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The Power of Meaning
320 pages, 2017
The search for meaning may be more gratifying than the pursuit of personal happiness, according to this book.
In our culture, there is a notion that finding meaning is some arcane quest that requires you to fly to a faraway monastery or leaf through dusty tomes to discover life's great secret. The truth is, right now, there are untapped sources of meaning all around us.
Emily Esfahani Smith lays out the four pillars upon which meaning relies, based on the latest research in positive psychology, ideas from George Eliot and Viktor Frankl (two thinkers who grappled with the concept of meaning in their own lives), Aristotle, and others great minds, and interviews with seekers of meaning.
Emily Esfahani Smith suggests that chasing happiness can actually make us unhappy. Instead, she encourages us to seek meaning in our lives, which can lead to a more fulfilling existence.
In The Power of Meaning, Smith identifies four pillars that give our lives meaning: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. She encourages us to explore these areas in our own lives to find deeper satisfaction.
Smith emphasizes the importance of storytelling in our lives. By crafting our own narratives, we can make sense of our experiences and find greater meaning in them. So, take a look at your own life story and see what it tells you.
The Power of Meaning also explores the concept of transcendence. This is the feeling of being connected to something bigger than ourselves. It can be a powerful source of meaning, so it's worth digging into.
Feeling like you belong is crucial for a meaningful life, according to Smith. She suggests that we should actively seek out communities and relationships where we feel valued and accepted.
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Emily Esfahani Smith's The Power of Meaning is a compelling exploration of how people can lead more fulfilling lives.
Adam Grant - Organizational psychologistThis important book will help you redefine what a good life means.
Susan Cain - Non-fiction authorThe Power of Meaning deftly tells the stories of people who have found fulfillment in unexpected places.
Daniel H. Pink - Author, SpeakerRecommendations
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