Tony Robbins: 'It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives.'

It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives.

At first glance, Tony Robbins' quote, "It is not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute... that gives meaning to our lives," encapsulates a powerful message about the essence of human existence. It emphasizes that the true value and fulfillment in life lies not in material possessions or personal achievements, but in the development of our character and the contributions we make to the world around us. This quote urges us to shift our focus from a self-centered perspective to a more altruistic one, highlighting the significance of personal growth and making a positive impact on others.While Robbins' quote in itself is thought-provoking, introducing an unexpected philosophical concept adds an extra layer of intrigue and depth to our exploration. Let's delve into the concept of existentialism and contrast it with Robbins' perspective to gain a broader understanding of the human experience.Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, calls into question the meaning and purpose of life. Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent existentialist philosopher, famously stated, "Existence precedes essence," meaning that individuals create their own meaning and purpose in life through their actions and choices. Here, we encounter a contrast with Robbins' assertion.In contrast to Robbins' belief that contributions and personal growth give meaning to our lives, existentialism suggests that life lacks inherent meaning without individual subjectivity and responsibility. According to existentialism, we have the freedom to shape our lives and derive significance from our choices. It places the burden on us to create meaning, rather than emphasizing external factors such as contributions or personal development.Nevertheless, while the existentialist perspective challenges the notion of an inherent meaning, it does not dismiss the importance of personal growth and contributions altogether. In fact, existentialists argue that in the pursuit of self-authenticity, individuals must continually grow, develop, and contribute in a way that resonates with their personal beliefs and values. By aligning our actions with our true selves, we create a meaningful existence, not necessarily by societal standards, but by our own individual convictions.Returning to Robbins' quote, we can see a potential synthesis emerging from the interplay between his viewpoint and existentialism. The existentialist emphasis on individual subjectivity complements Robbins' belief that it is not simply what we achieve, but who we become that gives meaning to our lives. Our personal growth, self-discovery, and contributions can be seen as manifestations of our existential freedom, as we actively shape the narrative of our existence.In essence, while Robbins' quote captures the core essence of the human experience by highlighting the importance of personal growth and contributions, the introduction of existentialism broadens our understanding, provoking deeper questions about the nature of meaning and purpose. It encourages us to embrace our individual autonomy and responsibility, acknowledging that the choices we make and the values we uphold in our journey of self-discovery ultimately determine the significance we find in life.Ultimately, whether we resonate more with Robbins' perspective or find ourselves drawn to existentialist ideas, the exploration of these contrasting viewpoints opens avenues for introspection. It challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and encourages us to contemplate what truly gives our own lives meaning. Perhaps the answer lies not in choosing one over the other, but in recognizing the intricate interplay between personal growth, contributions, and the inherent subjectivity of the human experience, leading us to lead lives enriched with purpose and fulfillment.