Close Ad

Apple CEO Tim Cook Might Have Resolved Our Search for Purpose with One Powerful Statement
Tim Cook at an Apple event
Purpose

Apple CEO Tim Cook Might Have Resolved Our Search for Purpose with One Powerful Statement

What is the meaning of life?

This sometimes agonizing question keeps a lot of people up at night, inspires entrepreneurs, and has the power to either kickstart a self-improvement journey or push someone into a spiral of depression.


It's a question that's tough to answer. But Apple's CEO Tim Cook might just have addressed it once and for all. A couple of weeks ago, he participated in a town hall-style interview for MSNBC's "Revolution: Apple Changing the World" special at Chicago's Lane Tech College Prep High School.

tim-cook-apple-event

One of the lucky attendees -- it's not every day that you get the chance to ask whatever you want to one of the world's most prominent leaders -- asked the CEO what advice he would give to his high-school self. Cook answered with a powerful statement about our relentless search for purpose:

“The truth is we all have the same purpose, and so we should all quit looking. Our purpose is to serve humanity.”

Wait, what? So we should all just stop looking? Keep in mind that Cook himself mentioned that it took him 15 years to define his purpose in life, which means that he must have been searching for meaning throughout a lot of his career.

tim-cook

Though surprising, his advice makes sense if you think about it. First, we are all such different people, but this idea of serving humanity is universal and can be applied in an infinite amount of ways. Second, focusing on serving the collective good actually helps us get a healthy dose of perspective and live a more fulfilling life on an individual level.

And it's a concept supported by science. A recent study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology concluded that "a central feature of meaning in life is a consideration of more than oneself."

We spend so much time searching for meaning through self-introspection, but perhaps the answer has been in front of us (and outside of us) all along.

Hot Stories

Why Paul Walker Left His Only Daughter With Vin Diesel

Vin Diesel & Paul Walker were more than just friends, they were …

content.jwplatform.com

When the tragic news of Paul Walker's death surfaced, the world was left in shock. As one of the most beloved stars of the Fast and Furious franchise, his passing was felt deeply by fans around the globe. But perhaps the most devastating impact was felt by his daughter, Meadow Walker, who was left without a father.

Keep ReadingShow less
Life Stories
cracker barrel waitress in tears
Cracker Barrel Server Left in Shock After a Group of Diners Leave Her a $1,200 Tip (1)

There are many mixed opinions when it comes to tipping. But the reality is that many servers rely on tips to make a decent living, working hard to ensure customer satisfaction with each and every meal.

But even the best of servers don’t expect their patrons to go above and beyond like this group of diners did one day in Georgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News
Woman Whispering questions to man partner
Woman Whispering questions to man partner

How well do you know your partner? We don't just mean their favorite color or movie, but really know them. Beyond daily habits and favorite things, have you ever asked the deep questions? Or serious questions that truly matter? Their likes, dislikes, trauma, regrets, passions, dreams and greatest desires.

RELATED: Do the 36 Questions That Lead to Love Really Work?

These are not meant to undermine your relationship. An honest discussion will benefit you in many ways:

Keep ReadingShow less
Dating