The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with HappinessIn a culture obsessed with happiness, this wise, stirring book points the way toward a richer, more satisfying life. Too many of us believe that the search for meaning is an esoteric pursuit—that you have to travel to a distant monastery or page through dusty volumes to discover life’s secrets. The truth is, there are untapped sources of meaning all around us—right here, right now. To explore how we can craft lives of meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith synthesizes a kaleidoscopic array of sources—from psychologists, sociologists, philosophers, and neuroscientists to figures in literature and history such as George Eliot, Viktor Frankl, Aristotle, and the Buddha. Drawing on this research, Smith shows us how cultivating connections to others, identifying and working toward a purpose, telling stories about our place in the world, and seeking out mystery can immeasurably deepen our lives. To bring what she calls the four pillars of meaning to life, Smith visits a tight-knit fishing village in the Chesapeake Bay, stargazes in West Texas, attends a dinner where young people gather to share their experiences of profound loss, and more. She also introduces us to compelling seekers of meaning—from the drug kingpin who finds his purpose in helping people get fit to the artist who draws on her Hindu upbringing to create arresting photographs. And she explores how we might begin to build a culture that leaves space for introspection and awe, cultivates a sense of community, and imbues our lives with meaning. Inspiring and story-driven, The Power of Meaning will strike a profound chord in anyone seeking a life that matters. |
Other editions - View all
The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness Emily Esfahani Smith No preview available - 2017 |
The Power Of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness Emily Esfahani-Smith No preview available - 2017 |
The Power Of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness Emily Esfahani-Smith No preview available - 2017 |
Common terms and phrases
adults Albert Camus asked author interview Baumeister belonging Breitbart Buddha called Camus cancer Carlos Eire Christine colleagues Compline Cory Coss cultures of meaning darvishes death depression Detroit Zoo dinner doctor Ed Diener Emeka emotional Erik eudaimonia Eudaimonic event experience feel felt find meaning Frankl friends goals going happiness hedonia human Huta Isay Janeen Journal learned life’s looked Manjari Martin Seligman Mary Anna McAdams McDonald Observatory meditation mother mystical Myth of Sisyphus narrative Newberg parents patients Pennebaker person philosopher pillars Positive Psychology Psilocybin purpose Raúl realized relationships religious René Spitz resilient Roy Baumeister Science search for meaning sense Shibvon sources of meaning spiritual Spitz story storytelling stress Sufi suicide rates Tangier tell there’s things thought told Tolstoy transcendence trauma University Viktor Frankl Well-Being William Damon writes wrote York