Why do we live? What is our life purpose? What to fill our lives with and how to leave a mark behind? There is no more important topic than the search for the meaning of life. Many thinkers of the past have wrestled with this question, trying to solve the riddle of human existence. Yet, year after year, century after century, no one has given an exact answer to the most important question.
Representatives of the modern generation – philosophers, business coaches, designers, writers, opinion leaders, and psychoanalysts – continue the good tradition, broadcasting their own view of the situation. Some believe that life has no global meaning and that the clue lies in the subjective perception of their own destiny; others argue that existence still has absolute meaning. Frequent embodiments of it are called “happiness” and “love,” but some boldly add to this: self-realization, successful relationships, the pleasure of creation, etc.
I’ve gathered for you some books that cover this subject in detail and a variety of ways. Here you will find scientific facts, life stories, advice, inspirational quotes, and motivational admonitions that will help you get a little closer to finding the answer to the most important question in the life of humankind.
“Tao Te Ching” Lao Tzu
One of the most outstanding books that revealed to the world the fundamental canons of Chinese teaching is now available to any reader hungry for knowledge and answers. There is still controversy as to who actually wrote the “Tao Te Ching.” Some believe that the actual author of the iconic treatise is not the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu but his contemporary Confucius. In any case, this book is a rich source of important thoughts: reflections on life, death, love, and, of course, our destiny – the search for our “dao” – the path.
“The Algebra of Happiness: Notes on the Pursuit of Success, Love, and Meaning” Scott Galloway
Still can’t find a shortcut to happiness? Business School professor Scott Galloway not only found it but encapsulated it in a concise formula that anyone can use. From this book, you will learn: how to properly build relationships with others, earn and increase your income, find love and not lose it, set goals, and move steadily toward them. All this will help you achieve success. And success, according to the author, contains the true meaning of life, its integrity, and importance.
“Veronika Decides to Die” Paulo Coelho
The main character of the book completely loses the meaning of her life and decides to commit suicide. However, her attempt becomes futile and fails – the girl ending up in a psychiatric hospital after a suicide attempt that did not work. Even there, she tries to find pills to end her life, but unexpectedly she learns from doctors that her previous attempt has caused severe damage to her heart, and she doesn’t have much time left to live. And so, the girl, who didn’t understand the meaning of this life, suddenly realizes that she doesn’t want to leave this beautiful world. The real risk in her life forces her to escape from the hospital and live the remaining days to the fullest.
“The Glass Bead Game” Hermann Hesse
“The Glass Bead Game” is the book that started the development of postmodernism. It’s permeated with various symbols and philosophical references. Even the presence of the main character is interpreted in two ways, as a “master of the game” and a “schoolteacher.” Hermann Hesse has created a rather tricky but powerful and valuable work whose plot and characters are reminiscent of many famous literary characters. Many readers find themselves in the main character. Such a book will help you understand why it’s so important to develop in the right direction and find that perfect balance between lust for life and stability.
“The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” Eckhart Tolle
This book has become a true relic among people who have lost confidence in themselves and live in permanent doubts about their future. Its author brings to the reader the fact that absolutely all of life’s difficulties are caused solely by our brain, which does not allow us to live happily and peacefully. But life is going on, and it should be appreciated right now, today, at this moment. According to Eckhart Tolle, everything pales in front of our present. Neither the future nor the past should not worry a human being as much as their real-life, because only here can you know the true meaning of existence. The author says that to feel the wholeness of life and its perfection is possible only now, and he teaches us to live in the present day and derive absolute pleasure from it.
“God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours” Regina Brett
Even if you have not read this book, you are probably familiar with it. A few years ago, quotes and advice from the famous American journalist Regina Brett flooded all social media. “God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons…” contains 50 conclusions Regina made in her 50th year of life, which she sincerely shares with her readers. All the simple truths in this book will help you get rid of resentment accumulated over the years and look at the world with entirely different eyes, eyes full of love and long-awaited freedom.
