A sense of purpose
Legal guidance with ethical principles
Purpose was established in 2024 by Tessa Laws, a lawyer and entrepreneur, as a practice with an entirely fresh approach to the law.
Our core motivating values are based upon the Japanese philosophy known as ikigai, which translates as ‘a reason for being’.
We strive to provide legal guidance rooted in these ethical principles. In the process, we are committed to donating 10% of our profits to charitable causes.
Mieko Kamiya, authour of ‘On the Meaning of Life'
Ikigai originates from the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan.
The term compounds two Japanese words: iki, meaning life, or alive, and gai, meaning effect, result or benefit. Something that makes life worth living; a raison d’être.
It was first popularised by Mieko Kamiya, in her 1966 book, ‘On the Meaning of Life’. A Japanese psychiatrist who treated leprosy patients at Nagashima Aiseien Sanatorium, Kamiya is regarded as the Mother of Ikigai Psychology. But it was the book ‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’ by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, 50 years later, which helped to popularise the concept in the West.
Meaning and Purpose
Ikigai is all about finding joy and fulfilment in what you do, whether it be work, hobbies, or simply daily activities. Discovering what makes your life meaningful and worthwhile. Finding joy and satisfaction in the activities you engage in, both big and small.
Your ikigai is unique to you, based on your passions, skills, values, and what you can contribute to the world.
It is not a destination, but a journey. Not a fixed goal, but rather a continuous process of finding and pursuing meaning and purpose in life.
Four Intersecting Circles
ModelThinkers suggests a popular way to visualise ikigai is through four intersecting circles representing:
What you love (Passion):
This refers to the things you genuinely enjoy and find fulfilling.
What you are good at (Vocation):
This encompasses your skills, talents, and abilities.
What the world needs (Mission):
This involves identifying areas where you can make a positive impact and contribute to society.
What you can be paid for (Profession):
This focuses on finding ways to monetize your skills and passions to sustain yourself financially.
Meaning and Purpose
Activities that generate the feeling of ikigai are not forced on an individual; they are perceived as being spontaneous and undertaken willingly, and thus are personal and depend on a person’s inner self.
According to a study by Michiko Kumano, feeling ikigai as described in Japanese usually means the feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment that follows when people pursue their passions.
According to anthropologist Chikako Ozawa-de Silva, for an older generation in Japan, their ikigai was to “fit this standard mould of company and family”, whereas the younger generation reported their ikigai to be about “dreams of what they might become in the future”.
Why ikigai Matters
The concept of ikigai has been linked to increased longevity and overall well-being. Having a strong sense of ikigai can provide motivation and a sense of fulfilment, making daily life more enjoyable and purposeful.
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