New Meaning In Life Research Articles

Coping and end-of-life decision-making in ALS: A qualitative interview study.

How do people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS) deal with their diagnosis and engage in end-of-life decision-making? What informational or supportive needs do they have for counselling about life-sustaining treatment and end-of-life care? Which correlating conditions and influences relate to these needs and how do they connect to the wish to die or wish to live? We conducted a qualitative interview study with 13 people with ALS in Germany from March 2019 to April 2021. Data collection and analysis followed a grounded theory-based approach and revealed close relationships between coping, informational needs and the preparedness for decision-making. We identified the coping strategies 'avoid thinking about end-of-life' and its counterpart, 'planning ahead to be well-prepared,' and differentiated the latter into the patterns 'withdrawing from life and taking precautions against life-prolongation' and 'searching for a new meaning in life and preparing for life-sustaining treatment'. The approaches are based on individual perceptions, attitudes and motives and can be positively/negatively reinforced by healthcare professionals (HCP), family and other interpersonal networks, but also by disease progression and in reaction to health care services. Type and degree of needs concerning information and counselling differed according to coping strategies. These strategies may vary over time, resulting in different support needs. Our findings signify that deep insight is needed into PALS' coping processes to understand their decision-making about life-sustaining treatment. Healthcare professionals should be sensitive to illness experiences beyond medical aspects and foster coping as a biographical process to better support people with ALS.

The intensive care unit diary as a valuable care tool: A qualitative study of patients’ experiences

ObjectivesThe aim is to learn about patients' experience of reading the diary, assess attributed meaning and explore patients’ experience and memories during their stay in the intensive care unit. SettingEleven patients who received the diary after a stay in a nine-bed cardiac intensive care unit in Southern Switzerland, from November 2019 to October 2021. Main Outcome MeasuresDescriptive qualitative research was performed using semi-structured interviews, followed by thematic analysis. Three research nurses conducted individual telephone or face-to-face interviews. FindingsFifteen sub-themes emerged from the data interviews and were grouped into five main categories: a) the experience in the intensive care unit; b) Post Intensive Care Syndrome symptoms; c) the patient diary; d) new meaning of life; and e) sharing. Patients showed difficulties in remembering and understanding what happened during the hospitalization period. Reading the diary enabled them to understand the impact that the illness had on their daily experience. For some of them, reading the diary was helpful in reacting positively during moments of discouragement. ConclusionQualitative approach allowed us to assess how patients perceive the diary in the intensive care unit in a cultural context of Central and Southern Europe, which is still poorly investigated. The diary responded to the person's need to know what happened during a period that they had no memory of. Its use demonstrated important benefits, allowing people to understand the impact that the illness had on everyday life. It allowed them to relate to the difficulties encountered during the healing process. Thus, the diary played an important role during the healing process. Implications for clinical practiceThe diary was appreciated by patients during all stages of recovery from severe and acute illness. Gaps within the narration were avoided, in order to provide patients with a better timeline of the events occurred during the time they were unconscious.

ACQUIRED MOTOR DISABILITY AND RESILIENCE IN ADULTS SURVIVORS OF SEVERE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS: A RETROSPECTIVE CLINICAL AND PROJECTIVE STUDY

The researcher addressed the study of evaluating the context of resilience in adults who, for over three (03) years, have experienced a severe traffic accident resulting in complete lower paralysis. Drawing on psychoanalytic exploration of resilience on one hand, and clinical and psychodynamic analysis of acquired motor disability in adults on the other hand, the concept of resilience was considered within the adopted definition as a dynamic context culminating in the integration of compounded shock (facing real threat of death and the shock linked to self-loss). This is followed by a rebound and identity reconstruction, ultimately leading to the resumption of life in a new direction, intertwined with a new body. Emphasis was placed on the idea that the context is influenced by the continuous interaction between each participant's internal psychological resources and external resources represented by their family and social environment, which they might have access to. To achieve this, the researcher resorted to qualitative analysis, employing semi-structured clinical interviews and projective techniques, including the Rorschach test and the Thematic Apperception Test (T.A.T). Furthermore, certain dimensions of psychological functioning were considered, such as the breadth of imaginative space, mentalization’s quality, the adaptive use of defense mechanisms and finally, the process of identity reconstruction. On the other hand, the external reality was approached through the potential encounter of the participants with a supporting person that assists them in regaining their re-narcissization. The results unveiled variations in the paths each participant took towards achieving resilience. This was linked to the diverse and effective interplay between their inner psychological reality and individual resources. The presence of a good resilience caregiver was noted to assist in surpassing the traumatic experience. A few participants displayed superficial resilience, while the results also demonstrated a diversity in the meaning assigned to the compounded traumatic event,including divine punishment, predestination, self-validation, and the discovery of new meaning in life

