“Man's Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl This classic book is about Frankl's experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps and his philosophy of finding meaning even in the most difficult situations. His theory of logotherapy emphasizes the importance of finding purpose in life.
“The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler In this book, the Dalai Lama discusses what creates real happiness and how we can find meaning through compassion, meditation, and living in the present.
“The Meaning of Life” by Terry Eagleton Eagleton, a British philosopher, reviews and discusses various philosophical and cultural perspectives on the meaning of life, from religious to secular ideas.
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle Tolle focuses on the importance of being present and finding meaning by letting go of stress and negative thoughts. The book explores how we can find a deeper purpose by living in the present.
“The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer A book about how to free oneself from one's mental and emotional limitations to experience a more conscious and meaningful life.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom This book is a collection of life lessons that the author learns from his old professor, Morrie Schwartz, who reflects on the meaning of life at the end of his life.
“The Road Less Traveled” by M. Scott Peck A psychological and spiritual book that discusses how we can find meaning through personal growth, self-discipline, and spiritual development.
Films
“The Last Journey” (2024) A warm and humorous story about reconnecting with life, loved ones and oneself; a reminder of the transience of life and how meaningful it is to dare to reflect, feel and love before time runs out.
“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) This film is about two prisoners, Andy and Red, who find hope and meaning despite their difficult circumstances. It is a story about finding freedom and meaningfulness even in the most hopeless situations.
“The Truman Show” (1998) This film, starring Jim Carrey, is about Truman Burbank, a man who lives his entire life in a television show without knowing about it. The film explores questions of reality, free will, and the meaning of living an authentic life.
“Into the Wild” (2007) Based on the true story of Christopher McCandless, who leaves his comfortable life behind to travel across the United States and find a deeper purpose. The film explores the search for meaning, freedom and self-discovery.
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013) Walter Mitty is a middle-aged man who lives a boring life but dreams of adventure. The film follows his journey as he embarks on a worldwide adventure to find both himself and meaning in his life.
“Ikiru” (1952) This Japanese film, directed by Akira Kurosawa, is about a clerk who learns he has cancer and decides to find a purpose with his life before it's too late. The film explores questions about the meaning of life and what is really important.
“Life of Pi” (2012) Based on Yann Martel's novel about a young man who survives a boating accident and is stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. The film is about survival, faith, and finding meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
“Waking Life” (2001) An animated film by Richard Linklater that explores existential issues through a series of dreamy conversations about life, death, free will, and what it means to be conscious.
“The Meaning of Life” (1983) An absurd comedy from Monty Python that explores through various segments the biggest questions of life with their characteristic humor.
“Here” (2013) This film is about a man who develops a romantic relationship with his operating system. It explores issues of loneliness, emotional connection and what gives life meaning in an increasingly digitized world.
“Cloud Atlas” (2012) An epic film that tells multiple stories across time and space, and shows how our lives and actions affect each other in ways we don't always understand. It explores the question of the purpose of life and how our choices create meaning in the world.
