Purpose In Life As Ancient but Nascent
Perspectives from Psychology, Philosophy, and Human Development

This book unites diverse academic perspectives to transform public interest into purpose through integrated research insights.

Patrick Hill (Edited by), Anthony L. Burrow (Edited by)

9781009407434, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 20 November 2025

316 pages
28 x 19 x 2.3 cm, 0.627 kg

Since the pandemic, many have been reflecting on their path, direction, and identity, all tied to a deeper question: What is one's purpose in life? Research reveals that understanding this purpose can significantly impact well-being, health, and personal development. This volume offers fresh insights by bringing together scholars from various fields to explore purpose from different angles. Each contributor delves into what purpose means and why individuals with a clear sense of it often enjoy better health, financial stability, and cognitive well-being. While this book won't define your life's purpose, it offers rich material to guide your personal journey.

1. Purpose as an ancient yet nascent construct: an introduction Patrick L. Hill and Anthony L. Burrow
2. The moral purpose of wisdom Daniel Lapsley
3. Is purpose findable? Anthony L. Burrow and Marissa Rice
4. The affluence–purpose paradox: a socio-historical analysis James E. Côté
5. Positive transitions to adulthood: purpose in life as a resource for identity achievement during the transition to adulthood Claudia López-Madrigal, Seth J. Schwartz and Javier García-Manglano
6. Undergraduate students' purpose and persistence in higher education
7. How institutions of higher education support and thwart students' negotiations of identity and self-direction: exploring derailment in the college context Kaylin Ratner
8. How to cultivate sense of purpose and life engagement: an integrative intervention framework Mathias Allemand and Gabriel Olaru
9. You live, you learn: the processes and crises of purpose development across the lifespan Patrick L. Hill, Nathan A. Lewis and Laura Dewitte
10. Seizing the power of religion to shape purpose Negin R. Toosi, Joseph D. Wellman and Clara L. Wilkins
11. Religious faith and life purpose Cindy Miller-Perrin
12. Where does purpose belong in wellbeing theory? Emily C. Willroth and Gabrielle N. Pfund
13. Self-compassion and ikigai: similarities, differences, and implications Yasuhiro Kotera, Juliet Wilkes and Rory Colman
14. Purpose as a timeless pursuit Anthony L. Burrow and Patrick L. Hill.

Subject Areas: Social, group or collective psychology [JMH]