freedom to travel the world, ease of movement between countries, not only between European Union countries but also others.” Some people indicate they find meaning from travel within their own country, and others specify international travel and encountering different cultures as something they find satisfying. For other publics, travel does not make it into the top 10. This makes travel the least frequently mentioned source of meaning in South Korea (along with pets). Only 1% in Japan, Singapore and Taiwan do the same, and virtually no one in South Korea brings up travel. These mentions show up most often in Australia and New Zealand, with 4% in these places bringing up traveling and having new experiences. In all publics surveyed, travel is mentioned infrequently. One French man, for example, explained, “I have a full and meaningful life, and I have traveled a lot and had lots of experiences, so compared to others I think I have a wonderful life.” Likewise, a Japanese woman explained that “I think I have a pretty good life traveling to many countries with my husband, kids and grandkids.” Occasionally, people mention traveling and having new experiences as part of what gives their life meaning. One Canadian, for example, replied that she gets meaning from “… being able to go outside going on walks” while others highlight the benefits of being able to surf, ski or bicycle in the beautiful surroundings. Many people cite pastimes that allow them to spend time outdoors, often connecting their hobbies with an appreciation of nature. One Briton, for example, explained that he enjoys “watching movies and having access to internet, football, music, entertainment and museums.” Others reference things like reading, playing music, attending cultural events or simply relaxing and spending time at home. Respondents highlight myriad types of recreational activities. In Greece, Japan and Taiwan, hobbies rank in the top five sources of meaning. In the UK, hobbies are the third most commonly cited source of meaning, following only family and friends. Still, mentions of work are quite prominent among most other age groups, though notably lower among those 65 and older.Īcross the 17 publics surveyed, a median of 10% mention finding meaning in personal hobbies and recreational activities, ranging from a high of 22% in the UK to a low of 3% in South Korea. For example, in Italy, 59% of those ages 30 to 49 say work gives them meaning, while roughly half or fewer of any other age group agree. Like with finding meaning in family, people between the ages of 30 and 49 are typically the most likely to find meaning in their job or career. “In my job I don’t feel satisfied because they don’t give me personal days,” explained one Italian woman. On the other hand, some people mention difficulties or challenges in their professional life. I’ll have left my mark when I look back on my life.” And the way to do that is to take a lot of personal responsibility and work hard.” Another man in Japan remarked, “I got the job that I wanted, so being able to keep doing that. ![]() ![]() I think it is very important to build my career, to build my life, so that I’m doing better and better. As one man in the Netherlands explained, “The most important thing for me is work. Many emphasize how work provides them with a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. ![]()
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