TRANSFORMATION OF LIFE AND PERSONAL VALUES SYSTEM OF MODERN UKRAINIAN YOUTH

The realities of modern Ukrainian's life at this historical moment of the struggle for independence in the conditions of social tension are quite complex and uncertain. Ukrainians are losing not only their material wealth, but life and personal values are changing in their minds. Everything that was important a year or two ago is not a priority now. The change of values, the search for a new meaning of life is one of the main fundamental principles of the modern Ukrainians' life. The main social task for every citizen is social and personal self-determination, as well as the active formation of a new worldview. Each individual is capable of realizing the value of his own life, as well as the lives of the people around him, based on his own worldview and his place in society. The formation of a person's ideas about values and value orientations presupposes their understanding and filling with specific content. The formation of values among modern Ukrainian youth occurs due to their connection with the outside world, the variety of social relations in which they are, and due to the knowledge of their own experiences. The main research methods: observation, survey, statistical analysis. The article emphasizes the identification of changes in personal values and value orientations of the youth of Ukraine. The main results of the research give reasons for asserting that the phenomenon of searching for life and personal values by a young person is one of the priority areas of scientific research. Due to the search, determination of the main and reshaping of the established value orientations of the modern youth of Ukraine, the worldview and meaning of life are changing. It is safe to say that such changes will help build own life path as a holistic process, as well as make one's abilities and opportunities of the environment as much as possible in solving life problems and achieving important goals. The author's interpretation of the terms "life values", "personal values", "value orientations of Ukrainian youth" is proposed.

"Holding Space": A Phenomenological Exploration of Mindfulness-Based Practice With Veterans Who Have Experienced Trauma.

The current phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of Veterans who completed a 4-month mindfulness program. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 12 Veterans using a Socratic method of interviewing, which yielded rich contextual narratives. Analysis was guided by a hermeneutic process to disclose concealed meanings. Findings demonstrate how holding space allowed deep healing and are presented under two distinct themes: It's a We Thing! encompasses what being in a community with nonjudgmental others afforded participants; and Quiet Your Mind, Quiet Yourself, Your Body is related to how practices of mindfulness taught participants to cope with daily challenges. Nurses working with Veterans may use mindfulness and peer support interventions to help transform trauma into profound healing and help Veterans find new meaning in life. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(7), 47-55.].

Philosophy and the War

Fritz Mauthner’s essay Die Philosophie und der Krieg, published in October 1914, is among the nationalist writings of Mauthner written during the First World War. The essay explores the question of returning to philosophy after the war. Asking this question, Mauthner examines the relationship between war and philosophy and argues that the two concepts do not share any substantial points of contact. During his discussion, an unspoken premise of the question about the return to philosophy is revealed: as the science of reason, philosophy cannot understand war. The profession of philosophy can neither contribute to a military victory nor end the people’s suffering. Hence, philosophers should remain silent in times of war. Mauthner himself did not adhere to his demand. In 1914, he believed that Germany would be victorious, and emphasised in his essay that war reveals a new meaning of life by giving a meaning to death.

Occupational therapists' perceived ability to treat and assist bereaved individuals to find new meaning in life through engagement in therapeutic activities

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies on bereavement have focused on the implications for bereaved individuals from behavioural and psychological perspectives. Limited literature discusses occupational therapists' perceived ability to treat bereaved individuals and how activities can be used to create new meaning to their lives. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative design was employed in the study to elicit occupational therapists' perceived ability to treat bereaved individuals find new meaning in their life. Thirty-five occupational therapists were recruited, and nine participated in two focus groups. Data collected were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Three themes emerged, namely: (1) activities used in occupational therapy creates opportunities for new meaning to life after loss of a loved one, (2) appropriate occupational therapists' helping skills and professional behaviour to assist and treat the bereaved, and (3) perceived barriers to positive outcomes in treating the bereaved. CONCLUSION: Bereaved individuals often have impaired performance in occupations and emotional processing. The effects of bereavement were addressed using the appropriate occupational therapist helping skills and professional behaviour to guide holistic, occupation-based and client-centred treatment. Bereaved individuals were treated through purposeful activities, facilitation of therapeutic groups and self-management skills training which seemed to create opportunities for new meaning in their life. Occupational therapists need to be cognisant of the barriers that negatively influence the positive outcome of occupational therapy services.

