In the second half of this file, the psychology and culture journalist, editor, and author of the recent book The Power of Meaning, Emily Esfahani Smith, returned to talk to me about the writing life and why our search for meaning is so important right now. Rainmaker.FM is Brought to You By Discover why more than 80,000 companies in 135 countries choose WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. Start getting more from your site today!Emily has an M.A. in applied positive psychology, and in addition to being a columnist for The New Criterion, Emily’s writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Time, The Atlantic, New York Magazine and other publications. The author is also an editor at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where she manages “…an initiative to build purpose and community throughout the nation.” The author’s new book, The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters, explores the latest insights in positive psychology as well as thinkers throughout history — from George Eliot, Aristotle, Buddha, and even Louis C.K. — to find answers on why our pursuit of happiness often leaves us unhappy, and how we can lead more meaningful lives. Bestselling author Daniel Pink said, “The Power of Meaning deftly tells the stories of people, contemporary and historical, who have made the quest for meaning the mission of their lives. This powerful yet elegant book will inspire you to live a life of significance.” If you’re a fan of The Writer Files, please click subscribe to automatically see new interviews. If you missed the first half you can find it right here. In Part Two of this file Emily Esfahani Smith and I discuss: The power of outlines and how to give yourself permission to write badly Why novelty helps you connect the dots in new ways How an old library can inspire new ideas The uniquely human pursuit of meaning and why we could all use a little more of it right now The Show Notes If you’re ready to see for yourself why over 201,344 website owners trust StudioPress — the industry standard for premium WordPress themes and plugins — just go to StudioPress.com How Journalist and Author of ‘The Power of Meaning’ Emily Esfahani Smith Writes: Part One How Journalist and Author of ‘The Power of Meaning’ Emily Esfahani Smith Writes: Part One EmilyEsfahaniSmith.com The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters – Emily Esfahani Smith There’s More to Life Than Being Happy – The Atlantic The Hoover Institution at Stanford University I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen – by Sylvie Simmons Emily Esfahani Smith on Twitter Kelton Reid on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices