The Power of Meaning

Book by Emily Esfahani Smith (2017)

An illuminating exploration of how pursuing meaning (through pillars like belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence) leads to deeper fulfillment than chasing shallow “happiness”. Smith combines psychological research with real stories, from a high school dropout building community at a diner, to how crafting a “family narrative” can give children resilience, to illustrate ways we can infuse meaning into our lives. She also addresses finding meaning in hardship, showing how people grow through grief and trauma by making sense of their experiences in a positive way. The tone of this book is hopeful and inclusive. It’s perfect for the midlife professional who has achieved things but still feels a “general blah” or loss of direction. Rather than urging extreme life changes, it gently invites reflection on what truly brings value to you (perhaps mentoring others, spiritual practice, or creativity) and provides examples to spark inspiration. It aligns with a non-performative ethos because it’s not about having a flashy life purpose; it’s about small, meaningful moments and connections. For someone exhausted by chasing the next goal, this book is like a deep breath that recenters them on what truly matters, in a cross-cultural and evidence-backed way. You can learn more about Emily and the book here.