Postmodernity: Where has Meaning & Purpose Gone?

Postmodernity: Where has Meaning & Purpose Gone?

In today's postmodern society, there is a growing sense of "inward homelessness" where individuals feel a void of meaning and purpose within themselves. This emptiness stems from the rejection of culture and the diminishing of one's identity. Culture has traditionally played a significant role in providing individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning. It is through culture that we pass down our values, traditions, and experiences from one generation to the next.

A society that values its culture and diligently passes it on to future generations is often seen as a great society. However, when a generation fails to esteem its own heritage and neglects to pass on the torch, it signifies that the foundational principles and experiences that make the society what it is, are no longer considered valid. This rejection of culture leads to a loss of identity and subsequently, a loss of meaning and purpose.

Today, we find ourselves in a society that has increasingly rejected religious stories and faith-based traditions. The stories of creation, the tales of King David, and the teachings of Christ are no longer seen as relevant or important to many individuals. In our pursuit of progress and modernity, we have neglected to pass on the cultural aspects that once gave us a sense of meaning and purpose. Consequently, our identity has diminished as a result.

However, amidst this cultural collapse, there are individuals and companies that are striving to make a difference. Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, is one such example. In 2018, Chouinard made the decision to change the purpose of the company to "We're in business to save our home planet." This shift in purpose represents a departure from the traditional notion of business solely focused on profit-making.

Chouinard believes that businesses have the power to influence customers and other companies to make a positive impact on the environment. By aligning the purpose of Patagonia with the mission to protect the planet, Chouinard hopes to change the system along the way. Instead of extracting value from nature and transforming it into wealth for investors, Patagonia intends to use its wealth to protect the source of all wealth – the Earth itself.

This approach highlights the importance of purpose in our lives. Instead of solely defining our identity through asserting who we are, Chouinard emphasizes the significance of understanding why we were given this identity and the responsibilities that come with it. By grounding our purpose in a greater cause, we can find meaning and fulfillment beyond ourselves.