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 There is a myth in our culture that the search for meaning is some esoteric pursuit that you have to travel to a distant monastery or page through dusty volumes to figure out life s great secret. The truth is, there are untapped sources of meaning all around us right here, right now. Drawing on the latest research in positive psychology; on insights from Aristotle, George Eliot, Viktor Frankl, the Buddha, and other great minds; and on interviews with seekers of meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith identifies four pillars of meaning: Belonging, Purpose, Storytelling, and Transcendence. To bring those concepts 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 found 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 of meaning in our schools, our workplaces, and our communities. Inspiring and story-driven, "The Power of Meaning" will strike a profound chord in anyone seeking a richer, more satisfying life."
Emily Esfahani Smith Books
Emily Esfahani Smith is a writer who delves into the human experience, exploring how true meaning, rather than happiness, can provide fulfillment in a world often obsessed with the latter. Drawing from psychology, philosophy, and literature, she examines the fundamental aspects of human existence. Her work encourages readers to look beyond fleeting pleasures and seek a deeper sense of purpose. Through her insightful prose, Smith guides us toward understanding what truly matters and how to cultivate a more meaningful life.
Garbage Guts
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
In the North Pacific Ocean lives a monster made of trash, A hungry, greedy meanie with a handlebar moustache. And though his name is Garbage Guts, he's often called Big G. He blobs about destroying all the oceans and the seas. Garbage Guts is determined to have the ocean all for himself, and will do just about anything to get his way. How on Earth will this beast be stopped? This action-packed story explores the impact of our waste on the environment, and ways we can help save our planet. This fun and engaging story about recycling and the environment encourages mindfulness and awareness. It features an easy-to-follow fun, rhyming text keeps little ones excited and curious and teaches children the importance of caring for our planet and their environment.
Kora Kerplunk's Travelling Tongue
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
When Kora's tongue gets sick of licking yucky stuff and decides to run away - it travels around the world making friends and experiencing lots of amazing new flavours. How will Kora convince her tongue to return andcan she promise to stop licking gross things?
How to Hug a Cactus
- 32 pages
- 2 hours of reading
How do you hug a cactus? I'd really like to know. You see, I love my cactus, and my hugs will help it grow. A young girl explores the possibilities of hugging her most favourite plant, a cactus.