Meaning

In Arthur's view, today’s unhappiness epidemic has a root cause: a crisis of meaning. The problem, of course, is that meaning is a tricky thing to understand. Indeed, the meaning of your life is ineffable — it cannot be “solved” once and for all, like most other problems. That’s why Arthur's work on meaning helps individuals to understand life's ineffable nature. He teaches how romantic love, work as a calling, beauty (via nature, art, and morality), transcendence, and suffering are all generative parts of a meaningful life. It is time we all became fully alive.

"My friend Arthur C. Brooks clearly articulates how to live a meaningful, compassionate, and purposeful life.”

The Dalai Lama

“Arthur Brooks is America's most soulful social scientist. From the day I met him in 2007 it was clear that his life's work was to increase human flourishing. Over the years he has transformed from data geek to passionate preacher, teaching us all how to live, work, and age well in our rapidly changing society”

Jonathan Haidt, Thomas Cooley Professor of Ethical Leadership, New York University—Stern School of Business, Author of The Anxious Generation, and of The Righteous Mind

“Every conversation I have with Arthur leaves me a clearer perspective on what it means to live a meaningful life."

Simon Sinek, Optimist and New York Times Bestselling author of Start with Why and The Infinite Game and host of the podcast, A Bit of Optimism

"Arthur Brooks guides us to figure out how to live by focusing on the why. These pages can show anyone that meaning isn't lost, just waiting to be found."

Sheryl Sandberg, Founder, Lean In

Meaning in Life Questionnaire

Are you a Hopeful Wanderer, a Relentless Seeker, Happy at Home, or Lost in Place? This survey assesses the extent to which you are searching for, and have presence of, meaning in your life.

Begin the Quiz
recommended book

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 guides us to figure out how to live by focusing on the why. These pages can show anyone that meaning isn't lost, just waiting to be found."

Sheryl Sandberg
Founder, Lean In

“Every conversation I have with Arthur leaves me a clearer perspective on what it means to live a meaningful life."

Simon Sinek
Optimist and New York Times Bestselling author of Start with Why and The Infinite Game and host of the podcast, A Bit of Optimism

“Arthur Brooks is America's most soulful social scientist. From the day I met him in 2007 it was clear that his life's work was to increase human flourishing. Over the years he has transformed from data geek to passionate preacher, teaching us all how to live, work, and age well in our rapidly changing society”

Jonathan Haidt
Author of The Anxious Generation, and of The Righteous Mind

"My friend Arthur C. Brooks clearly articulates how to live a meaningful, compassionate, and purposeful life.”

The Dalai Lama
His Holiness

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Download the free Love Your Enemies Reading Guide with prompts and questions designed to bring more empathy, civility, and understanding to your conversations.

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    Download the free Love Your Enemies Reading Guide with prompts and questions designed to bring more empathy, civility, and understanding to your conversations.

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