Feburary 2, 2026:
Effort gives our lives meaning
~ Michael Inzlicht and Aidan Campbell
For the most part, human beings dislike effort and mostly avoid it when they can. At the same time, effort gives our lives meaning. Inzlicht and Campbell (2022) call this the effort paradox. Is there a regular activity in your life that you find difficult, yet meaningful? What gives you the motivation to engage in this activity? What feelings arise?
For more information:
- Inzlicht, M., & Campbell, A. V. (2022). Effort feels meaningful. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 26(12), 1013-1037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2022.09.016
January 26, 2026:
Meaning research by psychologists Frank Martela and Michael Steger (2016) has made an important contribution with their 3-part definition of meaning in life: comprehension, purpose, and significance (aka mattering). Paul Wong, by contrast, argues that responsibility is a master virtue that makes all other virtues possible. Furthermore, responsibility includes both personal and social responsibility. No man is an island. What do you think?
For more information:
- Martela, F., & Steger, M. F. (2016). The three meanings of meaning in life: Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significance. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 11(5), 531-545, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2015.1137623
- Wong, P. T. P. (2019). What is the greatest need today? Responsibility is the key to surviving and thriving in dangerous times. Dr. Paul Wong. http://www.drpaulwong.com/what-is-the-greatest-need…/