Man's Search for Meaning
Even in the worst conditions, we can choose our attitude and find meaning. One of the most influential books of the…
Purpose and Meaning
What makes a life feel worthwhile? These books, from philosophy, psychology, spirituality and personal experience, explore meaning, values and direction.
Read them when you feel lost, when you're facing a big decision, or when success hasn't brought the satisfaction you expected.
- 53 books
- 8 authors
- 4 reading paths
If you read only one
Our essential picks in purpose and meaning.
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor E. Frankl
Even in the worst conditions, we can choose our attitude and find meaning. One of the most influential books…
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
The private journal of a Roman emperor on staying steady when life is hard.
The Four Agreements
Don Miguel Ruiz
Four simple promises to yourself that can free you from a lot of unhappiness.
Meditations
The private journal of a Roman emperor on staying steady when life is hard.
The Four Agreements
Four simple promises to yourself that can free you from a lot of unhappiness.
The Power of Now
Most of your suffering lives in the past and future. Peace is only ever here, now.
Designing Your Life
Apply design thinking to your life: get curious, try things and prototype your way to a career you love.
Enchiridion
A brief Stoic handbook: focus on what's in your control and accept what isn't.
Four Thousand Weeks
The average life lasts about four thousand weeks. A wise, freeing book about accepting limits instead of trying to do…
Siddhartha
A classic novel about a young man's search for enlightenment, through asceticism, pleasure and finally the river.
Tao Te Ching
The ancient Chinese classic on simplicity, humility and living in harmony with the Tao.
The Art of Loving
A psychoanalyst argues that love is an art that requires knowledge, effort and practice, not something we simply fall…
The Choice
An Auschwitz survivor who became a psychologist shares her journey to freedom and healing.
When Breath Becomes Air
A neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer reflects on what makes life worth living.
A New Earth
See how the ego drives conflict and dissatisfaction, and find a calmer way to live and work.
All About Love
A thoughtful exploration of what love really is, and why it requires care, respect, honesty and responsibility.
Die with Zero
Money is only valuable for the experiences it buys. Plan to use it while you can enjoy it.
Discipline Is Destiny
Stoic lessons on self-discipline, told through short stories of historical figures who mastered their bodies, minds and…
Ego Is the Enemy
The biggest threat to your success may be your own ego. Humility for ambitious people.
Flow
The deepest happiness comes from full absorption in a challenging activity. The classic study of flow.
How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
A psychotherapist combines the life of Marcus Aurelius with Stoic techniques and modern CBT.
Let Your Life Speak
A gentle reflection on vocation: listening to your life to discover who you truly are.
Letters from a Stoic
Practical letters from the Roman philosopher Seneca on friendship, time, fear and living well.
The Alchemist
A fable about following your dream, and what you learn along the way.
The Art of Happiness
Conversations between the Dalai Lama and a psychiatrist about training the mind for happiness.
The Book of Joy
Two spiritual leaders discuss finding joy despite suffering, with warmth, humour and practical wisdom.
Authors in purpose and meaning
Suggested reading paths
Build Unbreakable Discipline
Turn good intentions into dependable daily action, even on the days motivation disappears.
Develop Financial Intelligence
Build a healthy relationship with money, take control of spending and start investing sensibly.
Find Greater Purpose
Discover what gives your life meaning and start shaping your days around it.
Master Productivity
Focus on what matters, protect your attention and get meaningful work done without burning out.
Other categories
- Habits and Discipline 41
- Productivity and Focus 37
- Mindset and Psychology 54
- Confidence and Self-Esteem 26
- Leadership 52
- Entrepreneurship 31
- Money and Financial Literacy 29
- Relationships 35
- Communication 35
- Emotional Intelligence 46
- Motivation 34
- Personal Growth 77
- Creativity 25
- Decision-Making 39
- Health and Wellbeing 47