Emily Esfahani Smith

The Power of Meaning by Emily Esfahani Smith is a thought-provoking and inspiring exploration of what truly brings fulfillment to our lives. Smith masterfully weaves research, philosophy, and real-life stories to show that lasting happiness comes from finding meaning rather than pursuing superficial goals. Her four pillars of meaning—belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence—offer practical guidance for anyone seeking a deeper sense of connection and purpose. This book is both uplifting and insightful, providing readers with tools to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.… (more)

3.5-4 stars

For the longest time, it seems "happiness" has been the dominating subject of self-help/personal growth books (which I have read a few as I do find it interesting), but after a while, I was looking for something a bit more ... meaningful.

A few years ago, I read the first half of Frankl's book Man's Search for Meaning (which I recommend; I could not bring myself to read the academic and clinical last half, but the first half is definitely worth trying) and maybe perused some articles that leaned toward the subject of meaning, but hadn't seen much of anything else similar until I saw this ARC being offered and was eager to read it. To my utter surprise, I actually won it (but the joy and gratitude of winning is not affecting my rating/review).

I did have some qualms, as there weren't any reviews at the time (hence ARC), because lately, I find that there are some nonfiction books that just seem to offer nothing new, many just regurgitating studies one reads often if you are even slightly into positive psychology or growth-type books. Thankfully, this didn't seem like that to me, and my interest didn't lag much.

If all the little post-it stickers sticking out of my book is any indication (sorry, no pic), Esfahani Smith does a good job of presenting interesting, thorough research that I actually wanted to read aloud to someone. She also weaves in some anecdotal stories that help illustrate each of the "four pillars of meaning" (Belonging, Storytelling, Purpose and Transcendence) but they left me wondering how she found them or was directed to these encounters in the first place (unless I missed it, it's not explained; not that it needs to be explained, but I enjoy glimpsing into authors' writing processes, how research is done, etc.).

Among the studies I found interesting was one mentioned in the chapter titled Growth, about how expressive writing is found to be "uniquely healing" for people who have suffered through traumatic events. It's too much for me to try to summarize here quickly, but here's a bit of a passage I flagged with a sticky-note:
"Pennebaker [the researcher of the study] argues that because writing ... allows people to systematically process an event, bringing order to it. Through writing, they discover new insights and come to understand how the crisis fits into the broader mosaic of their lives. Sense-making is thus an effective way to make meaning from trauma, and, ultimately, overcome it."

The same chapter describes another study I wanted to read aloud to anyone who'd listen, the abstract of which can be found here: http://science.sciencemag.org/content/331/6023/1447
Esfahani Smith writes about it infinitely better than I can ever hope to even summarize it, but I found it enlightening and had to at least make a mention about it.

My interest flagged a little near the end of the book in the chapter, Cultures of Meaning, but I honestly can't pinpoint why (maybe I just wasn't as into those particular stories?).
I think this is a book worth reading though if you are interested in personal-growth; it is a relatively quick read (I put it off because I had library books due, hence the huge month gap in my start to finish dates).

Received ARC from ReadingRoom (now Bookstr).
… (more)

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.… (more)