Unpacking characteristics of spirituality through the lens of persons of colour living with serious illness: The need for nurse-based education to increase understanding of the spiritual dimension in healthcare.

To examine the characteristics of spirituality as expressed by persons of colour living with serious illness. Spiritual, Religious and Existential Care, as specified in the National Consensus Project (NCP) Guidelines, is a core domain of palliative nursing. A constructionist approach to narrative analysis was used for this study and reported in accordance with the COREQ guideline. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted with 20 participants. These participants included persons of colour living with serious illness who were admitted to an acute-care hospital. Through a deductive coding approach, a codebook was created based on a broad definition of spirituality including: religion, self, family, community, nature and art/music/literature. The major themes expressed were religion, self and family. Subthemes of religion included increased faith, support of the church community and God's intervention in patients' lives. Subthemes of self included increased self-worth, self-awareness of one's place in the world and individualised transition to new meaning in life. Subthemes of family included family adding meaning and purpose to their lives, family as an important source of strength and support, wanting to regain their health to go back to caring for their families, and believing that their illness had brought their family closer together. The thematic analysis revealed a broader existential aspect of what brought value, meaning and purpose into their lives, despite their progressive physical illness. More research is needed to understand spiritual, religious or existential needs of persons of colour living with serious illness and how nurses can best support these needs. By understanding the components of spirituality, nurses can learn to recognise the signs of spiritual distress. This awareness also helps to know when a spiritual specialist is needed-either the patient's own spiritual guide(s) or the hospital chaplain. Nurses can also use spiritual assessment tools when performing a general assessment on the patient. By understanding the components of spirituality, nurses can learn to recognise the signs of spiritual distress. This awareness also helps to know when a spiritual specialist is needed-either the patient's own spiritual guide(s) or the hospital chaplain. Nurses can also use spiritual assessment tools when performing a general assessment on the patient.

The Concept of Parenthood in Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns

Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns are two heart-wrenching novels that glorify the power of indestructible love and affection. The protagonists of both of the novels Amir and Mariam undergo several psychological, familial, and political plights in their life. They show their undefeatable and unconditional spirits in their quests to overcome their predicaments–to achieve their desired identities. In this way, they slowly walk on the path to parenthood. In their pursuits of life, they struggle to protect Sohrab and Laila and to ensure a bright future for them. Their indomitable effort to decorate the life of Sohrab and Laila gradually eradicates all their discontentment of life and turns them into contented parents. The study aims to focus on the concept of parenthood portrayed in the novels. It analyses how parenthood offers a new meaning of life to Amir and Mariam releasing them from the havocs that they have experienced in their life.

Effects of dignity therapy on palliative patients' family members: A systematic review.

Dignity therapy (DT) is a kind of psychotherapy that identifies the main concerns of end-of-life patients that affect their perception of dignity and helps them to find a new meaning in life. Most prior studies on DT analyze outcomes for palliative care patients. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the outcomes of DT in palliative care patients' family members. In June 2020, a bibliographic search was performed using the terms "Dignity Therapy" and "Palliative Care" in the following databases: Cochrane library, TRIP database, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Of the 294 articles found, 8 met the selection criteria and were considered in the present study. No articles were excluded based on their publication date. Family members generally believe that DT helps them to better prepare the patient's end-of-life and overcome the bereavement phase. The legacy document was considered a source of comfort, and most would recommend DT to other people in their situation. DT is generally considered as important as any other aspect of the patient's treatment. There is evidence of the benefits of DT for palliative patients' family members. However, there are still few studies that evaluate these outcomes. The existing evidence is poorly generalized, and thus, further studies are needed to deeply explore the benefits of this therapy both for patients and their families.

