Meaning in Life and Why It Matters

By Susan Wolf,

Book cover of Meaning in Life and Why It Matters

Book description

Most people, including philosophers, tend to classify human motives as falling into one of two categories: the egoistic or the altruistic, the self-interested or the moral. According to Susan Wolf, however, much of what motivates us does not comfortably fit into this scheme. Often we act neither for our own…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Meaning in Life and Why It Matters as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is the most influential book on my own thinking about meaningfulness in life. Wolf's idea that a meaningful life is distinct from both a happy life and a moral one—although there can be overlapping with these—is both simple and profound. And, unlike many contemporary philosophers, her writing is clear and accessible.

From Todd's list on what makes a life meaningful.

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