People of the 21st century: Where we came from – Who we are – Where we are going

Abstract

The current culture emphasizes effectiveness and happiness. In this article, we discuss whether it is possible to function optimally in the professional sphere without existential reflection. As we argue, the need for a meaning of life and giving sense to our activity is fundamental. Universal human needs, optimal functioning models, and developmental patterns throughout life support our perspective. The challenges and problems of midlife transition have a common denominator – personalized awareness of life’s finiteness and fear of death. During midlife, people need philosophical reflection on values basic for the meaning of life. Referring to Søren Kierkegaard, culture promotes fixation on the aesthetic stage, while personality development leads to the ethical and religious stage. It means profound transformation, striving for internal integration, and stabilizing the person’s functioning on higher values. Kierkegaard’s philosophical anthropology and existential psychology promote the pattern of conscious, intentional life, and personal growth.

Keywords

• values
• meaning of life
• kierkegaard
• midlife transition
• optimal functioning