Constructed Meaning Without Cosmic Purpose

Sor Juana created meaning through her intellectual work, relationships, and creative output—not because God assigned her a cosmic role, but because she chose to dedicate herself to something larger than herself. For secular atheists, constructed meaning is the essential psychological and philosophical framework. Without belief in divine purpose or cosmic design, the question becomes urgent: How do we create meaning? This concept rejects both nihilism (life is meaningless, therefore empty) and false comfort (God gives it meaning). Instead, it teaches that humans construct authentic meaning through commitment, community, creativity, and contribution. We create it by choosing what matters to us—whether writing, care work, justice-making, knowledge, or relationships. Sor Juana's life demonstrates that constructed meaning can be as profound and sustaining as faith-based meaning. Secular atheists can build lives of genuine purpose through deliberate choice and commitment. Meaning-making becomes an act of freedom and responsibility.