I love these words of Viktor Frankl:
"This uniqueness and singleness which distinguishes each individual and gives a meaning to his existence has a bearing on creative work as much as it does on human love. When the impossibility of replacing a person is realized, it allows the responsibility which a man has for his existence and its continuance to appear in all its magnitude. A man who becomes conscious of the responsibility he bears toward a human being who affectionately waits for him, or to an unfinished work, will never be able to throw away his life. He knows the "why" for his existence, and will be able to bear almost any "how." - Man's Search for Meaning, 1946
This article discusses the difference between "happiness" and "meaning." There is certainly a correlation. I find joy in fulfillment and purpose. Psychologists found that "leading a happy life" corresponded with being a "taker" and living a "meaningful life" corresponded with being a "giver."
"The more one forgets himself -- by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love -- the more human he is."
