【讀者分享】 回應陶國璋教授「人生的意義」討論 (Patreon)

After watching the discussion between Prof. Tao Kwok-Cheung and Jacky Fung on the meaning of life, I inadvertently drew parallels to the insights found in economic and financial theories.

The quest for the meaning of life is a deeply personal and quintessentially human endeavor. From philosophers to ordinary individuals, the pursuit of purpose and fulfillment is universal. Interestingly, concepts from economics and finance, such as intrinsic value, expected utility theory, and decision making, offer profound insights into this philosophical journey. By examining these parallels, we can better understand how individuals navigate their lives, make decisions, and ultimately find their own meaning.

Intrinsic Value: The Core of Existence

In the realm of option pricing theory, intrinsic value represents the immediate, tangible worth of an option if exercised right now. This concept can be metaphorically applied to the meaning of life. The intrinsic value of life refers to the inherent worth and purpose that individuals ascribe to their existence. Just as an option being "in-the-money" signifies a positive intrinsic value, a life imbued with meaning and purpose drives hope and motivates individuals to achieve their goals.

When a person perceives their life as having high intrinsic value, they experience a sense of fulfillment and direction. This intrinsic value acts as a guiding star, helping them navigate through challenges and uncertainties. Conversely, when individuals perceive their life as "deep-out-of-the-money," where intrinsic value seems absent, they may feel despair and hopelessness, similar to an option with no immediate worth. This lack of perceived intrinsic value can lead to existential crises and, in extreme cases, even thoughts of suicide.

Expected Utility Theory: The Pursuit of Satisfaction

Expected utility theory, a cornerstone of decision-making under uncertainty in economics, provides another lens through which to view the meaning of life. According to this theory, individuals make choices to maximize their expected utility, which reflects their preferences, risk tolerance, and satisfaction. In the context of life, the pursuit of meaning can be seen as a series of decisions aimed at maximizing one's expected utility.

Each person has unique characteristics and preferences, akin to being risk-averse, risk-neutral, or risk-seeking investors. These individual differences influence how we assess the potential outcomes of our decisions and the satisfaction we derive from them. Just as investors optimize their portfolios to balance risk and return, individuals strive to make wise decisions that enhance their overall satisfaction and well-being.

However, it is crucial to recognize that optimizing for expected utility, rather than merely optimizing for expected outcomes, better reflects the measure of satisfaction based on one's character. For instance, a risk-averse person may derive greater satisfaction from stability and security, while a risk-seeker may find fulfillment in adventure and uncertainty. This personalization of decision-making is essential in the pursuit of a meaningful life.

Decision Making: Crafting a Purposeful Life

Life is a continuous process of decision making, where each choice shapes our path and contributes to our overall sense of meaning. This process mirrors the strategic decision-making involved in portfolio management. Just as investors must evaluate their options, consider their risk tolerance, and aim for optimal strategies, individuals must assess their choices, reflect on their values, and strive for decisions that align with their desired outcomes.

In both life and finance, the importance of making informed and wise decisions cannot be overstated. The decisions we make, whether about career, relationships, or personal growth, have far-reaching implications for our happiness and fulfillment. By understanding and applying the principles of expected utility theory, we can make choices that not only maximize our expected outcomes but also enhance our overall satisfaction and sense of purpose.

Conclusion

Drawing parallels between the meaning of life and concepts from economics and finance provides a unique and insightful perspective on our existential pursuits. Intrinsic value, expected utility theory, and decision making offer valuable frameworks for understanding how individuals navigate their lives, seek fulfillment, and strive for purpose. Just as investors optimize their portfolios to balance risk and return, we too must make wise decisions that align with our values and maximize our satisfaction. In this way, the pursuit of a meaningful life becomes a dynamic and intentional process, driven by our intrinsic values and guided by our unique preferences and characteristics.

Ultimately, the meaning of life is a deeply personal journey, shaped by our decisions and the values we hold dear. While embracing the insights from economics and finance can provide an analytical approach to navigate this journey and make rational choices that lead to a fulfilling and purposeful existence, it is important to acknowledge that contemplating this topic from philosophical perspectives delves much deeper and is far beyond the scope of these modeling concepts.

▶️ 與馮同學討論為何不輕生
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJeb5MDTinA