This wise, stirring book argues that the search for meaning can immeasurably deepen our lives, and that it is far more fulfilling than the pursuit of personal happiness
Emily Esfahani Smith is an author and writer who draws on psychology, philosophy, and literature to write about the human experience—why we are the way we are and how we can find grace and meaning in a world that is full of suffering. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, and other publications. She is also an instructor in positive psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an editor at the Stanford University Hoover Institution, where she manages the Ben Franklin Circles project, a collaboration with the 92nd Street Y and Citizen University to build meaning in local communities. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, Emily grew up in Montreal, Canada. She graduated from Dartmouth College and earned a masters in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives with her husband in Washington, DC.
“Beautifully written and rigorously researched, The Power of
Meaning speaks to the yearning we all share for a life of
depth and significance. In a culture constantly shouting about
happiness, this warm and wise book leads us down the path to what
truly matters. Reading it is a life-transforming experience.”—Susan
Cain, author of Quiet
“The analysis that opens the book, and that structures the whole,
is simple and elegant… The insight that, in our daily lives, we
need to think of others and to have goals that include caring for
others or working for something other than our own prosperity and
advancement is the most valuable message in the book.”—The Wall
Street Journal
“A riveting read on the quest for the one thing that matters more
than happiness. Emily Esfahani Smith reveals why we lose meaning in
our lives and how to find it. Beautifully written, evidence-based,
and inspiring, this is a book I’ve been awaiting for a very long
time.”—Adam Grant, author of Originals and Give
and Take; professor at the Wharton School
“From sleep-deprived teens to overworked professionals, Americans
are suffering from an epidemic of stress and exhaustion. It’s clear
our definition of success is broken. As Emily Esfahani Smith shows,
only by finding our purpose and opening ourselves to life's mystery
can we find true well being. Combining cutting-edge research with
storytelling, The Power of Meaning inspires us to zero in
on what really matters.”—Arianna Huffington
“An enlightening guide to discovering meaning in one’s life . . .
Smith persuasively reshapes the reader’s understanding of what
constitutes a well-lived life.”—Publishers Weekly
“Thoughtful . . . Underscoring the power of connection, the author
assures readers that finding meaning is not the result of ‘some
great revelation’ but rather small gestures and humble
acts.”—Kirkus Reviews
"A wonderful, engaging writer . . .
[Smith] offers clear, compelling, and above
all useful advice for how to live with meaning and
purpose."—Rod Dreher, The American Conservative
“This powerful, beautifully written book weaves together seamlessly
cutting-edge psychological research, moving personal narratives and
insights from great literature to make a convincing case that the
key to a good life is finding or creating meaning.”—Barry
Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice; emeritus professor
of psychology, Swarthmore College
“The Power of Meaning deftly tells the stories of people,
contemporary and historical, who have made the quest for meaning
the mission of their lives. This powerful yet elegant book
will inspire you to live a life of significance.”—Daniel H.
Pink, author of Drive
“A beautiful book, full of hope. While drawing on the best
scientific evidence, it also stirs us with powerful narratives of
living full of meaning.”—Lord Richard Layard, Director,
Well-Being Programme, Centre for Economic Performance
“The search for meaning just got a little easier, and a little more
fun. To follow Emily Esfahani Smith in this great human quest is to
undertake a rewarding journey with a sure-footed guide.”—Darrin M.
McMahon, author of Happiness: A History; Mary Brinsmead
Wheelock Professor of History, Dartmouth College
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