Talk: Values In Conflict: Happiness Vs Meaning

Abstract

What happens when the desire for happiness conflicts with a life of meaning?

Professor Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, expert in positive psychology who has taught one of Harvard's largest classes, states that his purpose "is to bring happiness to life." Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Abraham Arbesfeld Chair of the Director of the Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik Semikha Program, pulpit rabbi and spiritual mentor at Yeshiva University, has devoted his life to enhancing meaning. Dr. Erica Brown, Vice Provost for Values and Leadership and Director of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks-Herenstein Center for Values and Leadership, will moderate a conversation between these two influential thinkers.