Scientists have found that from the point of view of public memory, the main meaning of life is not personal achievements or power, but rather goodwill and devotion to tradition – such conclusions were made based on the analysis of 38 million obituaries in the United States over the past 30 years.
American researchers analyzed 38 million obituaries published in the United States over the past 30 years and came to the conclusion that the main meaning of life from the point of view of public memory is goodwill and devotion to tradition.
A team led by D. Markowitz found that it is these values, and not power or personal achievements, that are most often emphasized in posthumous mentions. This indicates the fundamental role of social connections and respect for cultural norms in the perception of human heritage.
At the same time, the memory of a person depends on gender and age: women are more often noted for caring and interpersonal connections, men – for achievements and fulfillment of duties. Older people, as a rule, leave a mark due to their loyalty to traditions.
Major crises such as the 9/11 attacks, the 2008 global financial crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic have temporarily shifted societal priorities, as reflected in the language of obituaries. This shows that meaning in life is a dynamic concept, shaped not only by personal but also by collective experiences. A life well lived, according to scientists, is one filled with caring for others, maintaining social connections, and respecting shared values.
