Psychology for Life · Book 16
The Psychology of Meaning and Purpose
By A.N. Archer · Published by Freyja Publishing
We chase achievement and comfort, then wonder why something still feels missing.
A Life Worth Living draws on decades of research into meaning, purpose and wellbeing — Michael Steger’s work on how meaning is actually experienced, Colby and Damon on people who sustained moral commitment across a lifetime, Dan McAdams on the stories we tell about ourselves, and Robert Emmons on gratitude — to set out what makes a life feel worth living, and how it gets built.
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About A Life Worth Living
A successful life and a meaningful one aren’t always the same thing. We chase achievement and comfort, then wonder why something still feels missing.
A Life Worth Living draws on decades of research into meaning, purpose and wellbeing: Michael Steger’s work on how meaning is experienced, Anne Colby and William Damon on people who sustained moral commitment across a lifetime, Dan McAdams on the stories we tell about ourselves, and Robert Emmons on gratitude.
What you’ll explore
What predicts a meaningful life. The book sets out what research says actually contributes to a sense of meaning.
Happiness and meaning. Researchers have found that happiness and meaning overlap but are not the same, and the book explains why the difference matters.
Purpose is built. Purpose is developed over time, not simply discovered in a single moment.
Connection and contribution. Belonging is presented as a foundation of a good life, and contributing to others as something that benefits the giver too.
The stories we tell. McAdams’ research shows how the way we narrate our lives shapes the lives we live.
Gratitude and everyday courage. Emmons’ research on gratitude, alongside attention and courage, ties the whole picture together.
The book closes with the 30-Day Meaning Practice, a structured, week-by-week way to put the research to work in an ordinary life.
Who this book is for
Anyone who feels something is missing despite outward success, or who is rethinking what they want their life to be about.
At a glance
- Series: Psychology for Life, Book 16 of 20
- Author: A.N. Archer
- Publisher: Freyja Publishing
- Length: about 238 pages
- Formats: Kindle eBook, paperback and hardcover
- Kindle edition included with Kindle Unlimited
If you enjoy this book
Each title in the Psychology for Life series stands on its own. Readers of this book often go on to:
- What Truly Matters (Book 12)
- The Art of Enough (Book 17)
- How to Build Better Relationships (Book 1)