Insights for a More Meaningful Existence

Motivation

Replacing the Pyramid of Needs with a Sailboat of Needs

Frank Martela Ph.D. on December 22, 2020

At the 50th anniversary of Abraham Maslow passing away, Scott Barry Kaufman updates his theory of needs by integrating it with the latest developments in empirical psychology.

At the 50th anniversary of Abraham Maslow passing away, Scott Barry Kaufman updates his theory of needs by integrating it with the latest developments in empirical psychology.

Spirituality

How Meaning of Life Was Invented

Frank Martela Ph.D. on December 4, 2020

As an increasing number of people struggle with a spiritual crisis, the man who invented the question of meaning in 1834 can offer a surprisingly solid answer.

As an increasing number of people struggle with a spiritual crisis, the man who invented the question of meaning in 1834 can offer a surprisingly solid answer.

Relationships

In Harari's Sapiens, Meaning of Life Is Just a Delusion

Frank Martela Ph.D. on November 20, 2020

”The universe has no meaning. That’s the truth. Get over it,” writes Harari. This is inadequate as a life philosophy, so here's a more enriching vision for a meaningful life.

”The universe has no meaning. That’s the truth. Get over it,” writes Harari. This is inadequate as a life philosophy, so here's a more enriching vision for a meaningful life.

President Donald Trump

Will Those Lacking Meaning in Life Vote for Trump or Biden?

Frank Martela Ph.D. on November 3, 2020

Right-wing authoritarianism may protect people’s sense of meaning in life. Can this explain the success of Donald Trump? And what else could win those people over?

Right-wing authoritarianism may protect people’s sense of meaning in life. Can this explain the success of Donald Trump? And what else could win those people over?

Health

Helping Others Is Good for Your Health

Frank Martela Ph.D. on September 4, 2020

What can helping others do to you? Research has increasingly confirmed that being good to others is good for you—for your mental well-being, your physical health, and even your longevity.

What can helping others do to you? Research has increasingly confirmed that being good to others is good for you—for your mental well-being, your physical health, and even your longevity.

Motivation

How Can Life Be Valuable in a Cold and Mechanistic Universe?

Frank Martela Ph.D. on June 25, 2020

Is life meaningful and valuable or a random accident? Instead of trying to discover true values, let's start designing better meaning in life for us all.

Is life meaningful and valuable or a random accident? Instead of trying to discover true values, let's start designing better meaning in life for us all.

Openness

Accept Life Like an Emperor

Frank Martela Ph.D. on May 27, 2020

Marcus Aurelius was emperor of Rome when the Antonine Plague broke out. Discover how he used stoicism to remain calm.

Marcus Aurelius was emperor of Rome when the Antonine Plague broke out. Discover how he used stoicism to remain calm.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

To Find Meaning Amid the Crisis, Start by Helping Others

Frank Martela Ph.D. on April 21, 2020

In the wake of the crisis, many people are searching for meaning. Here's my recipe, as a researcher of meaning in life, on how to find it.

In the wake of the crisis, many people are searching for meaning. Here's my recipe, as a researcher of meaning in life, on how to find it.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Finding Purpose Through Meliorism in the Face of Coronavirus

Frank Martela Ph.D. on April 2, 2020

When optimism and pessimism don't help, how should you face the current crisis? You should start with acceptance, but after that you need one more thing.

When optimism and pessimism don't help, how should you face the current crisis? You should start with acceptance, but after that you need one more thing.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Death, the Meaning of Life, and Coronavirus

Frank Martela Ph.D. on March 19, 2020

How to find meaning in life in the midst of the spreading epidemic? By focusing on making the present moment more meaningful, you'll discover a few simple ingredients for meaning.

How to find meaning in life in the midst of the spreading epidemic? By focusing on making the present moment more meaningful, you'll discover a few simple ingredients for meaning.