James Hollis: The Goal Of Life Is Meaning, Not Happiness

Living Between Worlds by Dr. James Hollis:

Dr. James Hollis is a Jungian analyst, a former executive director of the Jung Society of Washington, DC, and a professor of Jungian studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston. He is the author of 16 books including Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life, Living an Examined Life, and, most recently, Living Between Worlds.

Sounds True was founded in 1985 by Tami Simon with a clear mission: to disseminate spiritual wisdom. Since starting out as a project with one woman and her tape recorder, we have grown into a multimedia publishing company with more than 80 employees, a library of more than 1500 titles featuring some of the leading teachers and visionaries of our time, and an ever-expanding family of customers from across the world. In more than three decades of growth, change, and evolution, Sounds True has maintained its focus on its overriding purpose, as summed up in our Mission Statement.

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[erikpaterson]

Forget Peterson, and all those others on YouTube.
James Hollis is the best living authority, I belive in conveying Jung's teachings

[karync.]

Wow, this really hit the spot! I'm a super happy person most of the time and do lots of fun, even joyous things, but at the end of the day, I'm still largely unfulfilled--I feel sort of hollow, like something is missing...I think it is meaning! TY Sounds True : )

[romanr]

I am fascinated with the linguistic mastery of both of you.

[GypsyJulie]

This conversation made me think of what it is like for the poor kids growing up in inner cities. Without meaning in ones life one can feel very defeated. Teaching young people that happiness is not the goal, meaning is, could be a game changer in life. Now, how to do that is the question. Thank you Tami for this conversation with Dr Hollis!

[tahwsisiht]

❤️ 40:29
(Real spirituality is NEVER a business)
42:00
When one belongs to a certain religion and feels very satisfied and feels deeply connected, it doesn't mean one can't go deeper in and see, learn different depths. But learn to refrain from proselytizing. Let others follow their hearts and respect their decision.
Accountability to one's self. That is the best we can do. Taking responsibility and fixing our "sins" (missing the target)

[stellaskopal]

Mr Hollis is by far the best BS cutter I've heard. 😌🙏
"Shut Up, Suit Up, Show Up"
Stoic philosophy in all its glory.
Long time waiting for such a great interview and hungry for more.
Thank you Tami!

[glennwhitney]

I find this extremely inspiring. Thank you.

[gameaudioshaman]

There were some incredible questions. Really appreciate it.

[dasarohelova]

Most wonderful man of great wisdom and valour...I pray for your health 🙏

[mars]

Really beautiful and helpful insights!!! The pandemic showed us how broken our societies were and it's been traumatizing to many. The fears triggered my recent psychosis and healing practices I've created to cope through the traumas. Loved his stance that meaning is more important than happiness, because meaning adds to the baseline of inner peace by knowing we are on a journey of discovering ourselves. I feel a great sense of renewal and drive, now that suffering is manageable and my impatience with myself has subsided.... Well, for the most part!? Haha

[chilloften]

I so enjoy his comforting words of wisdom shared to me. 😘🦋

[stagbeetle]

A fascinating and profound conversation. Thank you.

[ramziha]

both Life is about meaning and happiness thank so much for sharing Sounds True

[ceye]

Hi James. Mr. Hollis. You helped me through my excruciatingly torturous midlife crisis. Thank you. I feel like there is a ripple effect. I feel like I am having a second one. My question is this. Do some people have more than one ???

[poor_jafar]

14:30
20:32
23:06 Tizhushan/medicine
24:09
25:28
26:51 meaning is not chosen (disagreeing with Steven Hayes)
29:04
33:29
38:38

[laotzu]

If the purpose doesn't make you happy, it's not your purpose

[christopherrobbins]

Maybe our Declaration of Independence should be amended....that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...to life, liberty and the pursuit of meaning.

[susanmarie]

Happiness = Peace of Mind. I did not figure this out until later in life.

[jezuswizardspatula]

Check it out, my spatula is flipping from within. May we all be resilient evolving pages to a great book

[ToddSloanIAAN]

51:11 I can find a new beginning that is Broad enough bring all the light I need give love.