If you are perfectly content with your existence and your understanding of the "self", you do not need to pursue paths of meditation or enlightenment. One might

If you are perfectly content with your existence and your understanding of the "self", you do not need to pursue paths of meditation or enlightenment. One might think that you are being stubborn and egotistical by implying that you have everything figured out but those opinions don't matter. It is easier to live your life the way you want it individually but when you are part of a society, others expect you to behave in ways that might contradict your actions but that's just how the societal system works. As to why others choose to seek the said "enlightenment" varies from person to person. Sometimes its hard to find meaning in your everyday life and you get stuck in existential angst and it is not easy to go on. There one find comfort in seeking the answers and meaning through western or eastern philosophies , through meditation, through religion, through community or whatever fits well to their sense of the world. As the Easter Indic philosophy points out that the optimal and yet hardest path to "enlightenment" is not in abandonment of your responsibilites and an ascetic way of life but in the "middle" i.e. where you do your duty towards others in your everyday life while being aware of the the highest moral standards and doing your best to adhere to them (reflection of Stoicism here). I would assume this is something you believe you are already doing so cheers to that!