英文短篇故事（纽约）438 The Pursuit of Meaning

 　　She was at her counselor's office. She said, "I'm not happy. I can't wait till I die." He said, "Happiness comes and goes. Why waste time thinking about, and seeking, something that's only temporary? Instead, seek meaning." She asked, "'Meaning'? What does that mean?" He said, "Try to make the world a better place. That will give your life meaning. Even picking up a piece of paper on the sidewalk makes the world a better place. When you give more, you'll actually get more. You'll feel more fulfilled¹. Giving won't cost you anything but your time. And when your time is occupied with giving, it won't be occupied with crying. Your life will have purpose. You'll begin every day asking yourself, How can I help out today? Having meaning in your life won't make you happy, but you'll stop feeling like a tiny cork² floating on a giant ocean."

1 fulfilled   

adj.满足的，个人志向得以实现的v.满足( fulfil的过去式和过去分词 )；执行；尽到；应验

参考例句：

• He doesn't feel fulfilled in his present job. 目前的工作未能让他感到满足。
• I withheld payment until they had fulfilled the contract. 他们履行合同后，我才付款。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 cork   

n.软木，软木塞

参考例句：

• We heard the pop of a cork.我们听见瓶塞砰的一声打开。
• Cork is a very buoyant material.软木是极易浮起的材料。