The idea behind the existential "crisis of meaning" is not that nothing means anything to anyone. It is that meaning is a psychological construct, and should no

The idea behind the existential "crisis of meaning" is not that nothing means anything to anyone. It is that meaning is a psychological construct, and should not be represented as anything more. If having a work ethic gets you through your day--OK, have one. But you don't have a "better way of thinking" than someone who's lazy in any meaningful way. Nor are you more intrinsically valuable than them, outside of a very local context in time, space and culture. Sure if I lose a loved one it's going to affect me deeply and I will grieve, but as a matter of likely fact, I will someday move on (as any good psychologist would advise). The meaning of death and its impact are not universal, merely local. In my opinion the essential lessons are two. One is very practical. It is about humility and perspective. The second is more esoteric. It is about freedom. The existential crisis sets you free. But like the lifelong convict who has just been released by his jailor, it remains up to you to be free.