PERCEPTION OF TIME PERSPECTIVE IN WIDOWS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DURING THE FIRST YEAR AFTER THE LOSS

The aim: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the loss of a loved one on the perception of subjective time as well as analyse the changes occurring during the psychological care programme, in which special attention was given to finding a new meaning in life. Materials and methods: The study was undertaken with 240 wives of deceased law enforcement officers. The age of the respondents ranged from 28 to 56 years. According to the results of the analysis of personal data and interviews obtained during the empirical study, experimental and control groups were formed – 32 women who had been widows for up to one year and expressed a desire to receive psychological assistance formed an experimental group (EG), while 34 others formed a control group (CG). They subsequently participated in the formative part of the experiment which provided 10 months of psychological support with preliminary and repeated psycho-diagnostic testing. Results: The article theoretically analyses studies by foreign and domestic experts on a person’s perception of his psychological time under the influence of emotional trauma. It presents the results of a comparative experimental psychological examination of the widows of law enforcement officers to determine the tendency for changes in the perception of the time perspective while experiencing grief. Conclusions: A break caused by a loss, especially that of a loved one, disrupts a holistic view of life. Such breaks result in mental health problems, which in turn impact social relations and social realisation. Timely psychological assistance helps solve problems of legitimising behavioural change and accumulating resources for adapting to changing life scenarios.

Learning in retirement: Developing resilience and becoming a resourceful practitioner of life

The aim of this paper is to highlight the significance of symbolic resources for people in later life in retirement as a transition process. They learn to build resilience by seeking meaning and purpose in life and become resourceful practitioners of life as they experience the transitions of change and ruptures necessitated by retirement. The study draws on a theoretical framework consisting of sociocultural theory and related perspectives. This framework enables me to capture the dynamic ways in which people in later life learn to take control and overcome adversities and life challenges, in which they seek a new meaning of life, identify the life purpose, master new skills and creatively use social support. As an illustrative example I present a single-case interview-based study of a person in retirement. A thematic analysis of the interviews shows how she uses symbolic resources and draws on relational agency to meet her current needs, pursues new-found passions and achieves life goals. Lastly, I address theoretical implications for furthering the project on learning in later life.

Overcoming existential loneliness: a cross-cultural study

BackgroundMoving into a long-term care facility (LTCF) can reduce the ability for older adults to engage in meaningful roles and activities and the size of their social network. These changes and losses can lead them to experience existential loneliness (EL)—the intolerable emptiness and lack of meaningful existence resulted from the losses they have experienced. While EL has often been understood as a universal human experience, it has primarily been studied in people from Western cultures; little is known about how EL may be experienced by and manifested in people from Eastern cultures. Hence, this qualitative study aimed to describe the experience and coping of EL in Hong Kong Chinese and Swedish older adults living in LTCFs.MethodsA qualitative study using Thorne’s (2004) interpretive description was conducted. Thirteen Chinese and 9 Swedes living in LTCFs in Hong Kong, China and Malmo, Sweden, respectively were interviewed about their experience of EL in two series of semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe core theme of “overcoming EL” described the participants’ experience of EL, which came about through the combined process of “Feeling EL” and “Self-Regulating”. Both Chinese and Swedish participants had similar experience with EL. Realizing that they did not want to living with EL anymore, they coped by reframing their experience and identifying new meaning in their life.ConclusionsThe study findings suggested that early and clear counselling support that help older adults to define new meaning in life may help them cope. In addition, more opportunities should be available at the LTCFs to promote quality relationships, enable older adults to reflect on their lives with pride, and support their ability to do the things they enjoy.

The social and biological aspects of human death and social downshifting as a philosophical problem

