Emily Esfahani Smith

The Power of Meaning * crafting a life that matters.
The author has provided the reader a thoughtfully crafted journey into power and meaning in life’s journey. This book is well researched and includes types of meaning that you would not think would be included under the same cover. The author identifies four pillars used to construct meaning in religions and other systems as approaches to discover meaning. They include belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. The author takes you to many places through examples with each pillar, and they are progressively engaging. Again, I appreciate this thoughtful work.
There is one story that describes connection and understanding why connection is important to others even at the point of death. Another story highlights how we deal with suffering can help others along with our personal being. Another commemorates those who keep the world moving and shares how their daily, thankless, actions are so important to build a legacy for others.
Another theme of this work is legacy, and how the many forms of love fuel our definitions of meaning as we connect with something beyond ourselves (including nature). The author quotes Will Durant, “ a meaning that cannot be annulled by death.” This quote contains spiritual significance and points to religious themes of death and transcendence. Whether the reader uses the pillars with religious or secular systems they will be reminded of the basic tenants of their preferred doctrine. The author presented these profound concepts into an enjoyable read.
I received a preview copy of this book as part of the Library Thing early reviewers giveaway. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been selected to read this book and to share this Library Thing review.… (meer)

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.… (meer)