A scientific approach to a meaningful life | Joshua Hicks | TEDxTAMU

Dr. Joshua Hicks presents the meaning of life through the psychological sciences. He discusses definitions, influences, and outcomes of the primary determinants that produce meaning.
Joshua Hicks is a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University. He received his Ph.D. in personality and social psychology at the University of Missouri. His research aims to understand how people answer the “big” questions in life and how their answers to those questions influence the way they think, feel, and behave. Specifically, his research examines the antecedents and consequences of the experience of meaning in life, authenticity, true self-knowledge and self-alienation, perceptions of free-will, and mortality awareness. Dr. Hicks has approximately 100 academic publications. His work has been featured in Scientific American, Washington Post, Vice Magazine, Greater Good Magazine, Prevention, IAI tv, NPR’s Think, among other outlets. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@dr.aanotnot3726]

1: Coherence 2: Experiential appreciation 3: mattering 4: purpose 4 pillars of meaningful life 🧬

[@Leto85]

It makes sense to me that living under the illusion that life is meaningful would make for a more happier life as indeed it gives life and the self purpose, but it isn't necessary: thinking life is meaningless can also be a rather freeing thought; no longer it's important to strive, to achieve things, to rely on how others may see you. The real freedom of a meaningless life is that you basically can do whatever you want while knowing that at the end of this meaningless life you'll lose everything and everyone including the self. It's a matter of acceptance really. If one can't accept it than yes, a meaningless life will lead to unhappiness.

[@tyavfm]

Maybe feeling life has meaning trumps thinking life has meaning.

[@tyavfm]

Maybe 'Being' trumps 'Doing'

[@tyavfm]

supersedes@@Leto85

[@lorenzomizushal3980]

There's probably a difference between saying life, in the general sense, is meaningless, and saying life, in the personal sense, is meaningless. You can say life has no meaning but still live a meaningful life, meaningful to you. Life might also be meaningful, but you can still lead a very meaningless life. What's important is whether you feel like you are living a meaningful life.

[@Leto85]

@@lorenzomizushal3980 I think you've said that very well.

[@trenaphillips1973]

Financial security is a factor overall, like it or not. Im not referring to affluence, just having enough to get by is getting harder and harder for some people struggling daily. But i agree with these 4 pillars. Its not cut and dried in real life. Appreciating what we have and not constantly striving for MORE is very helpful.

[@wellbodisalone]

There are many definitions of a meaningful life for each person. Some things are more important than other things, and you need to choose which one is more relevant or essential in your life.

[@sundrapoonan6724]

I really enjoyed this talk, I often thought that I was alone thinking like this. You've helped me understand that it is good to not over think and to slow down to experience life, rather than get caught up in the pace often set by social pressures. Thank you

[@elviscoso01]

Thank you!!

[@highstax_xylophones]

The more remote one gets from depending on themselves and others for survival = less meaning. That's what's happening. Tech, disparity with money being king, lack of procuring own food, etc. Killing our spirit. What is your passion even achieving? Better question.

[@innerlocus]

Those who expect nothing will not be disappointed, one rule as a minimalist.

[@noreasonwhynot4548]

You then have to face the disappointment of the lack of expectation bringing a lack of fulfillment.

[@Junaid_x01]

​@@noreasonwhynot4548interesting perspective 🤔

[@djackson4605]

@@noreasonwhynot4548 No that isn't right (and if someone thinks that way they're screwing themselves over for no gain). We don't need to have an expectation to feel/be fulfilled, in fact having less means that bar is lower. If we raise that bar internally, we're going to be disappointed through our own poor strategic choice.

[@ingridysilva2006]

​@@Junaid_x01q.4

[@Theplayingguitar]

I used to believe this too. But while this belief might be helpful to avoid short term pain, it hinders progress and long term happiness. If you don't expect anything, you can't set visions, targets or become active moving towards your expectations. Everything becomes irrelevant and blant. Nothing matters. Because you don't expect anything from you or your surrounding. Thus, I feel like those who don't expect anything, won't achieve anything.

[@ZATennisFan]

I love Taylor’s reaction to the news about the cat….

[@bjornnilsson7982]

He's talking about groups

[@calicumar4608]

I watched the channel feeling ralex🎉 thanks alot

[@CollinsBlessings-rj2fz]

Thank you dr pius for the time you took to make the best medication and also give me bellst treatment ever. you are a life saver i am happy i come across your chann!!!.

[@bukurie6861]

Thank you for interesting talk!❤😍🌏🫠

[@TimersBox]

Exploring the Science of Living with Purpose 🌟🧬 Immerse yourself in Joshua Hicks' insightful TEDx talk at Texas A&M University. Discover the scientific underpinnings of leading a meaningful life and gain fresh perspectives on achieving personal fulfillment. Are you ready to embrace a more purposeful journey? 🚀🌍

[@ThotCrimes84]

So no matter what you achieve in life the only thing that will give your life meaning is your kids?

[@moblue2899]

Whoever has kids to have meaning in their life area animals.

[@treaceeames4697]

Every single person in the comment section is wrong. The meaning of life , is life Your not suppoed to do anything and are not meant to do anything Its blatantly obvious Just enjoy yourselves

[@adnanmalik8903]

If you walk with those you see good wisdm

[@marianhunt8899]

This gentleman ignored the huge elephant in the room, increasing poverty and gruelling, pressurised working environment. He's only preaching to the financially secure. What a disappointment.