There are two centers of the human psyche. The ego is the center of the conscious mind and the inner self is the center of the unconscious mind. The inner self is older, in terms of evolution. It long came before the ego, and continues to exist. The inner self is connected to our DNA; collective human. The ego evolved, as a secondary center, somewhat detached from the DNA and inner self; unique, choice and willpower.
The meaning of life is about the ego learning how to optimize itself, as well as the inner self. The needs of both have to balanced to feel happy. The main problem of life, is for the most part, the ego is not aware of the inner self. Therefore, as the ego attempts to optimize the ego, the ego still does not feel satisfied and happy; no inner self glow, even though they go through all the cultural motions, of what they are told and assume, will make the ego happy.
The analogy is marriage or an intimate relationship between two people. This binary arrangement will not work well, if both ignore the other and try to optimize only themselves. When both partners are working as a team, both compromising egocentric needs, in favor of the team, the team becomes more than the sum of its parts. Marriage is a big adjustment for the ego.
On the other hand, if each team member has their own agenda, the team will stay in a state of tension and conflict. It is hard to enjoy playing video games all day, while the other member of the team is nagging about this. What should bring happiness; playing video games all day, instead brings protest, until life seems to be about suffering.
Religions deal with ego sacrifices to a higher power. This about the needs of the inner self; inner voice. Instead of playing video games all day, which was fun when you were single, you sacrifice the all day, and limit this to one hour at night, after all chores are done. The feedback from your spouse; inner self, is now more positive and the game is now fun once again. A balance has been achieved. This only works if you are aware there are two centers, each with needs, that impact a team, that has to stay together even if things get bad. You cannot divorce the inner self. It is center of the CPU that controls the body and mind.
Ego centric pain and suffering, leading to suicide, can usually be traced back to an unhappy inner self, made unhappy, by one sided ego choices. The urge to end it all, is a teaching symbol from the inner self. It is trying to get the ego to get back to center; symbolic ego sacrifice. If the ego is just too self centered and continues to assume it is all about me, the ego will make the wrong choice for the symbol. All the inner self wanted was the ego to let go, and let the inner self heal; let go, reach rock bottom, leading to rebirth.
Culture does not teach people about the inner self. This is often left as the realm of religion. Instead secular culture teaches that consciousness is a unity, and that a duality is a pathological state, similar to psychosis. If you say inner voice your are assumed crazy. The goal is to replace the inner self, with the super ego of culture; exploit the ego of many for the ego-centric money and power of a few.
With money and power you can get the audience to cheer you, even when you make bad choices; buy yes men. This can trick the ego to feel it has the inner self feedback, from outside itself. It sort of works, but not for everyone, since the social pie is not large enough for all to be millionaires and Senators. Most people end up living a life that is a blend of short term happiness and suffering. The inner self remains, unconscious.