The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to an evening with Emily Esfahani Smith, bestselling author and one of the leading contemporary voices on meaning, purpose, and human flourishing.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 7:00–8:30 p.m. in the Ball Brothers Foundation Hospitality Suite at Emens Auditorium. The program includes a keynote lecture followed by a live audience Q&A. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged due to limited capacity.
Why This Conversation Matters
Across higher education and society more broadly, a growing body of research points to a paradox: as the pursuit of happiness has intensified, so too have experiences of anxiety, loneliness, and disconnection.
Drawing on interdisciplinary research in psychology, philosophy, and narrative identity, Smith challenges the assumption that happiness is the ultimate goal of life. Instead, she advances a more durable framework centered on meaning—a construct associated with resilience, long-term well-being, and civic orientation.
Her work identifies four empirically grounded pillars of a meaningful life:
- Belonging — relationships rooted in mutual recognition and dignity
- Purpose — commitment to goals beyond the self
- Storytelling — the ability to interpret one’s life as coherent and significant
- Transcendence — moments that connect us to something larger than ourselves
These themes resonate strongly with current research on mental health, student engagement, and democratic life, making this event especially relevant for faculty, educators, students, and community leaders.
About Emily Esfahani Smith
Emily Esfahani Smith is the author of The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters, a widely acclaimed book that synthesizes decades of psychological and philosophical research into an accessible framework for modern life.
Her TED Talk, “There’s More to Life Than Being Happy,” has reached millions globally and is frequently cited in conversations about well-being, purpose, and resilience. Her work bridges academic research and public discourse, making complex ideas both accessible and actionable.
Engagement Opportunities
To deepen the impact of the event: The first 100 registrants will be entered into a drawing for one of 20 complimentary copies of The Power of Meaning. Five attendees will be selected for a private dinner and small-group conversation with the author
Faculty are encouraged to incorporate the event into courses through reflection assignments, discussion, or co-curricular engagement
Why You Should Attend
This is more than a lecture, it is an opportunity to engage a central question of our time:
What does it mean to live a meaningful life in an age of uncertainty?
For everyone who is navigating identity and purpose, for those shaping the next generation, and for community members seeking deeper connection, this conversation offers both intellectual depth and practical insight.
Seating is limited and expected to fill quickly. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Register today to reserve your place.