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?
All essential expenses are covered: accommodation, full board, housekeeping, consumables, round-trip transportation, as well as access to shared tools and spaces required for collective projects. Residents remain responsible for their personal expenses and any specific costs related to their individual projects. An artistic grant is also awarded to support each residency.
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 ?
During the winter residency periods, Rocabella focuses on its artist-in-residence program.
What is a creative residency in La Rocabella?
Artistic residencies are periods during which artists and creators come to work on their projects around a specific theme. Residents are supervised by a specialist mentor and can benefit from advice from professional artists or specialists to enrich their creative activity.
