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The Meaning of Your Life

Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of From Strength to Strength, the definitive account of how the modern world makes meaning so hard to find—and a plan to discover your life’s deepest purpose.

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Arthur Brooks
Author

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3 Pillars of Happiness E-book

A quick-start guide to building a more joyful life. Being happy isn't just about getting the details right. Here are some truths that transcend circumstance and time.

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“As I'm traveling the world, people often ask what I'm reading. I’ve compiled a list of the books that have been impactful to me and think would be the same for you.”

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VIP Access to Arthur’s Virtual Book Launch Party

You’ll have exclusive access to this unforgettable virtual live event celebrating the launch of Arthur's highly anticipated book, The Meaning of Your Life! You’ll gain profound insights as Arthur is joined by an incredible lineup of celebrity guests and top thought leaders from the field. This is your chance to explore life's biggest questions alongside the best—and you’ll have premier access to this inspiring, can’t-miss event!

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About the Book

If you struggle to discern life’s meaning, you’re not alone. Millions today describe a growing sense of emptiness, a lack of purpose and significance. And there’s a reason: Rapid cultural, economic, and technological changes have rewired our brains, reducing their ability to perceive depth and purpose.

In The Meaning of Your Life, social scientist and happiness expert Arthur C. Brooks shows you how to push back against these changes and find the meaning you need to live a happy, fulfilling life.

Relying on cutting-edge science, he offers practical, evidence-based strategies for breaking free of the powerful trends and personal habits that dull your focus on the why of your life. Drawing on the great philosophers and the world’s faith traditions, he shows how everyone can—and must—approach life’s most important and mysterious questions, and provides a blueprint that will help even the most skeptical person find a life of spiritual transcendence, passionate love, and true calling.

“What is the meaning of my life?” is not an unanswerable question, but rather the start of a pilgrimage into unexplored corners of your consciousness.

The Meaning of  Your Life is your handbook for this journey.

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Order your copy today, and read on to learn more about bulk and customization options for your organization, as well as new workshops and keynotes to complement and reinforce the concepts in The Happiness Files.

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What’s inside The Happiness Files?

Building on his popular Harvard Business School course Leadership and Happiness, Brooks begins each essay with sharp observations and behavioral science research that shed light on how happiness really works, then offers experiential wisdom and practical advice. Beautifully written, the essays range from ancient philosophy to literature, pop culture, and the contemporary world of work. They explore topics and challenges such as “Procrastinate This, Not That,” “Why Success Can Feel So Bitter,” and “Five Pillars of a Good Life.”

Readers will find the chapters of the book grouped by theme: 
  • On Managing Yourself
  • On Jobs, Money, and Building Your Career
  • On Communicating and Connecting with Others
  • On Balancing Work, Life, and Relationships
  • On How You Define Success

The Happiness Files Keynotes and Executive Workshops

Apply the lessons of The Happiness Files at your organization to increase revenues, optimize workplace engagement, and increase retention and productivity. Arthur and his team are available for in person keynotes and workshops to complement and reinforce the concepts in The Happiness Files. Topics are aligned with the sections of the book, and can be done as single keynotes, workshops of various lengths, or a combination of the two. Reach out today to learn more about how to customize a program for your team.

Align your Brand with The Happiness Files

A variety of customization options are available through Harvard Business Review Press to transform a thoughtful gift into a lasting symbol of your commitment to creating a happier world.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and e-books for:

  • Premiums at events and conferences
  • Incentives for completing surveys
  • Strengthening investor relations
  • Gifts to reward and thank your best customers and employees
  • Client or employee book clubs
  • Leadership programs
  • Onboarding new employees
  • Talent and skill development
  • Workshops, classes, and retreats

For more information about custom editions and/or bulk orders of The Happiness Files, please contact Lindsey Dietrich at lindsey.dietrich@hbr.org or (617) 783-7571.

custom editions

Quantities and Options

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Copies
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Copies
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Logo sticker on jacket
Belly band around book
CEO letter in front matter
Logo printed on jacket
Flap customizations
Custom foreword
Custom packaging/boxed sets

Pricing is competitive and depends on the title chosen, customizations selected, and quantity ordered.

About Arthur Brooks

Arthur Brooks is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular “How to Build a Life” column.

Brooks is the author of 15 books, including the 2023 #1 New York Times bestseller Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier with co-author Oprah Winfrey,  and the 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life. He speaks to audiences all around the world about human happiness and works to raise well-being within private companies, universities, public agencies, and community organizations.

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