Noble Purpose
The Joy of Living a Meaningful Life
About the book
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by William Damon | Templeton Foundation Press ©2003 |
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98 pages |
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8 hours saved on average by reading this note |
brian’s take
William Damon is one of the world’s leading scientists studying human development and the psychology of morality. In this book, he gives us a guide to discovering and creating our noble purpose. Big Ideas we explore include making a distinction between noble and heroic, the ultimate purpose formula, 9 tips on how to cultivate your noble purpose, the one phrase your advisor should whisper in your ears when you’ve achieved ultimate success, and how to create true, sustainable happiness.
"Have a purpose in life, and throw yourself into your work with all the strength of mind and muscle as God has given."
Thomas Carlyle
big ideas
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Noble vs. Heroic: Let’s define a noble purpose |
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The ultimate purpose formula |
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Cultivating noble purpose |
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“Sic Transit Gloria” ← Advisor whispers in your ear... |
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What brings true happiness |
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Noble Purpose
introduction
from the book
“The examples above—cooking eggs, making golf putts, driving home through storms—are absorbing but transient experiences that people may engage in from time to time.
But can you imagine living your whole life with that kind of focus? All of us have that choice. To live in this way means finding large-scale purposes that concentrate your talents, skills, thoughts, and energies in an enduring manner.
It means finding something that you truly believe in, something so worth accomplishing that you dedicate yourself to it wholeheartedly, without qualm or self-interest. It means devoting yourself to a cause, or to many causes, that you consider noble purposes.”
It’s all about “finding something that you truly believe in, something so worth accomplishing that you dedicate yourself to it wholeheartedly, without qualm or self-interest.”
Helping us discovering and live our noble purposes is, of course, what this book is all about.
I was introduced to William Damon and his work via Angela Duckworth’s Grit. William is one of the world’s leading scientists studying human development and the psychology of morality. ← Awesome.
This is a tiny little book that is incredibly inspiring. (Get a copy here.) It’s packed with Big Ideas and I’m excited to share a few of my favorites so let’s jump straight in!
P.S. If you haven’t checked out Purpose 101 and the other Notes on purpose, cruise on over here to do so.
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