TED Health How to live a meaningful life | Brian S. Lowery
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Oct 1, 2024 
Social psychologist Brian S. Lowery from Stanford University uncovers the essence of a meaningful life. He argues that chasing personal achievements can lead to emptiness and instead emphasizes the significance of impacting others. Through poignant stories, including his mentorship of student Miguel Ansueta, he highlights how relationships and purpose shape our fulfillment. Lowery reveals that true meaning arises not from accolades but from fostering connections and supporting those around us, encouraging listeners to rethink their definitions of success.
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The Tenure Story
- Brian Lowery describes his elation and fear upon securing a professorship at Stanford.
- He details the pressure of the tenure process and the surprising emptiness he felt even after achieving this significant milestone.
Meaningfulness Defined
- Psychologists define meaningfulness as the sense that our lives matter and the world makes sense.
- It's about feeling like we are more than just the sum of our experiences.
The Three Pillars of Meaning
- Three elements contribute to a meaningful life: coherence, purpose, and significance.
- Personal achievement often provides coherence and purpose, but it falls short on significance.