No, the 'meaning of life' is NOT a major cause of unhappiness. There are many causes of unhappiness, but most of it is related to a lack of connection to community, family, friends, and partner. Another major source is struggle for basic survival, and yet another one is physical pain.

The only reason people seek to know the meaning of life is because philosophers and religionists insist that if they find the meaning of life, then they will be happy.

Essentially, when I see people are interested in some things, e.g. religion, psychology, self-help, philosophy, I avoid them like poison. I know that nothing that comes from them will be based on objectivity or be evidence based. They are looking to find contentment and happiness, and none of those four pursuits will give it to them.

That's why I wrote this article.

https://medium.com/tessas-web-log/how-life-should-be-lived-0c7432c7b9eb