The Power of Meaning

Crafting a Life That Matters

By: Emily Esfahani Smith

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

In 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.

A Must Read

I would recommend this book to anyone. I started this book expecting to hear the authors take on meaning and how she found it in life. Instead, I was awed (by both writing and performance) and enlightened. I came out of this book with my own conclusions and a renewed desire to find and explore my own purpose. A must read!

Find meaning,the secret under your nose

You know this truth but you hide it from yourself. How you give it is how you'll receive meaning

Great exploration of meaning

It's a much needled topic for modern living. I find the examples very appealing, easy to follow and quite meaningful. It's a beautifully written book with so much heart. Highly recommend it!

Great performance and fruitful points

I enjoyed different chapters of the book but loved the transcedence chapter, it almost shaked me. The reader performance and clarity made the journey more pleasant as well. Recommended for those whom feel lost and desperate in life. The book points out some valid hints that might light up the path. I would like to emphasize that the transcedence chapter brilliantly points out what meditation and mindfulness seekers are missing in their technique.

Gen X guy here. These are essential life lessons, especially for us lost and disenchanted.

I read Victor Frankel's Man's Search for Meaning in high school. And aside from various existential philosophy studies did not really pick the topic up until 20 years later and I'm so grateful I found this book.