PART II of II
This is the second of two blog posts focused on the approach to meaning by Arthur C. Brooks, a Professor of Happiness at Harvard Business School, in his recent book, The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness.
Arthur Brooks looked for insight beyond his own faith tradition, including a meeting with the Dalai Lama. He clarifies: “I am completely committed to my Catholic faith, but am interested in others’ faith as well. Far from shaking my conviction, I find that understanding religions other than my own gives me useful insights into my beliefs” [136].
“No matter what your beliefs or lack thereof, you will benefit from opening your mind to the idea that there just might be a metaphysical dimension to your life that, when developed and nurtured, can give you an understanding of your life’s meaning” [140].
Why look for meaning and purpose in spirituality, including as embodied in various faith traditions? Brooks notes that “humans appear to have an innate belief that spirituality uncovers the hidden mysteries of life” [142]. Many writers have made this point, including René Descartes with the notion of a God-shaped vacuum within each person.
But shouldn’t science be able to answer all questions and remove faith? Science thinks it can—but it can’t. Despite shrill cockatoos like Richard Dawkins, science can’t address the "why." Writers such as John Lennox, Professor Emeritus, University of Oxford, have written much about debunking the false dichotomy between science and faith. Brooks plays the same cord: “My practice of faith has grown over the years alongside my knowledge and appreciation of science” [144] [daily Mass attendance and praying the rosary].
But it can’t be seen? Neither can atoms, protons, and quarks. “To dismiss something for the fact of its invisibility is a mistake. Instead, intellectual integrity should make us open to indirect evidence that comes from beyond the realm of ordinary observation” [150].
Brooks addresses the concept of calling in his book. I have written extensively on the concept of calling as a foundation for meaning in What’s My Point? and elsewhere. Brooks likewise talks about the importance of calling and how our job contributes to meaning. He states: “A vocation is simply an orientation toward others in your productive efforts: what you do to serve, and which other people need” [171].
What about work-life balance? Brooks doesn’t mind stating a contrarian perspective: “I regard this notion as a mistake precisely because it assumes that work and life are separate, opposed things” [182]. From his perspective: “Properly understood, leisure is that work you choose to do for yourself without the economic whip driving you” [185]. He states that “leisure should involve philosophical contemplation and artistic experiences, learning new ideas or skills, spending time in nature, and deepening relationships” [185].
Brooks broadens the scope of sources of meaning. Dealing with something that is not commonly addressed in the left-brain world of academia, he notes that it feels good to listen to songs you like. In particular, ”artistic beauty can induce a spiritual understanding and fulfillment” [201]. “The bottom line: The more artistic beauty in your life, the more meaning you will find” [204]. “Plenty of research has confirmed how the beauty of nature increases a deep sense of meaning in people” [206].
Brooks addresses a key issue related to meaning, which is the topic of suffering. He addresses the issue of suffering in a way that is consistent with a biblical perspective (Romans 5:3-4) but not identified as such. He notes that “suffering is one of the ways we access the mysterious hemispheric complexity of life and learn its meaning. To sit in despair makes you stand in wonder, where meaning resides” [222].
This is reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ comment that pain is God’s megaphone. Brooks states that “only by facing one’s pain can one learn to live fully and that successful treatment involves finding meaning in life in spite of suffering” [225].
“An attitude of acceptance, rather than avoidance can empower you to treat your suffering appropriately, manage your expectations about what a good life means, and truly savor your sweetest experiences” [226]
He also addresses the challenges of change: “Research has shown that periods of change, even when characterized by worry, stress and anxiety, give life a sense of purpose” [229]. In my book, What’s My Point?, I address the issue of the importance of turning points and how to navigate them.
To conclude, as Francis Bacon advised: “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly and with diligence and attention.” Brooks is in the last category.