Humanity has been searching for the meaning of life since the dawn of time. Every now and then, each of us falls into a deep inner questioning, don’t we? We face questions like "Why am I here?" or "Is there a purpose to being in this world?" In reality, these questions open the door to a journey that is not just personal, but collective. For thousands of years, humans have sought ways to answer them. Some of us found these answers in mythological tales, some in philosophy, and others in science or ancient wisdom.
Take, for instance, the belief in Tengri from ancient Turkic mythology. When you look up at the sky, it evokes a sense of depth and infinity, doesn't it? That feeling is actually an effort to question our place in the universe. Tengri is not just a deity; it is a symbol that reminds us of the vastness of the sky and the power of the cosmos. Or remember the Epic of Ergenekon. The story of the Turks, trapped in harsh conditions, melting an iron mountain to emerge into a wide world; it is literally a tale of rebirth and a struggle for freedom! Isn't this something we all experience in our own lives? It serves as a symbol for the inner battles we fight to rediscover ourselves and break free when faced with difficult circumstances.
Of course, this isn't unique to mythology. Consider the story of Prometheus in Greek mythology, who brought fire to humanity. Prometheus’s fire is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. We all have periods in our lives when we search for our own "fire." When we chase a goal, learn something new, or finally make sense of things, we are essentially acting like Prometheus. But this quest for enlightenment also came with a price. Isn't that how life works? Knowledge can be a reward, but it also brings a heavy responsibility.
And what about philosophy? In today’s world, it might be one of the most confusing fields, yet the profound thoughts it offers are a reflection of that infinite questioning within us. For example, isn’t Socrates’ famous "Know thyself" a call to discover the essence within? At some point in our lives, we all encounter the question, "Who am I?" At that very point, let’s recall Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. It takes courage to look beyond what we see, to pursue the truth, and to step out of our own cave. We’ve all had moments where we tried to escape our shadows to reach our own light, haven't we? This process is as challenging as it is illuminating.
Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the famous figures of Existentialism, says: "Existence precedes essence." In other words, we are here first—we exist—and only then do we define who we are and what we will do. This thought is incredibly liberating, yet equally daunting. Because it means we must create the meaning of life ourselves. Finding one's own path can be filled with uncertainty and risk. We’ve all asked ourselves at times, "What am I doing right now? Where am I going?" These reflections are a journey oscillating between the freedom and responsibility that Sartre described.
Today, this search is no longer limited to philosophy or mythology. Science, too, accompanies us on this journey. For instance, the Uncertainty Principle in Quantum Physics clearly shows that the universe is not fixed or deterministic; everything is built on probabilities. Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? The reality that anything is possible at any moment is actually shaped by our own choices. Concepts like Quantum Entanglement show that everything in the universe is interconnected—nothing exists in isolation. Doesn’t this suggest that our lives are also linked, that everything is woven together? Even if we don’t notice it, everyone’s story is intertwined with someone else’s.
To give a more modern example, practices like meditation and yoga, which have become so popular in the world of personal development, help individuals turn inward and find themselves. In this fast-paced world, we all want to stop for a moment, take a breath, and look within. What we call the New Age movement is essentially a way of adapting ancient wisdom to our modern world. When we lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle of life, stopping to think and returning to our center makes us more balanced. This is what the famous—though often overused—term "staying in the moment" tries to convey...
Ultimately, the human search for meaning is a never-ending journey. We face these questions throughout our lives. This journey to understand why we are in this world and to remember our purpose is our shared story. Perhaps the most beautiful part of it all is that these questions have no definitive answer. Each of us tries to find our own. For some, the meaning of life is hidden in a child’s smile; for others, in a book, or in a moment of deep peace while gazing at the sky. My hope is that on your own unique journey, you find your inner guide and reach your truth. And by fulfilling your own purpose of existence, may you complete the grand tapestry.
Stay with love and understanding.
