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126 reviews for:
The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness
Emily Esfahani Smith
3.92 AVERAGE
126 reviews for:
The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness
Emily Esfahani Smith
3.92 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
An inspiring and informative exploration of the power of meaning in our lives. The author draws on modern research as well as ancient and modern philosophy to make her case, and does a good job of it. As I enter into a new phase of my life, reading this book was timely and helped me work through some good ways of approaching it. Well worth reading for anyone.
This book scratches my itch for secular spirituality blended with a little bit of science. The logic it presents is consistent and comforting. I'm sure in some ways it's oversimplifying things, but that's the natural extension of writing an accessible book on a complex topic. I wonder how some of the examples will age, even as I read it today, it feels like a blast from the past as you can tell it was researched and published pre-pandemic. But I would be interested in reading an update incorporating all the cultural shifts that have happened post 2020.
emotional
informative
Interesting and enjoyable. Lots of stories to emphasize points, so much so the points got a little lost. I could have used a more detailed summary at the end. I'll look for one online. Definitely worth the read!
This is by far one of my new favorite books, and I’ll be reading it again in the future. I’ve dealt with mental health challenges my whole life and also worked in the mental health field. Something I used to struggle with is something so many people struggle with, and that’s finding meaning and purpose in life. If you’ve ever struggled with depression, existentialism or nihilism, this book is a must-read. Emily Esfahani Smith wrote this incredible book that has a wealth of research to help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.
The book not only has a ton of research, but it also has a bunch of heart-warming stories about people who have found meaning in their life. When I got sober, I found that finding ways of being of service to others on a daily basis has given me meaning, and it’s something I teach my son. In this book, the author explains the research to back up what I found through 12-step programs 11 years ago that changed my life forever in the best way possible.
The one criticism I see this book having is people discussing the issues with our capitalist, individualistic society. I can see how some can take this book as saying, “Even if you’re broke and have a terrible, soul-crushing job, you can find meaning”, and that’s not the solution. I’d argue that while yes, there are many systemic issues we need to work on, they aren’t getting fixed today. And by taking the scientific advice from this book, you can stop being miserable enough to get out there and do the work to try and create a better society for all of us and our future generations.
The book not only has a ton of research, but it also has a bunch of heart-warming stories about people who have found meaning in their life. When I got sober, I found that finding ways of being of service to others on a daily basis has given me meaning, and it’s something I teach my son. In this book, the author explains the research to back up what I found through 12-step programs 11 years ago that changed my life forever in the best way possible.
The one criticism I see this book having is people discussing the issues with our capitalist, individualistic society. I can see how some can take this book as saying, “Even if you’re broke and have a terrible, soul-crushing job, you can find meaning”, and that’s not the solution. I’d argue that while yes, there are many systemic issues we need to work on, they aren’t getting fixed today. And by taking the scientific advice from this book, you can stop being miserable enough to get out there and do the work to try and create a better society for all of us and our future generations.
This book was excellent. So much so that I bought my own copy. It is a wonderful look into the study of meaning and how we can implement it into our lives as well as how others have done so. It was well researched and fun to read. Very aplicable to yourself and others if you are in a helping profession. I highly recommend it.
An interesting read that talks about the factors that we use to create meaning. Some duplication from other books that I've read, but a good summary of the latest in brain science and psychology. Worth the read.
The overall message of the book can be summed up in this sentence from the introduction: "As three scholars put it, “The more directly one aims to maximize pleasure and avoid pain, the more likely one is to produce instead a life bereft of depth, meaning, and community.” But those who choose to pursue meaning ultimately live fuller—and happier—lives."
The rest of the book is an outline of her thoughts about what constitutes meaning, and lots and lots of anecdotes to fill the space.
It felt a little bit like an expanded TED Talk, and you could probably get more value from reading the books she recommends at the end of the kindle version, especially Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.
The rest of the book is an outline of her thoughts about what constitutes meaning, and lots and lots of anecdotes to fill the space.
It felt a little bit like an expanded TED Talk, and you could probably get more value from reading the books she recommends at the end of the kindle version, especially Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced