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The Path to Purpose: Helping Our Children Find Their Calling in Life
The author of Greater Expectations cites rising levels of young people who are entering adulthood without a clear sense of purpose, explaining how parents and educators can productively assist children to discover and responsibly pursue their true interests. 40,000 first printing.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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1479 people want to read
About the author
William Damon
43 books33 followersOne of the world’s leading scholars of human development, William Damon is Professor of Education at Stanford University and the Director of the Stanford Center on Adolescence. Prior to joining Stanford in 1997, he was University Professor and Director of the Center for the Study of Human Development at Brown University.
By focusing his work on the positive aspects of “growing up” rather than on the severe behavioral problems of adolescents, Damon has put himself on the forefront of the emerging positive psychology movement in the United States. Damon speaks regularly to public and academic audiences about contemporary trends in child development and has written widely about personal development and moral commitment at all ages of life.
His current research explores how people develop character and a sense of purpose in their work, family, and community relationships. He examines how young people can approach their careers with a focus on purpose, imagination, and high standards of excellence. Damon also has written widely about how to educate for ethical understanding. His work is used in professional training programs in the fields of journalism, law, and business.
Damon is the author of 17 books and numerous book chapters and articles on education and human development, especially character development. His work has been influential for research and theory in academic developmental psychology and in the broader society, especially around questions of childrearing and schooling. His 1995 book, Greater Expectations: Overcoming the Culture of Indulgence in Our Homes and Schools helped create a societal push to increase standards for achievement and service and was the recipient of the prestigious Parents’ Choice® award. Damon’s other books written for general audiences include The Moral Child, Some Do Care, The Youth Charter and Good Work. He is founding editor of the well-known series, New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development and editor in chief of the definitive Handbook of Child Psychology, fifth and sixth editions.
Damon’s research and insights have been regularly covered in national publications, including the Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Washington Post. His many national talk show appearances include Oprah, Today, Primetime Live, Talk of the Nation, The Diane Rehm Show, and Morning Edition.
Among many national recognitions, Damon was recently elected to the National Academy of Education. He received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. He lives in Northern California.
By focusing his work on the positive aspects of “growing up” rather than on the severe behavioral problems of adolescents, Damon has put himself on the forefront of the emerging positive psychology movement in the United States. Damon speaks regularly to public and academic audiences about contemporary trends in child development and has written widely about personal development and moral commitment at all ages of life.
His current research explores how people develop character and a sense of purpose in their work, family, and community relationships. He examines how young people can approach their careers with a focus on purpose, imagination, and high standards of excellence. Damon also has written widely about how to educate for ethical understanding. His work is used in professional training programs in the fields of journalism, law, and business.
Damon is the author of 17 books and numerous book chapters and articles on education and human development, especially character development. His work has been influential for research and theory in academic developmental psychology and in the broader society, especially around questions of childrearing and schooling. His 1995 book, Greater Expectations: Overcoming the Culture of Indulgence in Our Homes and Schools helped create a societal push to increase standards for achievement and service and was the recipient of the prestigious Parents’ Choice® award. Damon’s other books written for general audiences include The Moral Child, Some Do Care, The Youth Charter and Good Work. He is founding editor of the well-known series, New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development and editor in chief of the definitive Handbook of Child Psychology, fifth and sixth editions.
Damon’s research and insights have been regularly covered in national publications, including the Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, Washington Post. His many national talk show appearances include Oprah, Today, Primetime Live, Talk of the Nation, The Diane Rehm Show, and Morning Edition.
Among many national recognitions, Damon was recently elected to the National Academy of Education. He received his bachelor's degree from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in developmental psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. He lives in Northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 1, 2021
I’m not exactly the target audience, but I learned a lot. What most resonated with me is his point on how we need to combine our interests and talents with the needs we observe in our communities to build our own purpose
This is so important bc nobody knows the problems of a community better than a community member does
But, as he emphasized, to be knowledgeable members aware of the problems, we must be actually participating in our communities and being involved, active citizens
So I’m left with the question of how I can better engage myself and others. This has been big for me for a while, but he gave me a larger framework in which to place this value
Very happy w this book!
