The Quest for Meaning
from April 7, 2025 to April 27, 2025
Under the supervision of Maxime Rovere, this philosophy residency has explored new media and artificial intelligence on the theme of the Quest for Meaning.
About
Three Sessions, One Big Question
During Easter 2025, three sessions brought together high school philosophy teachers from across the country:
Goals Achieved:
- Produce short, engaging philosophical videos (6–13 minutes) designed for social media
- Explore the question of meaning in formats that are both accessible and thought-provoking
- Spark collective creativity to promote critical thinking and a culture of reflection
Highlights from the Collective Reflections on the Search for Meaning:
1. The Quest that Strikes Without Warning
We don’t always walk around consciously seeking meaning. More often, the need hits us during life’s tougher moments: a breakup, job loss, burnout—or ironically, right after achieving success. These moments tear down our psychological scaffolding and expose a deeper existential void we may have long denied. Growing up, growing old, and facing mortality all force us to reckon with meaning—or the lack thereof.
2. The Modern Obsession With Intensity
Our culture sells us on the idea that life should be intense: passion, success, reinvention. The self-help industry and social media push us to “find our purpose” or risk wasting our lives. But this permanent high is unsustainable. Our brains normalize even the extraordinary. The constant chase can leave us burned out and disillusioned.
3. When Society Itself Starts to Lose Meaning
Meaning isn’t just personal—it’s social. And many shared sources of meaning are breaking down:
- Traditional institutions (family, religion, school) are losing influence
- Climate anxiety is challenging our growth-based economic model
- Technology is moving faster than people can follow
- Rising inequality and disconnection from scientific knowledge widen the gap between elites and everyone else
Old stories don’t stick like they used to. We need new ones.
4. The False Fixes
Not all answers help. Denial, nostalgia, extremism, and dogma may promise meaning—but they often deepen the void. Escapism, fantasy, or forcing belief systems onto others are tempting but ultimately unsatisfying paths.
5. Meaning Is a Team Effort
What if meaning isn’t something to consume, but something we co-create? The way forward lies in connection:
- Creating spaces for dialogue and shared thinking
- Reuniting science and the humanities
- Imagining a hopeful, collective future rooted in dignity and equity
- Reclaiming the value of the “common good”
Because meaning isn’t just found. It’s built—together.
FAQ
What is the duration of the residency?
Depending on the themes, a residency can last from one week to several months, which gives participants enough time to immerse themselves in the environment and carry out their projects successfully.
Who can participate in a residency?
The residency is open to artists and researchers aged 21 and over and of all levels of experience. Priority is given to those who wish to exchange with their peers or with other creatives from other disciplines. The selection is based on an application file, which includes a project proposal, a portfolio and a statement of interest. A panel of competent experts reviews all applications.
Are there any costs associated with the residence?
The residence is fully financed and covers all essential expenses: accommodation, full board, cleaning, and most of the tools common to residents to carry out collective projects. However, participants are responsible for any personal expenses they may have and for any specific expenses related to their personal project.
Does the residency include coaching or mentoring?
Each residence is specific. Depending on the themes, participants can have access to personalized coaching and mentoring from renowned experts in their field. Storytelling and pitch training workshops are also often included in programs to help residents better value their work.
Are international applications welcomed?
We welcome applications from around the world for a portion of our residencies. The diversity of perspectives is highly valued in our program and the common language is English.
Please consult the specific residences to see which are in French and which in English.
Are-the residents alone on site ?
Yes, single guests are encouraged to share meals with residents. This is not mandatory but, depending on the affinities, it makes it possible to promote exchanges and the sharing of experiences. In general, the program of stays also includes workshops and specific sessions with artists in residence.
During the residency, Rocabella is open to individual stays for customers that want to escape for few days.
We encourage exchanges between residents and customers. This can allow residents to show their work, and even expand their network, while allowing the customers to discover creative activities and the people behind them. Interactive moments could be imagined, depending on the residencies, to allow the customers to discover, in an inspiring and engaging way, the projects the residents are working on.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Creative residencies are periods during which artists and creatives come to work on their projects, most often around a specific theme, often in collaboration with other artists. Residents are generally supervised by a referent and participate in training sessions in addition to their creative work.
During the residencies, the estate is open to individual stays of customers who come to recharge their batteries at La Rocabella. During these stays, contacts are encouraged to promote exchanges between residents and customers of the estate. Specific sessions are offered to customers to go further on a theme and discover more in an inspiring and interactive way the projects on which residents are working.