Social downshifting is emerging as one of the key strategies of optimizing and maintaining the quality of human life in view of the prospect meet one's death with dignity. The aim of the issue is to conceptualize the term “social downshifting”, by analyzing the relationship between social and biological aspects of death and the connection of a person's understanding of his/her death with his/her social self-identification. In this study the functional approach was used in its value interpretation, that is, as a method of value functionalism. If social downshift emerges as a social value, it can have different functional consequences - institutional, organizational, communicative. On the other hand, the functional choice of a person in favor of social downshift as accepting a new value of the state of limited functional capacity can have very different value reasons - biological (anthropologic, environmental, etc.) or social (ethical, religious, political, economic, etc.). Social downshifting is not an outgrowth of social identity frameworks, but rather their artificial (possibly temporary) narrowing. While there may be objective reasons for this, social downshifting is still the result of the subjective, conscious position being taken by an individual, with which he or she is replacing his/her previous, socially aggressive and expansive position. Changing of the social identification is the best alternative to the uncompensated loss of grounds for the individual’s ordinary method of social identification. The uncompensated loss of identity is essentially social death of a person - full or partial, and it is not surprising, therefore, that it often entails overt or covert suicide, that is, premature, artificially caused physical death. Therefore, social downshifting as a realistic variant of changing the social identity of an individual in unfavorable circumstances, acts as a safeguard against suicide. With successful social downshifting, the person acquires a new meaning of life and new, acceptable living conditions. Thus, a person is motivated to use the technological life-extension capabilities that global civilization offers.

The Meaning of Life Related to Heart Disease and Its Relationship to Quality of Life After Repeat Coronary Artery Angioplasty.

Following angioplasty for coronary artery disease, patients may search for a new meaning of life. The purpose of this study was to determine patients' meaning of life related to heart disease and its relationship to quality of life after repeat coronary artery angioplasty. The current descriptive-correlation study recruited 144 patients with coronary artery disease admitted to hospitals in Karaj, Iran. Data were collected using a demographics questionnaire, the Meaning in Heart Disease (MHD) instrument, and the Iranian version of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and were analyzed with descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation. There was a significant relationship between the meaning of life related to heart disease (creating illusions, changing goals, reattribution, and meaning congruence) and quality of life scores (p <.05). The majority of the patients undergoing repeat angioplasty used the creation of illusions to support a positive attitude toward their heart disease. Nursing interventions based on the individual patient's meaning of life can promote health and life quality.

The Phenomenon of Community Reintegration for Veterans with Burn Injury: Supportive Communities and Future-Oriented Thinking.

Combat missions in the Middle East have resulted in approximately 52,000 U.S. veterans who have been wounded in action, with 10% of whom suffered burn injuries. More than 90% of the wounded survived, but many were unable to return to military service. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that impacted reintegration of veterans with combat burn injuries. Using a mixed-methods approach and analysis, we asked veterans with combat burns "What was your experience reintegrating into the civilian community?" Additionally, we administered the Community Reintegration of Injured Service Members (CRIS) tool to measure the current level of reintegration. Six veterans with combat burn injury identified two major themes: supportive communities and future-oriented thinking. Supportive communities are defined as communities that are veteran-specific, provide long-term burn/injury care, are financially beneficial, and support hobbies, education, and work opportunities. Future-oriented thinking is defined as thinking in which a veteran experiences a turning point in recovery, has a desire to serve others, develops new meaning in life, and experiences posttraumatic growth. In both themes, peer support was a key component. Community reintegration was enhanced by future-oriented thinking and a supportive community, both of which can be buoyed by peer support. These findings are similar to other studies noting the importance of peer support for veterans. Studies of civilians burn survivors describe similar reintegration issues. These two factors may also be applicable to those survivors. Further qualitative inquiry into peer support in the burn community at large may reveal more actionable evidence which could enable burn survivors to meet the long-term goal of community reintegration.

베이비부머의 퇴직 후 관광경험 분석

The purpose of this study was to understand the nature of retired baby boomers' tourism experience. The study findings are based on an analysis of 29 in-depth interviews. Five clusters were developed: “threats of ontological security,” “changes in participation in tourism activities,” “changes in the way of tourism,” “transformative tourism experience,” and “reproduction of new meaning of life.” The tourism experience of the baby boom generation is closely linked to the unique and specific social context in which it was constructed and to the unique personal and contextual experience. In particular, the existential anxiety felt in the post-retirement social pressure of baby boomers is overcome through the transformative tourism experience and reflective tourism experience. As such, post-retirement tourism experiences form a positive meaning in an individual's life, affecting self-identity. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of this study result are discussed.

