' Life-transforming' Susan Cain author of Quiet Searching for happiness is overrated learn to find meaning instead There is a persistent myth in our culture that in order to lead a fulfilling life we must pursue happiness at all times In her groundbreaking work Emily Esfahani Smith explains that it is actually the search for meaning that will bring fulfilment She argues that meaning is all around us in vast untapped resources & that the key is finding it in the right here right now Her inspiring TED Talk on the same topic has been viewed over a million times To explore how we can change our lives for the better she draws on the latest research in psychology sociology philosophy & neuroscience as well as insights from figures in literature & history such as George Eliot Viktor Frankl Aristotle & the Buddha She shows us how cultivating connections to others identifying & working toward a purpose telling stories about our place in the world & seeking out mystery can immeasurably deepen our lives To do this she visits remarkable people & places such as a tight-knit fishing village in the Chesapeake Bay a dinner where young people gather to share their experiences of profound loss & a drug kingpin who finds his purpose in helping people get fit She explores how we might begin to build a culture that leaves space for introspection & awe cultivates a sense of community & imbues our lives with meaning