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In this part of the book, the groundwork is laid for use of daily occupations as a meaning-making tool in life. In chapter 1, Frankl’s (1992) claim that existential vacuum and a sense of meaninglessness are the primary problems of the contemporary society are examined. His assertion that meaning-making is the anti-dote to the problem of meaninglessness irrespective of one’s life circumstances is introduced as the rationale for the book. An attempt is made to define meaning from the philosophical and spiritual perspectives. The objective understanding of meaning is compared and contrasted with the subjective view of the construct. A working definition pertaining to the role of every-day experiences as the material from which meaning is constructed is generated.

In chapter 2, the working definition of meaning is verified through an analysis of the experiences of English worker-writers as expressed in their autobiographies. These experiences are used to ground understanding of the construct of meaning in life. In chapter 3, the human search for meaning is metaphorically compared to a journey or quest. Belief supporting institutions (including cultural and religious beliefs and cultural imagination as expressed in folklore, myths, and legends), and intellectual activities through philosophical discourse and scientific inquiry are examined as vehicles that are used by human beings in their journey in search for meaning.

In chapter 4, the sources of meaning in this human quest are identified as establishment of emotionally intense relationships, engagement in work and leisure activities, and adherence to idea systems. The dimensions of meaning in this journey are identified as establishment of a sense of self-worth, a sense of purpose in life, a sense of control irrespective of one’s circumstances in life, and ability to express personal values. The four chapters in part I of the book are intended to prepare the reader for part II in which the way in which occupations are used in conjunction with each of the three sources and four dimensions of meaning at each developmental stage to facilitate a sense of purpose and meaning in life is discussed.