A Life of Meaning: Exploring Our Deepest Questions and Motivations

by James Hollis

A Masterful Author and Jungian Analyst Examines the Qualities that Bring Meaning to Our Human Journey

What is it that brings meaning to your life? Our culture tells us to seek wealth, power, prestige, or even enrollment in someone else’s idea of a worthy cause—yet where do we turn when these myths fail to fulfill our need for purpose? “When the old stories and beliefs that once defined us have played out and grown exhausted,” teaches Dr. James Hollis, “our task is to access our inner compass, the promptings of the psyche that help us find our way through the complex thickets of choice.”

Investigate the Mystery of Your Existence Through the Portal of Depth Psychology

A Life of Meaning is a profound audio exploration of the nature of meaning and how we can orient toward it or away from it with the choices we make. Through examination of myth, literature, historical figures, and the wisdom of depth psychology, Hollis provides penetrating insight into the search for purpose. Here you’ll explore:

• How our story-seeking mind forms our sense of meaning from early experience
• Why these early stories inevitably fail as we are called to our own path
• Skillfully accessing the inner oracle of your dreams
• Shadow work—where we fear to tread, yet where our greatest treasures may be found
• Missing the mark—examining the archetype of the Seven Deadly Sins through a psychological lens
• Dispelling the “ghosts” that haunt our memories and possess our psyche
• Finding personal resilience in times of internal and external change
• Living more fully in the presence of our mortality
• Guidance for coming into alignment with your soul’s abiding quest for meaning at any stage of your life

Nobody else can provide you with a sense of meaning. Anyone who tries is attempting to enroll you in their own version. In A Life of Meaning, James Hollis offers no easy answers or feel-good certainties—instead, he shares his most valuable questions and reflections to help you find the courage, persistence, and inspiration to navigate your own odyssey. “It’s humbling work, this process of getting our lives back,” he teaches. “Yet I submit to you that's worth the price of the ticket, for in the journey our lives become ever more luminous.”

Runtime: 8 hours, 17 minutes.

Genres: Psychology, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Spirituality

9 pages, Audiobook

First published December 1, 2020

About the author

James Hollis, Ph. D., was born in Springfield, Illinois, and graduated from Manchester University in 1962 and Drew University in 1967. He taught Humanities 26 years in various colleges and universities before retraining as a Jungian analyst at the Jung Institute of Zurich, Switzerland (1977-82). He is presently a licensed Jungian analyst in private practice in Washington, D.C. He served as Executive Director of the Jung Educational Center in Houston, Texas for many years and now was Executive Director of the Jung Society of Washington until 2019, and now serves on the JSW Board of Directors. He is a retired Senior Training Analyst for the Inter-Regional Society of Jungian Analysts, was first Director of Training of the Philadelphia Jung Institute, and is Vice-President Emeritus of the Philemon Foundation. Additionally he is a Professor of Jungian Studies for Saybrook University of San Francisco/Houston.

He lives with his wife Jill, an artist and retired therapist, in Washington, DC. Together they have three living children and eight grand-children.

He has written a total of seventeen books, which have been translated into Swedish, Russian, German, Spanish, French, Hungarian, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian, Korean, Finnish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Farsi, Japanese, Greek, Chinese, Serbian, Latvian, Ukranian and Czech.

Reviews

[Ade Adeniji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from James Hollis. He revisits many themes from previous books and recording; not in a repetitive way, but from a consolidating and going deeper perspective. There are also many new jewels to be discovered.
It’s one to listen to over and over again. Great companion for our human journey.

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio book was read by the author. I find his voice very soothing and enjoyable to listen to. More than that, his insights are valuable to me. He poses questions that are very thought provoking. I will probably listen again and take more notes the second time. I find this author perfect for me at midlife. I want to make the most of the time I have left living. The inner work he suggests prompts me to deeply reflect and craft a meaningful life.

[Dan Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My familiarity with Jungian analysis extended little further than the depth of a wikipedia article. So for all intents and purposes, this was my introduction to the subject. Hollis is a very experienced analyst and an engaging speaker. This audiobook is presented like a set of sessions in which Hollis (as far as I can tell) speaking solely from notes rather than written-out text. It has that sort of rhythm to it. And it is only available as an audiobook. Which is kind of a pity, because there were passages that, if I had the text in front of me, I know I would have pored over to get more familiar with the details or concepts.

[Pedram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important Lessons from this book:
You have to pay close attention to your psyche. there's something in you that knows what's best for you
You have to be accountable and show up for yourself every day in different areas of life.
You have let go of the ego & the wrong past beliefs to be able to construct new beliefs and ways of living.

[Seyed-Sajad Hamedheydari · Rating 2 out of 5]

نمی‌دونم ترجمه‌ی کتاب خوب نبود یا اینکه متن اصلی هم واقعاً به همین مقدار گُنگ نوشته شده، اما نتونستم خیلی ارتباط برقرار کنم با کتاب. شاید هم نیازمند اینه که با کارهای یونگ آشنایی داشته باشیم، چون الگوی نویسنده یونگ بوده و زیاد بهش ارجاع می‌ده.

