A good life is not achieved alone but with and for others

This is the last of 12 primers on current affairs issues under the news outreach programme by The Straits Times on issues of interest to younger readers

- Venessa Lee

People differ in their views on what makes for a good life.

Let’s take as an example a much-discussed topic – the inflow of foreign workers.

“Some people think the influx of foreign workers is threatening our Singapore identity,” says Associate Professor Adrian Kwek of Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), “whereas others think immigration is a source of economic well-being”.

When people cross swords on a topic like immigration, the clash often reveals diverging beliefs.

Such clashes can result in shouting matches, whether in cyberspace or in person. They often spill over into politics, and can result in deep divides that become difficult to bridge.

How might societies learn to embrace diverse and conflicting aspirations for a good life?

What might help is if more people take the time to try and understand how and why such differences arise, to begin with.

WHAT IS GOOD CAN CHANGE OVER THE COURSE OF SOMEONE’S LIFE

The competitive, capitalist societies many live in today celebrate career success. But meaning and purpose are not to be found in success alone.

Often, such societal goals are too narrowly defined, observes sociologist Nilanjan Raghunath.

“You draw the boundaries yourself,” she says. “Some people draw inspiration and strength from religion or some kind of spiritual awareness, philosophy or nature, for example.”

Dr Raghunath, who teaches at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), says good health, financial stability, emotional and mental wellness, and being socially connected create the optimal foundation for the pursuit of a meaningful life.