This is so important bc nobody knows the problems of a community better than a community member does
But, as he emphasized, to be knowledgeable members aware of the problems, we must be actually participating in our communities and being involved, active citizens
So I’m left with the question of how I can better engage myself and others. This has been big for me for a while, but he gave me a larger framework in which to place this value
Very happy w this book!
October 3, 2015
All hand wringing, no help.
August 3, 2021
The book starts with extreme examples of young people with purpose on both the incredible (six year old starting a business to build wells in places where people need better water access) and horrific (columbine) sides. In later chapters, the author shares tangible ways for adults to encourage finding purpose including the exact questionnaire he used in his research. Three stars because the writing isn't very engaging, but the second half of the book might make it a 3.5 for me. Some good takeaways including a reminder to listen. I believe young peoples' capacity to make an impact is often underappreciated and this author agrees.
"We are used to giving our opinions - whether they've been solicited or not - on any topic, and we are usually ready with advice based on our own experience. Listening to a child, and engaging in a genuinely two-way conversation, is harder than lecturing..."
"We are used to giving our opinions - whether they've been solicited or not - on any topic, and we are usually ready with advice based on our own experience. Listening to a child, and engaging in a genuinely two-way conversation, is harder than lecturing..."
February 19, 2015
Thought this was a nice, coherent little book! I think the Damon has hit on an interesting insight - that there is a dearth of purpose in today's youth. As a member of "today's youth," I found that a lot of his observations rang true. I'm now fairly convinced - purpose is the root of all motivation.
Full disclosure, Bill Damon is currently one of my professors, and he is a lovely man.
Full disclosure, Bill Damon is currently one of my professors, and he is a lovely man.
July 21, 2016
For a book about paths and purposes, it has a profound lack of either.
January 26, 2019
It at times was very depressing and judgmental. Some thing were outdated also.
August 31, 2024
Damon is clearly a knowledgeable researcher and the information is research based and solid. That said, this book is a little older and I am curious what developments have come about in the years since publication.
My own child is just entering teenagehood and the information feels relevant and somewhat helpful. I do like the semi structured interview that Damon provider at the end. It’s also useful to know that most young folks are inspired by contacts and mentorship outside of the family unit at this point. My synnopsis of the most useful points are here.
- Purpose is good
- There are four groups that Damon divides kids into the disengaged, the dreamers, the dabblers and the purposeful. They do seem like they are along one axis of a continuum.
Certain steps do seem to help folks develop purpose:
“1 Inspiring communications with persons outside the immediate family
2 Observation of purposeful people at work
3 First moment of revelation: something important in the world that can be corrected or improved4 4 Second moment of revelation: I can contribute something myself and make a difference
5 Identification of purpose, along with initial attempts to accomplish something
6 Support from immediate family
7 Expanded efforts to pursue one’s purpose in original and consequential ways
8 Acquiring skills needed for this purpose
9 Increased practical effectiveness
10 Enhanced optimism and self confidence
11 Long-term commitment to the purpose
12 Transfer of the skills and character strengths gained in pursuit of one purpose to other areas of life”
However, these numbered steps appear to apply most to those children who developed an intense sense of purpose early in life. I do continue to have questions particularly around a more typical trajectory of purpose building. My only other minor criticism of the book is that Damon spent a long time on the first point, justifying the importance of purpose. While needed to some degree, my guess is that most of us picking up this book area already on board with these arguments and a shift to how to help today’s youth sooner would have been more of interest.
My own child is just entering teenagehood and the information feels relevant and somewhat helpful. I do like the semi structured interview that Damon provider at the end. It’s also useful to know that most young folks are inspired by contacts and mentorship outside of the family unit at this point. My synnopsis of the most useful points are here.
- Purpose is good
- There are four groups that Damon divides kids into the disengaged, the dreamers, the dabblers and the purposeful. They do seem like they are along one axis of a continuum.
Certain steps do seem to help folks develop purpose:
“1 Inspiring communications with persons outside the immediate family
2 Observation of purposeful people at work
3 First moment of revelation: something important in the world that can be corrected or improved4 4 Second moment of revelation: I can contribute something myself and make a difference
5 Identification of purpose, along with initial attempts to accomplish something
6 Support from immediate family
7 Expanded efforts to pursue one’s purpose in original and consequential ways
8 Acquiring skills needed for this purpose
9 Increased practical effectiveness
10 Enhanced optimism and self confidence
11 Long-term commitment to the purpose
12 Transfer of the skills and character strengths gained in pursuit of one purpose to other areas of life”
However, these numbered steps appear to apply most to those children who developed an intense sense of purpose early in life. I do continue to have questions particularly around a more typical trajectory of purpose building. My only other minor criticism of the book is that Damon spent a long time on the first point, justifying the importance of purpose. While needed to some degree, my guess is that most of us picking up this book area already on board with these arguments and a shift to how to help today’s youth sooner would have been more of interest.
August 11, 2017
While this book is not written only to parents, it is one of the best parenting books I have read. He offers a set of factors that are crucial to helping a sense of purpose come alive in our children. These factors are just solid parenting practices for any family. William Damon gives readers an excellent definition of purpose that can help anyone think about what their own purpose might be. In the early part of the book he covers why purpose is important in all of our lives. He says, "Study after study has found a person's sense of life purpose to be closely connected to virtually all dimensions of well-being." One of the most interesting sections of this chapter is called "Noble and Ignoble Purpose" where he addresses bad or evil purposes and whether they work the same way as motivators in people's lives. He also gives a good explanation of noble and ignoble purposes and how to tell them apart.
Some examples of students that he has surveyed who have a clear purpose are included. He also addresses cultural issues that lead to lack of purpose in young people and how to counteract them. He says, "The single greatest barrier to youngsters finding their paths to purpose is the fixation on short horizons that infuses cultural messages sent to young people today. A popular culture celebrating quick results and showy achievements has displaced the traditional values of reflection and contemplation that once stood as the moral north star of human development and education."
This book gave me many things to think about. I highly recommend it.
Some examples of students that he has surveyed who have a clear purpose are included. He also addresses cultural issues that lead to lack of purpose in young people and how to counteract them. He says, "The single greatest barrier to youngsters finding their paths to purpose is the fixation on short horizons that infuses cultural messages sent to young people today. A popular culture celebrating quick results and showy achievements has displaced the traditional values of reflection and contemplation that once stood as the moral north star of human development and education."
This book gave me many things to think about. I highly recommend it.
June 8, 2020
I highly recommend this book to parents with kids who feel lost in the world. And not only!
If you, yourself, feel unmotivated and uninspired, read this book. It will help you shape a noble goal. Challenge you with difficult questions that will allow you to look at problems from a different perspective.
I consider Life of Purpose a useful guide that can help you turn your inexperienced youngsters into eager-to-learn risk-takers with a clear mission and agenda.
Key takeaway?
Find a meaningful purpose in your life.
Without a purpose, you will feel unworthy. Demotivated. Traumatized.
Purpose is the driving force. The key motivator. The thing that will get you out of bed and aid you in accomplishing seemingly boring tasks.
But when you’re on a lookout to involve yourself in a task, don’t just pick any project. Grab a noble one. Let it be something that can cause good to the surrounding people.
Read more:
https://durmonski.com/book-summaries/...
If you, yourself, feel unmotivated and uninspired, read this book. It will help you shape a noble goal. Challenge you with difficult questions that will allow you to look at problems from a different perspective.
I consider Life of Purpose a useful guide that can help you turn your inexperienced youngsters into eager-to-learn risk-takers with a clear mission and agenda.
Key takeaway?
Find a meaningful purpose in your life.
Without a purpose, you will feel unworthy. Demotivated. Traumatized.
Purpose is the driving force. The key motivator. The thing that will get you out of bed and aid you in accomplishing seemingly boring tasks.
But when you’re on a lookout to involve yourself in a task, don’t just pick any project. Grab a noble one. Let it be something that can cause good to the surrounding people.
Read more:
https://durmonski.com/book-summaries/...
August 25, 2023
This is an excellent book that helps to guide us in guiding our children into discerning what matters to them and what to do about it. Purpose is everything, in my opinion. I do myself and my child no justice by demanding excellence and performance in 100% of everything or in demanding competition with others. What for? I'd rather do the hard work of helping the next generation to figure out what it is that lights them up and then supporting them in following that path. It's also important for me to grasp that the path can change, and that's okay. Their concept of meaningful work, work worth doing, and finding it matters. A successful person is one who finds joy and meaning in their work and how their time is spent. I don't subscribe to the idea that a job is just a job. To me, that's a life of misery and waiting to die. Find your purpose, live it, and help your kids to do the same.
June 26, 2019
Positive psychology has typically concerned itself with happiness as a goal to strive for; yet this book argues that having a sense of purpose or meaning in life may matter more, especially for our youth.
Based on empirical studies where the author interviewed youth / adolescents to determine who had discovered their purpose and who were still faltering, the author makes a strong case for living lives of purpose and meaning.
the book is well structured, with sections on say how to parent for purpose and makes for a compelling read. All parents, educators and those working with young adults should read and savor this and then go forth and shine some purpose in the lives of the people they interact with.
Based on empirical studies where the author interviewed youth / adolescents to determine who had discovered their purpose and who were still faltering, the author makes a strong case for living lives of purpose and meaning.
the book is well structured, with sections on say how to parent for purpose and makes for a compelling read. All parents, educators and those working with young adults should read and savor this and then go forth and shine some purpose in the lives of the people they interact with.
February 2, 2021
You'll finish The Path to Purpose with more questions than answers, which is a good thing when it comes to books such as this. It's a short-ish (180 pages plus appendix and the typical end-of-book entries), easy read that focuses more on theory than graphs. While Damon doesn't give step-by-step solutions, he's open about how they don't exist (at least in 2008). Those expecting a full solution should steer clear. The purpose of the book is noble and has aged well. It provides a good launch-point to incorporating a life-long purpose in the raising and training of young people.
August 9, 2020
This is one of several resources from my office that I have intended to read this summer. Quality academic advising programs in higher ed should be prompting reflection and helping students make meaning of their educational experiences in the context of their own strengths and values. This work provides some insights into the environment needed for young people to find purpose. I find the questions from the author’s research study the most helpful part of the book
February 5, 2021
As the the book progressed, the message/writing seemed to get repetitive. The youth of today portrayed in the book looked entirely to the outside sources (parents, teachers, mentors, etc) in finding their purpose without putting much efforts on their own (reflection, researching, reading, etc.). Also, the projected interaction between the youth and the adults on their quest for finding purpose was idealized and a bit unrealistic.
April 21, 2020
3.5 stars. I appreciate this book. It gave me a lot to think about with regard to my daughters and i did a lot of highlighting and flagging key points. I really like the appendix which includes many questions we can ask our kids to get them to start thinking more deeply about who they are in the world and what their purpose is.
February 19, 2022
Ehhh… wow this book has a good concept and I knew that it was a bit dated, I feel like most of it could have been written in a flyer to cover the important parts instead of the whole book. The most helpful part of the book is the appendix full of questions for teens at the back of the book. There was a lot of lament over the state of society today instead of helpful solutions.
November 24, 2025
A must-read for school leaders, teachers, parents and young people
William Damon addresses the issues and challenges facing our youth today - youth who need the support and encouragement to discover their purpose in life. Very practical steps that we can take, if we have the courage to disrupt the status quo.
William Damon addresses the issues and challenges facing our youth today - youth who need the support and encouragement to discover their purpose in life. Very practical steps that we can take, if we have the courage to disrupt the status quo.
February 6, 2026
Technically a self-help book, this has a whole lot of text without saying that much, beyond the obvious. A few studies are quoted, other books, and the author's own survey. but although kids are separated by affluence, I didn't see any names that could remotely qualify as non-white which really calls his precepts into question.
May 11, 2017
Very good - was hoping for a little more concrete ideas for helping guide children to their calling - he offers some good conversation points but would have liked recommendations on ways to explore career paths and surveys for assessing strengths and interests etc.