[Pat Rolston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an audio book that is read by the author. I listened to this as a sort of consolidation of the previous two James Hollis books I read and it is the third in a relatively short time. I have never listened to or read three books by any author out side of trilogies planned as such. The author is also an outstanding reader and his content didn’t disappoint. I have always been intrigued by Jung and read his, Red Book, as well as Memories, Dreams, Reflections. This background led to my deep appreciation for the author James Hollis who trained in the Jungian Institute from 1977-1982 and was a professor of the humanities for 26 years before going into private counselling. This audio book did just as I had hoped in providing a fantastic framework for personal reflection and consideration of ways to improve my quality of life and those with whom I associate. Dr Hollis is a master guiding the development of the process delving into the subconscious and dream state to illuminate the conscious state. In short he brings us light where there was once dark literally and figuratively. If you want to explore your inner being to improve the quality of your daily life and those around you I highly recommend the author and reader Dr Hollis.

[Charles Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

70%

Looking back at the summary of this book, I can see why I had a hard time explaining the specifics of this. It's very scattered, and it reads like a story itself. I would argue that it doesn't show you how to live your life meaningfully, or to find meaning within your life. Instead, it takes you on a journey, and it makes you ask questions like, What about my purpose in life? To find meaning in life, you need to focus on the few things that are the most meaningful to you, because that will steer you exactly where you need to go. So the story is really just beautifully written, but that's what it is. It's a story. It's not a way to show you how to live your life meaningfully.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really an interesting book. It was written/recorded as a class available for purchase through sounds true. It was all over the place. But, for the most part it made sense just too tangential at times. Some chapters were set, boring, and unhelpful. Other chapters had fresh and realistic ideas to open ourselves up to feel and experience life more fully. So, it was a boxed bag. That’s why I give a mid overall rating. I wouldn’t recommend paying for this book, but if you find it from your library (my own access) or other free means you will likely find some ways to apply this book to your own life. Worth a read but not my money imo.

[Bryan Head · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book, and a three star review is not to say that I didn't enjoy it, or find nuggets of wisdom within it. However, I have found more value in other books on the topic, even just within the scope of Jungian psychology. This my first time reading Hollis and, as respected of a Jungian analyst as he is, I was surprised at how many of Jung's relevant philosophies were left out of the work. This book is worth the read, but certainly not where I would recommend starting or ending the search for a more meaningful life.

[Don Mcrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jungian analyst and teacher, James Hollis, does an admirable job of assisting the reader in finding meaning. Utilizing poetry, philosophy and religion, he does a wonderful job of guiding the reader through their own process of self analysis. Engaging and insightful, a welcome read especially for those facing the second half of life, but also a benefit for anyone of any age, pursuing self-examination.

[Gabrielle Jarrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked A Life of Meaning, although it was more of a review of Holllis's work than anything new. Yet, good to read in a different form. What does our psyche want for the second half of our lives? What brings us meaning and purpose? Then we must trust the answer our psyche or intuition gives to us via dreams, creativity and insight. Hollis as guide is very meaningful and wise.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me anything by James Hollis. He is a wise guiding voice of our time. This book is audio only, a recording of sessions in which Jungian Analyst James Hollis speaks on topics related to end of life and facing death. I recommended reading it well before you expect to die so that you can prepare by living a full life with healthy risks that lead to growth — when possible. :)

[Degan Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Hollis’ perspective on things and was looking forward to this book but I could not deal with the droning on in the audiobook - it felt very arrogant and I turned it off enough times that it got sent back to
the library before I finished it. May try again later with a paper version. DNF.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. As the subtitle says, a Jungian analyst explores humans’ deep questions and motivations. I listened to the audio version read by the author and would like to read the print version to review some of the exercises he describes and recommends.

[Jakob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I initially heard a lecture by James Hollis and wanted to hear more of his meandering thoughts on life, meaning and death. And that is what I got.

Insight-wise this is in many parts a five star read and warmly recommended. Style-wise it is meandering, bringing in many side tracks. Almost like a river where your attention can wander in and out.

I would have preferred a more concise read where each word felt more carefully weighed, and had to come back to this book several times to finish it. But I always came back in the end.

[J. Maximilian Jarrett II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent analysis, cogently expressed. Insightful and inspiring. James Hollis is masterful in his ability to explain deep truths and psychological concepts in a very simple manner. Highly recommended.

[Konstantin Antypenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expanding on the Middle Passage with some interesting ideas and suggestions about how the best to live fulfilling life, find the vocation and take risk in order not to have regret at later age

[mikelhenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advice from the preeminent Jungian expert. Really as good as it gets

[Jaydn Asay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. So many valuable and paradigm shifting insights. Will reread many times.

[Jeni Ferret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, so good I had to read it again immediately. Opens up great questions and potential ways to answer concerns regarding the shadow and pursuing what the soul calls us to do.

[Alex Hoyes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring

[Ashley Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sensible yet spiritual direction

[Cody Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book introduced to me by the most wonderful person I've ever met.

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!

[Palorossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some interesting philosophy here , although a bit rambling at times was enjoyable overall

[Tobias Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisest man on earth

[Tara ☆ Tarasbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and enlightening mix of depth psychology, philosophy and literary influences. Beautifully and authentically approached and articulated, writing this book in his eighties, Hollis is a fount of wisdom, valuable interpretations and experiences.

[Kate ( Earth Heart's Pages ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 James Hollis is one of the most eloquent speakers I have ever encountered. His precision and understanding are wonderful. This book will be a welcomed repeat throughout the years. Absolutely brilliant.

1* deducted, because this is an audiobook ONLY and has no PDF attached with a clear workbook or at least the questions he poses in the chapters to work through. This would make it one of the strongest self-help books out there, but sadly misses it for now.

[Christopher Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Lots of stuff you likely already know combined with psychoanalysis. Some of it is great and some is just not all that interesting. Nothing to "write home about" but all in all I thought it was average. If I could give it a 3.25 I would.