Anthony Bourdain, a guy I really loved, committed suicide recently. I was flabbergasted: he seemed like he had it all! Why did he do it?

RIP Anthony, you were loved.

Anthony seemed to have an interesting nomadic life on the road, an incredibly popular travel and food show, he did a show with Obama (eating bùn chả with him in Hanoi), and was loved by millions around the world. He seemed to have it all: fame, a modest fortune, and was loved and acclaimed by millions. But he obviously wasn’t happy, or had some other issues which led him to commit suicide. Why did he kill himself, and what’s sufficient for “happiness” in life?

Fulfillment and purpose in life for happiness

Well, obviously fame and fortune isn’t sufficient, nor even this concept that you’re “on the up and up”. Anthony Bourdain killed himself when he was still becoming more famous and “successful” by modern standards.

Now, it has been reported that he has suffered from depression, had drug problems in the past, and also family/partner strife. Also that he was being overworked and constantly exhausted from traveling and his grueling film schedule.

So my theory is this:

Perhaps he didn’t feel “fulfilled” in life, or he wasn’t feeling like what he was doing was “meaningful” enough.

Of course this is all just my theory, and I don’t think anybody would ever know.

But still, it makes me wonder– what’s the necessary prerequisites to happiness, human flourishing, and what do people really want out of life?

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I think most Americans think that money, fame, or influence will bring them happiness.

Not everyone wants fame or influence, but I think everyone desires money; either more money, or enough to feel “rich”, or to have “financial independence”.

But obviously, this isn’t enough for happiness in life.

Because once we have wealth, power, influence, prestige, or fame — what’s next? Just more of it?

I would say perhaps true happiness is closer to the Greek concept of “eudaimonia”, which means “human flourishing”.

So instead of us seeking for “happiness”, we should seek doing more things in life or creating more things in life which gives us a strong sense of purpose, significance, and joy.

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Even for myself personally, I try to do the following:

Assume I’m gonna die tonight in my sleep, and spend today only working on what I feel is meaningful to me, and will empower present and future generations of humanity.

I call this the “memento mori” lifestyle. Think of death on a daily basis, and never waste a single day. Because you never know when you’ll die; whether from a car accident, hidden allergy that will kill you, or any other random disease, heart attack, or cancer you might get.

Live today like it were your last, and remember, always prioritize your own happiness and flourishing in life before helping others. What’s the point of helping others if you’re suffering, and you might fall into such a deep depression that you’d kill yourself?