Two of the things that make life most worth living are meaning and happiness. But as fate would have it, they’re also incredibly hard to define—and even harder to attain.
Fortunately, however, a handful of brilliant thinkers have left us some helpful clues for adding both meaning and happiness to our lives. Check out the five remarkable books below to take a step toward greater joy and fulfillment.
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
By Arthur C. Brooks
Drawing on social science, philosophy, biography, theology, and Eastern wisdom, as well as dozens of interviews with everyday men and women, a Harvard professor shows us that true life success is well within our reach. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Arthur C. Brooks, in the Next Big Idea App
The Good-Enough Life
By Avram Alpert
A Princeton University lecturer shows how our obsession with greatness results in stress and anxiety, damage to our relationships, widespread political and economic inequality, and destruction of the natural world. He describes how to move beyond greatness to create a society in which everyone flourishes. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Avram Alpert, in the Next Big Idea App
How to Live Like the Little Prince: A Grown-Up’s Guide to Rediscovering Imagination, Adventure, and Awe
By Stéphane Garnier
Through the eyes of the iconic Little Prince, an internationally bestselling author reminds us who we were before we grew up and teaches us to once again take time to live, play, and find wonder in the small, everyday moments. View on Amazon
Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live Without a Self
By Jay Garfield
A leading expert on Buddhist philosophy offers a brief and radically clear account of an idea that at first might seem frightening but that promises to liberate us and improve our lives, our relationships, and the world. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Jay Garfield, in the Next Big Idea App
The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment
By Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter
Discover the steps to earning your path to fulfillment and living without regrets—from the world-renowned executive coach and New York Times bestselling author of Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by co-author Marshall Goldsmith, in the Next Big Idea App
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