July 20, 2020
Delves too much on the cause and severity of the lack of purpose in youth compared to actually developing it. It meanders more than I would prefer as well but it does very well to establish, explain, and demonstrate it's point.
May 29, 2021
I like the premise of this book, but the case study examples of the kids annoyed me because they were way more exceptional and out of the ordinary than what I thought the book was trying to teach as adolescents with purpose.
September 9, 2021
“Purpose” is the key element of curiosity, discovery and growth in Self-awareness. Asking the cause for things has allowed us to evolve as a human species and is the basis of our freedom of choice.
Inspiring book!
Inspiring book!
September 7, 2015
649.7 DAM
pxii, For what purpose? why? What do I hope to accomplish with all my efforts, with all the striving that I ma expected to do? what are the higher goals that give these efforts meaning? What matters to me, and why should it matter? what is my ultimate concern in life? Unless we make such questions a central part of our conversations with young people, we can do little but sit back and watch while they wander into a sea of confusion, drift, self-doubt, and anxiety -- feeling too often arise when work and striving are unaccompanied by a sense of purpose.
how, the young person wonders, can I manage to find something that is both rewarding and meaningful? How can I purse my dreams and avoid "selling out" without diminishing my chances to provide for myself and the family I would like to have? How can I earn a living as a valued member of society and make a positive difference in the world? There are questions that, sooner or later, all young people must confront in order to make their most crucial life choices.
p22 What exactly do I mean by a "life purpose"? A purpose is an ultimate concern. It is the final answer to the question WHY? Why are you doing this? What does it matter to you?..A purpose is a deeper reason for the immediate goals and motives that drive most daily behavior.... A purpose is an end in itself.
p33 Purpose definition: is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at the same time meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond the self.
p35 What causes human development in Jean Piaget's Equilibration: p36 It is moving forward, steadily, never trying to stay in one place.
p38 Child thrive condition: (1) forward movement toward a fulfilling purpose (2) a structure of social support consistent with that effort.
chap 5 Beyond a culture of short horizons
p106 Youth is a time of idealism- or at least it should be. ...a human life does not begin with idealistic aspiration is likely to be a barren one....Aristotle put it this way.."they are hopeful, their lives are filled with expectation, they are high-minded, they choose to do what is noble rather than what is expedient-such, then, is the character of youth.
p118 Beyond shot-horizon guidance in our homes.
...It is a small example (taking on community service in order to show up in the college application), but it's one that shows how often, in an attempt to make our children more competitive in the marketplace, we take nay concern they may have for the welfare of others, something that might become a long-term purpose, and we turn it into a short-term, self-serving goal...(Young people) see through to the core of guidance that is motivated by little more than calculated self-promotion, or yet, more discouraging, abject self-protectiveness. They are aware of the cynicism at its center. Out of respect for those who utter such advice, they may say fit to get with program, but rarely with enthusiasm -- pitfalls of extracurricular in college application
p121I can recite almost from memory the script that students and their parental editors write in efforts to get on the good side of admission officials: I intend to make a difference in the world; take on many challenges; aim high; follow my passions; learn all that there is to know abut my field of choice; contribute to my community in college and beyond; and devote myself to improving the human condition. All of which can be wonderful self-fulling sentiments when they emanate sincerely from student....But for many students, using these kinds of statements to fill in lines of a college applications is little more than an empty exercise in posing and fabricating, under the watchful eye of a parent who manages the acts and writes much of script.
Chap 6 Parenting for purpose
p129 We must continually examine our most accepted assumptions abut that young people need, in order to avoid falling lockstep into any trend that, no matter how sensible it may appear, will always have its own short-coming.
Chap 7 A culture of purpose for all young people
p167 Deficit reduction vs. positive youth development approach by Peter Beson
Moral Child: Nurturing Children's Natural Moral Growth by William Damon (1988, the universality of core moral value in educations)
Greater Expectations: Overcoming the Culture of Indulgence in Our Homes and Schools by William Damon (1995, in response to self-esteem education movement, advocate high standards and character build)
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for? by Rick Warren
Fostering Resiliency in Kids: Protective Factors in the Family, School, and Community. by Benard, Bonnie (download 32 pages PDF file from library)
pxii, For what purpose? why? What do I hope to accomplish with all my efforts, with all the striving that I ma expected to do? what are the higher goals that give these efforts meaning? What matters to me, and why should it matter? what is my ultimate concern in life? Unless we make such questions a central part of our conversations with young people, we can do little but sit back and watch while they wander into a sea of confusion, drift, self-doubt, and anxiety -- feeling too often arise when work and striving are unaccompanied by a sense of purpose.
how, the young person wonders, can I manage to find something that is both rewarding and meaningful? How can I purse my dreams and avoid "selling out" without diminishing my chances to provide for myself and the family I would like to have? How can I earn a living as a valued member of society and make a positive difference in the world? There are questions that, sooner or later, all young people must confront in order to make their most crucial life choices.
p22 What exactly do I mean by a "life purpose"? A purpose is an ultimate concern. It is the final answer to the question WHY? Why are you doing this? What does it matter to you?..A purpose is a deeper reason for the immediate goals and motives that drive most daily behavior.... A purpose is an end in itself.
p33 Purpose definition: is a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at the same time meaningful to the self and consequential for the world beyond the self.
p35 What causes human development in Jean Piaget's Equilibration: p36 It is moving forward, steadily, never trying to stay in one place.
p38 Child thrive condition: (1) forward movement toward a fulfilling purpose (2) a structure of social support consistent with that effort.
chap 5 Beyond a culture of short horizons
p106 Youth is a time of idealism- or at least it should be. ...a human life does not begin with idealistic aspiration is likely to be a barren one....Aristotle put it this way.."they are hopeful, their lives are filled with expectation, they are high-minded, they choose to do what is noble rather than what is expedient-such, then, is the character of youth.
p118 Beyond shot-horizon guidance in our homes.
...It is a small example (taking on community service in order to show up in the college application), but it's one that shows how often, in an attempt to make our children more competitive in the marketplace, we take nay concern they may have for the welfare of others, something that might become a long-term purpose, and we turn it into a short-term, self-serving goal...(Young people) see through to the core of guidance that is motivated by little more than calculated self-promotion, or yet, more discouraging, abject self-protectiveness. They are aware of the cynicism at its center. Out of respect for those who utter such advice, they may say fit to get with program, but rarely with enthusiasm -- pitfalls of extracurricular in college application
p121I can recite almost from memory the script that students and their parental editors write in efforts to get on the good side of admission officials: I intend to make a difference in the world; take on many challenges; aim high; follow my passions; learn all that there is to know abut my field of choice; contribute to my community in college and beyond; and devote myself to improving the human condition. All of which can be wonderful self-fulling sentiments when they emanate sincerely from student....But for many students, using these kinds of statements to fill in lines of a college applications is little more than an empty exercise in posing and fabricating, under the watchful eye of a parent who manages the acts and writes much of script.
Chap 6 Parenting for purpose
p129 We must continually examine our most accepted assumptions abut that young people need, in order to avoid falling lockstep into any trend that, no matter how sensible it may appear, will always have its own short-coming.
Chap 7 A culture of purpose for all young people
p167 Deficit reduction vs. positive youth development approach by Peter Beson
Moral Child: Nurturing Children's Natural Moral Growth by William Damon (1988, the universality of core moral value in educations)
Greater Expectations: Overcoming the Culture of Indulgence in Our Homes and Schools by William Damon (1995, in response to self-esteem education movement, advocate high standards and character build)
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for? by Rick Warren
Fostering Resiliency in Kids: Protective Factors in the Family, School, and Community. by Benard, Bonnie (download 32 pages PDF file from library)
January 18, 2021
Great exploration of theory, but lacking in concrete, actionable strategies.
July 5, 2023
Although I'm not the target audience for the book, I did learn things that I would apply in my own life.
A recommended read for people to catalyze growth aspects in their lives.
A recommended read for people to catalyze growth aspects in their lives.
July 16, 2025
Raising kids, teaching kids - this is a good one! People need passion and purpose in their lives and this book has some helpful strategies, interesting anecdotes and ways to help build purpose.
November 12, 2024
This work is really interesting to me. Damon sees purpose as a missing element in the lives of adolescents and I tend to agree. He is a researcher and looks at the process of purpose development in adolescents' lives. The culmination of his research points to purpose as a construct that leads to a more fulfilling and motivated life. An interesting element of purpose is the need to arrive at a purpose commitment to experience its fullest benefit. In this era, that is increasingly challenging because we are drowned in endless choices for who we could be. Additionally, a startling finding is that making money has emerged as the chief interest among adolescents with having a meaningful life drifting further back since purpose surveys of college students began in the 1960s. Damon left an amazing legacy through the Center for Adolescent Development at Stanford. His students turned researchers are carrying on this work and I'm excited to join them in promoting positive adolescent purpose.
March 30, 2011
As a college consultant, I probe a young person's interests, passions and long-term goals. I am often struck by an absence of purpose, even from students with remarkable talent. So Damon's book truly resonated for me. I once thought that my role with teens was mostly about the "HOW" (i.e., getting into college); Damon's book helped me realize that it is my responsibility to help adolescents with the "WHY."I call this book an antidote for the Race to Nowhere, based on a recent film about the pressure placed on high school students today to get into college, without any real vision of where they are really going in life or why it matters.
This book will change you, whether you are a parent, teacher, tutor, coach, extended family member, shrink, or policymaker. Its call to action is to help our society's young people shift in a positive direction along the continuum of categories from disengaged to purposeful.Damon does not just curse the darkness; he lights a bright candle by making positive suggestions that parents (and other adults) can put into practice on a daily basis with the teens with whom they interact.
This book will change you, whether you are a parent, teacher, tutor, coach, extended family member, shrink, or policymaker. Its call to action is to help our society's young people shift in a positive direction along the continuum of categories from disengaged to purposeful.Damon does not just curse the darkness; he lights a bright candle by making positive suggestions that parents (and other adults) can put into practice on a daily basis with the teens with whom they interact.
June 27, 2008
This is a great book for parents, educators, and psychologists. Damon is a developmental psychologist who has done research in the area of child development for a number of years and uses empirical data to support his positions rather than simple argumentation. One of the most interesting aspects of this book from my perspective was its use of terms such as “calling”, “meaning”, and “purpose” in a completely areligious sense. As a researcher, Damon constantly points to the evidence that it is terribly important for young people to have a sense of purpose in life, and without that, they are likely to struggle and drift through life no matter how intelligent or competent they are. I think this speaks to the need for both parents and educators to constantly meld purpose with instruction (easier said than done). In fact, the one criticism I would submit of this work is the lack of specific instruction on how to detect and implement purposeful direction to young people. Overall it was a great read, however, and I would definitely recommend it to others.
January 25, 2022
The Path to Purpose draws from interviews with young people and parents to investigate how people find purpose in their life. Throughout this book, the author offers insight on guiding young people to lead meaningful lives.
While I have read a handful of self-help books, I remain skeptical of them. I appreciated the points that Damon made, such as highlighting the difference between education and the real world. However, I found his message repetitive... Furthermore, the advice Damon offered in The Path to Purpose is not equally accessible to everyone. I was disappointed that the author did not address social and economic disparities or (thoroughly) discuss how all kinds of experiences help shape people positively. On the other hand, I found the questionnaire from the youth survey (provided at the end of the book) insightful; they're questions that everyone should be asking themselves at some point in their lives. The questionnaire was more useful than the rest of the book. Overall, I found The Path to Purpose outdated with few 'new' insights.
While I have read a handful of self-help books, I remain skeptical of them. I appreciated the points that Damon made, such as highlighting the difference between education and the real world. However, I found his message repetitive... Furthermore, the advice Damon offered in The Path to Purpose is not equally accessible to everyone. I was disappointed that the author did not address social and economic disparities or (thoroughly) discuss how all kinds of experiences help shape people positively. On the other hand, I found the questionnaire from the youth survey (provided at the end of the book) insightful; they're questions that everyone should be asking themselves at some point in their lives. The questionnaire was more useful than the rest of the book. Overall, I found The Path to Purpose outdated with few 'new' insights.
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