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Paper Title

Meanings of Life

Keywords

  • Meanings of Life
  • Human Condition
  • Psychology
  • Anthropology
  • Sociology
  • Empirical Studies
  • Life Meaning
  • Human Purpose
  • Social Science
  • Meaning-Making
  • Life Purpose
  • Psychological Well-Being
  • Existential Meaning
  • Coping Mechanisms
  • Life Satisfaction
  • Identity Formation

Article Type

Book review

Journal

Journal:Meanings of Life Book

Published On

March, 1991

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Abstract

Who among us has not at some point asked, “what is the meaning of life?” In this extraordinary book, an eminent social scientist looks at the big picture and explores what empirical studies from diverse fields tell us about the human condition. MEANINGS OF LIFE draws together evidence from psychology, history, anthropology, and sociology, integrating copious research findings into a clear and conclusive discussion of how people attempt to make sense of their lives. In a lively and accessible style, emphasizing facts over theories, Baumeister explores why people desire meaning in their lives, how these meanings function, what forms they take, and what happens when life loses meaning. It is the most comprehensive examination of the topic to date.

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