The Meaning of Life

Over 100 extraordinary people. One profound question. Countless life-affirming answers.
Including letters from Julian Fellowes, President Jimmy Carter, Adam Grant, Jane Goodall, Bindi Irwin, Pico Iyer, Hilary Mantel, Jodi Picoult, Astro Teller, Edward O. Wilson and more.
When James Bailey was feeling lost in life, he was inspired by philosopher Will Durant's project, conducted in the 1930's, to write to one hundred luminaries in arts, politics, religion, sport and sciences, challenging them to respond to a direct yet fundamental question—What is the meaning of life? The response was more remarkable than he could have ever imagined.
A decade on, James had garnered an incredible collection of replies, collated here for the first time. By turns thought-provoking, amusing and enlightening, these letters from scientists, writers, campaigners, athletes, political leaders, entertainers, survivors and philosophers are a wonderful source of inspiration. Some are about happiness and heartbreak, some are about purpose, some are funny and some will change the way you think.
The Meaning of Life is a gift from people of all walks of life with incredible experience, connecting through one meaningful question that broadens our understanding of what it really means to be human and happy. It is more than just a collection of letters—it's a roadmap to finding your own path.

James Bailey is a writer who was born in Bristol but now calls different places home, working nomadically from cities such as Vienna, Florence, and New York. His novels The Flip Side and The Way Back to You have both been translated into multiple languages. Before becoming an author, James worked as a red carpet reporter and a tour guide, and even carried the Olympic Torch. Find out more about James on Instagram @JamesBaileyWrites.