The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to a timely and nationally significant conversation with Emily Esfahani Smith on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Ball Brothers Foundation Hospitality Suite at Emens Auditorium.
This free public event will feature a 50-minute keynote address followed by a live audience Q&A. Registration is encouraged due to limited seating.
Why This Matters
We live in an era marked by rising stress, loneliness, political polarization, and uncertainty about the future. Many people pursue happiness as the ultimate goal, yet research increasingly shows that happiness alone can be fragile.
Drawing from psychology, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Smith offers a compelling alternative framework. A meaningful life, she argues, is built on four pillars: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.
Smith is the bestselling author of The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters and is widely known for her TED Talk, “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy,” which has been viewed more than eight million times worldwide. Her writing has appeared in major national publications, and she speaks regularly to universities, leadership organizations, and civic institutions across the country.
Register for Exclusive Opportunities
The first 100 registrants will be entered into a drawing to receive one of 20 complimentary copies of The Power of Meaning. Five registrants will also be selected to attend a private dinner and conversation with the author.
Faculty members are encouraged to share this event with students and may consider integrating the program into coursework, reflection assignments, or extra-credit engagement opportunities.
Seating is limited and expected to fill quickly. Register today to reserve your seat.
Register Here