The Covid-19 Pandemic and Meaning in Life

Abstract

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, where death, sickness and suffering persist, there is some hint that there is nothing so special about the human race that particularly makes it immune to decimation. This is at odds with the general feeling that there is something significant, purposeful and/or meaningful about human life. Thus, the question that immediately comes to mind is whether the present pandemic and the negative situations it presents, destroy any hope of attaining meaning in life. In this article, we critically examine how the Covid-19 pandemic affects meaning in life. While it is not far-fetched to assume that the pandemic, suffering, isolation, economic hardship, and so forth disrupt humanity’s abilities at creating moments of meaning in life, it is our claim that it does not destroy it altogether, as many persons have found new ways of creating such moments, albeit small, through self-sacrifice/care, solidarity, and more. Finally, we conclude that in the face of this tragedy, what humanity can best hope for is the continuous creation of moments of meaning in life in order to reduce despair and sustain hope, however small. We expect that this article will foster future discussions about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the question of meaningfulness.

Understanding Wildlife Crime from Eco-Existential and African Perspectives: A Psycho-Philosophical Investigation

“…With regard to African philosophy, not much research has focused on meaning in life from African (philosophical) perspectives [ 105 ]. Here, recently four different approaches to meaning in life have been distinguished: the African God–purpose theory of meaning (highlighting that meaning is created through God’s purpose and destiny); the vital force theory of meaning (increasing meaning through a focus on what makes vital forces stronger); the communal normative function theory of meaning (meaning-making through harmonious interaction with one’s own community); the consolationist theory of meaning (striving for perfectionism in life as a meaning-making process) [ 105 ].…”

“…The concept of community and being part of a community is extremely important in African life and philosophy, as highlighted above [ 104 , 105 , 108 , 110 , 111 ]. Community is viewed as one of the crucial aspects of developing as a person and building an acceptable personhood that is sustainable and holistic [ 130 ].…”

“…This vital force seems to be stronger in community than in aloneness or isolation and grows with the expression of creative power, productivity and moral obligations, which have impacts on others, and at best on the community [ 104 ]. The communal foundation of thought is extremely important in African philosophy and has been viewed as a priority in African philosophy, since it supports the understanding of reality and the implementation of socioethics in the community [ 105 ].…”

Existential Positive Psychology (EPP): A Positive Tool for Healing Existential Anxieties in South Africa during, and after, the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This is consistent with the concept of Ubuntu in Southern Africa; that is, I am because we are. In other words, we find meaning in life together [ 4 ].…”

A study on meaning in life in relation to family closeness, strength of faith, community involvement and social media activity

“…1 Some studies have attempted to address the question whether the current pandemic and the negative conditions, such as suffering, isolation, economic hardship, extinguish any hope of attaining meaning in life. 2 Research likewise suggests that personality may also play a role in meaning in life. Certain individuals have a predisposition for specific sources of meaning, dependent on their personality.…”