Why do people have to believe that there is some "Greater Meaning" to their life?

Because some people need that. They need to know that there's a reason they suffer, they need an outside motivation to get up and go to work today. Social-Psychological research shows us that people who have a "greater" purpose are generally happier, they are less prone to stress, quicker to rationalize situations that occur to them, and are less likely to hold grudges, commit "immoral" acts, and typically "enjoy the small things" in life. A "greater purpose" doesn't necceserly have to be God, or religion. Some people find it in being a parent, some find if in helping others, some people find it in friends, some people find it in politics, some find it in school, or charity, or in love or writing or in there grandkids, or any type of hobby. It's just something to help them get through there day to day lives. A lot of people don't like living their lives only to their own benifit. It can be horrible selfish feeling. It's not a bad thing to have or not have one. What's wrong is when a person will kill for or put others into harm for this "greater purpose". Some people just want to feel significant, they want to feel like they matter and can have some kind of impact on other's lives. Maslow would call this the a humans desire of legacy. Theoretically, in a certain stage of psychological development everyone wants to put more into the world and leave something behind before they check out for good. The closer a person is to death, or atleast the older they are, the more likely it is that this need will develope. Its not by any means a bad thing. Having a greater purpose has helped many people live long fulfilling lives. It can also be argued that it can also restrict some experiences, but not everyone abides by that restriction. It's just helpful to some.

I'll answer, as you might actually want an answer...and not just be "ranting," or making a statement.. I would suggest that your premise is incorrect, and causing the "confusion." "Why do people have to believe that their life or existence serves some greater purpose?.....I don't need a greater reason to justify myself." This is NOT the basis for questioning, and searching.

It is BECAUSE people have an innate understanding that they DO have a purpose and reason..and know it has been forgotten and or buried... by society, programing, environment, religious teaching, etc. I ask only because I know there ARE answers-

For example:I have no need to convince myself there are Siberian chickens, that lay purple eggs, with 5 yolks in each egg....and off on a discovery of what I have convinced myself is "reality".. and asking why they would do that? I have no need to convince myself that because some people are Oriental,..ALL people SHOULD be Oriental -and off to prove a false premise. I am aware of the differences in culture, skin and features. I might ask why? and might want to understand, on a deeper level..I'd ask pertinent questions until I was satisfied that I understood...(knowing there was some reason).

Those searching for the answers (you so disdain), is from something they have, that you don't. It is a personal awareness, experience, connection with the Universal, and "all that IS." We know there ARE answers. .and it is a natural progression of the human soul... looking for a deeper reason and purpose. Some of us, are probably just more highly evolved than some others...

You have it easier... being able to accept and enjoy...I say, Good for You!! Go and ENJOY! Forget about us and the spiritual quest and innate passion that bothers you so...Why would you even be in the philosophy category? No need to presume some are off on a "fantasy" they created, in order to antagonize you - They know there are answers, (you don't) and will keep looking until they are satisfied..."To each his own..."

My guess is that they'd like to see the forest, not just the trees. To have a "bigger picture" perspective, the web of interconnectedness, than to have to suffer from severe tunnel-vision. The latter being the unfulfilling and willfully limited view of reality.

And you may enjoy your life, but I don't see how you've got one over on those who think there is greater meaning. They enjoy their lives too, so I'm not sure what you're bragging about, it's not like you have some unique advantage that they don't have.

Why do you have to believe there is not some "greater meaning" to your life? Did daddy not give you enough hugs, or are you suffering from some other kind of psychological condition?

Seriously, two can play this game and imply that there is some deep psychological problem that prompts one to see the world the way they do. So, not even here do you have any advantage over the people who think their life has a greater meaning. They can question your psychology and accuse you of having something wrong upstairs just as much as you can imply they do.

So what your point? Oh, that's right, you don't have one, according to your own worldview. Well, at least you're acting consistently. LOL.

If there is no greater meaning to my life, then I'll feel upset and un-special and life will seem rearrrryyy haaawddd. : ( : ( : (

Pretty much, that's why.

To think there is no greater meaning is not a driving force. This is why we are here right now, actually.

The idea that there IS a purpose and value to our actions and lives is exactly what has allowed the human race to get to the point it is at. Consider someone who does not think this, and then someone who thinks there is a greater meaning. Who is more motivated?

i dont think i have some sort of innate purpose in this life, i think i am here because my parents decided to fhclk & pass on their genetic material. I think that since i am here i might as well make my life meaningful in some way & leave at least somewhat of a positive footprint in this world & not just have been here taking up the oxygen & resources of several others who could have been here instead of me. Enjoying my life is part of it too....i enjoy the ride along the way. Having meaning doesnt take away from life's enjoyment in fact it adds to it.

because some people have to believe there is a greater meaning or to them it means nothing at all. that they are nothing and worth nothing.

the meaning of a life is to live and life fully. life is a gift to be squandered and wasted or enjoyed and used to change even a small part of the world in a positive way.

Because the only thing keeping some people from being horrible people is the threat of punishment, and some people wish to strive higher than just going to work to get the money to get the strength to go to work, and on and on, they wish to attempt to add a little "depth and importance" to the act of living, and make it sacred and cherish it unto thee and all that stuff, it's not so bad, religion has it's ups and downs, as everything does, God bless all people if there is a God, Amen.

I think it flows from the innocent assumption that anything rare must be valuable..... life is rare and that too of the human kind is far rarer.

Another factor is that our ego demands that our existence must have a significance.

Anyone can believe anything they want but the "realization" of our greater purpose in life is what makes it real.

See: http://youtu.be/tjLouLHH-_I

Because otherwise your existence is meaningless, and that you might as well kill yourself now if that is the case.