Thursday, December 9, 2010

Meaning - Super Summary

In this section, Mr. Pink suggests that because we live in an era of abundance and are "freed" from true suffering and struggle" we now have the luxury to search for true meaning and purpose in life. We do not have to struggle to survive so we are able to focus our attention on deeper aspects of life. Pink quotes Robert William Fogel, a Nobel laureate economist, "People have enough to live, but nothing to live for; they have the means, but no meaning." Gregg Easterbrook, an American journalist agrees, stating, "A transition from material want to meaning want is in progress on a historically unprecedented scale... and may eventually be recognized as the principal cultural development of our age".

After suggesting that this movement towards meaning is happening around the world, Pink defines to practical ways for people to gain meaning in their lives; 1) Taking spirituality seriously and 2) Taking happiness seriously.

1) When discussing spirituality he writes of a conference at MIT where the Dalai Lama was participating in a "gabfest" with scientists about the links between Buddhism and science. The Dalai Lama was interested in learning what scientists were learning about the brain and scientists were curious about what the brain was doing while people meditate. Scientist have found that spirituality appears to be "hard-wired" into the human brain and runs through the right hemisphere - which makes sense considering that the right brain is responsible for the big picture type of thinking. Mr. Pink makes it very clear that he is not describing religion, but "the more broadly defined concern for the meaning and purpose of life" or "the belief in something larger than ourselves". Another interesting point he makes is that we should take spirituality seriously because of its ability to improve health - stress, heart disease, anxiety disorders, etc. can be improved by attending to the spirit. Pink also mentions recent surveys that suggest employees would be more satisfied in their workplace if there was a sense of meaning incorporated in their daily work.

2) According to Dr. Martin E. P. Seligman, founder of the "positive psychology" movement, things that contribute to happiness are being engaged in satisfying work, avoiding negative events and emotions, being married and having a rich social network. Seligman suggests that to live with the highest form of happiness a person must use their signature strengths to achieve gratification in the main areas of their life. He also states that the happiness is good for business because happy people are more productive.

Portfolio highlights:
  • In order to gain more meaning in life write a thank you letter to someone who has been kind and generous to you and read the letter to them - it is called a "gratitude visit".
  • Take the 20-10 test: If you had $20 million in the bank or knew you had 10 years to live, would you be at your current job?
  • Take a Sabbath: not necessarily a religious rest, but a day when you turn off the world. Don't check the email, pay the bills or answer the phone. Allow some time to rest and relax.
  • Visit a labyrinth.
  • Picture yourself at ninety. What does your life look like? What do you regret, what did you contribute, what have you accomplished?
Afterword: Our future will depend on these three questions:
1) Can someone overseas do it cheaper?
2) Can a computer do it faster?
3) Am I offering something that satisfies the non-material, transcendent desires of an abundant age?

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