Ekphrasis and Its Functioning in the Poetics of Penelope Lively’s Novel The Photograph

In this article, referring to British writer Penelope Lively’s novel The Photograph (2003) the authors reveal the phenomenon of ekphrasis, both photographic and picturesque, also describing its specific features. Interrelations between the text of fiction and the photograph are referred to as photographic ekphrasis and phototextuality , the terms being closely synonymic. The novel contains several descriptions of photographic images and portrait, which were found by one of the main characters. Their description is given through the perception of the lead characters. The photograph, which is provided with a certain microstory, has its own narrative that is supported by the characters’ points of view. Thus, they seek to solve both the direct (hidden in the picture) and the indirect (off-screen) secrets of the text. The characters’ memories, which seemed to be safe and stable, turn out to be relative and unreliable. As a result, polyphony makes the objective knowledge of the past highly questionable and almost impossible. Thanks to the photograph that presents the memory modus, the characters are able to look differently at the “Other”, to acquire new identities and new meaning of life. Despite the fact that the novel presents a photographic and picturesque ekphrasis, the first is leading, because the title of the novel, The Photograph , refers the reader to a certain mode of perception. The article proves that the photographic ekphrasis present in the novel makes it possible to define the novel genre. It is stated that The Photograph is a phototextual novel with dominating psychological and detective elements. In Lively’s novel, ekphrasis performs such functions as: plot-forming, compositional, psychological, characterological, and genre-forming. The analysed novel, on the one hand, is an individual author’s artistic representation of the photographic, on the other — it reflects general trends of modern prose with its increased interest in “visual turn” that takes place in the Humanities in the second half of the twentieth century.

The meaning of aphasia centres from the perspectives of people with aphasia and their relatives: understanding participation in the Dutch context

ABSTRACTBackground: Aphasia can have major consequences for participation. In line with other initiatives around the world, in the Netherlands aphasia centres provide support to people with aphasia and their relatives in the chronic phase to bridge the gap between therapy, rehabilitation, and participation in daily life. Although there is greater focus on participation in health care, the concept of participation is complex and not well-defined.Aims: The purpose of this paper is to understand the value and meaning of the aphasia centres in the Dutch context. We focus on the emic perspectives of people with aphasia and their relatives: how do aphasia centres contribute to building up a meaningful life with aphasia in the chronic phase and how do the centres support them to participate? Hence, this study also contributes to the understanding of the concept of participation and its meaning.Methods and procedures: This qualitative study used a naturalistic case study design in order to get an rich and multi-layered understanding of the context of aphasia centres. Within this context we focused on the experiences and perspectives of people with aphasia and their relatives. To secure involvement of people with aphasia themselves, research methods were attuned to their abilities to participate, and included participant observations, interviews, focus group meetings, and creative methods.Outcomes and results: Aphasia centres help people with aphasia to overcome isolation. They bring new goals and perspectives and help people find new meaning in life. They are experienced as a safe place to learn, overcome shame, and build self-confidence. Working in groups is a valuable element, providing a mutual sense of belonging. Also, people experience they can have a meaningful contribution by helping others. Relatives underscore these values and also feel supported in building up their life with their partner.Conclusions: Aphasia centres are a first step to overcome isolation and bear a first step towards participation in itself. They contribute to overcome barriers to relate to others by building self-confidence and overcome shame. This is a big step stone towards participation in the context outside the centre. From the perspectives of clients and relatives, participation is linked to the concept of being and belonging. At the same time, clients feel it is hard to meet societal norms of participation, framed as paid work, independency and self-reliance. This makes it harder to overcome shame. In this societal context, aphasia centres become even more relevant.

Angesichts des Absurden – Von der metaphysischen Revolte zur islamischen Revolution

The author outlines the idea of the “revolt”, which was defined metaphysically by the writer and philosopher Albert Camus, and applies this theory to the Islamic Revolution in 1979 in Iran. Camus develops an “ethics of solidarity and revolution” against the destiny of humankind which shows how the postmodern inner void can be overcome. This philosophic theory starts with the experiences of the “absurd”, which arises from the discrepancy between the human demand and the earthly reality. The humankind possesses a metaphysical hunger after meaning, which cannot be sated by the world. This leads to a feeling of strangeness, which acts as the basis of the “revolt”, since one cannot find the expected harmony and satisfaction. The author considers the Islamic Revolution promising to re-establish the holy and giving a new meaning of life to the people. He sees this event as an example of history repeating itself, where the searching after meaning is like the labor of Sisyphus.