The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness

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Summary

Notes and Quotes

Introduction

People who feel like they are living their life as if it were a simulation are often lacking meaning. Life is busy but not meaningful. Achievements and busyness feel empty.

Happiness = Enjoyment + Satisfaction + Meaning.

If your life feels meaningless, you will be disengaged and unable to deal effectively with your problems. You will almost certainly be depressed and anxious.'

Chapter 1: The Meaning of Meaning

To find meaning, you have to define what you are looking for.

Meaning is made up of: - Coherence - you are largely in control of your life’s events and how they fit together. - Purpose - you have something about your life that you look forward to. A map to guide you. Progress is possible because you know where you want to go. - Significance - why you are important to those in your life. Why do people love you.

Next two steps: identify your destination, and figure out where you are on the road to that destination.