Victor J. Stretcher is a professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and author of more than 100 articles in scientific journals. In this broad–ranging book, he sets out to delineate the ways and means of developing a purposeful life. Looking for lessons and practices from ancient to modern times, Stretcher reveals that purpose can:
- add years to our lives
- cut the risks of heart attack and Alzheimer's Disease
- strengthen the immune system
- enrich our lives through self-transcendence
- increase willpower and energy
- enhance resilience
The author quotes George Bernard Shaw:
"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one . . . the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances."
Our sense of purpose is revitalized by mentors and heroes who live out this virtue in their lives. Stretcher discusses five other sources of energy: activity, eating, sleep, presence, and creativity. These positive behaviors help make purpose a universal high-order aspiration. Stretcher shows us that this is a virtue that brings us more riches than we can imagine.
