My Review of "The Power of Meaning"

Emily Esfahani Smith's The Power of Meaning: Finding Fulfillment in a World Obsessed with Happiness is a ground-breaking book in positive psychology that argues against the importance of happiness for the good life, and in favor of finding meaningful as a fulfilling, good life.

Like many self-help books, this one uses empirical studies, abundant anecdotes and wisdom gleaned from various writers and philosophers to support the idea that four "pillars" can give life meaning:  Belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.  These pillars "are central to religious and spiritual systems, and they are the reason why they historically conferred (and continue to confer) meaning in people's lives".  Smith found these pillars emphasized in her own childhood, growing up in a Sufi community whose members did not doubt the value of their own lives.  But even without the bulwark of religion, individuals can build their own pillars.  No matter what work one does, even menial jobs, "when we reframe our tasks as opportunities to help others, our lives and our work feel more significant".

While I doubt that everyone will be convinced, this is not a book to be overlooked.  In the process of struggling throughout it, there are epiphanies for what a "good life" can mean in every reader's life.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.