An Explanation

This book presents a discussion that dares to examine the who, what, why, and how of us. It is not a difficult read as it is presented as a dialogue between two searchers, savants in their own fields, those of medicine/science and of theology/philosophy. It does, however, pose a challenge to think as the presentation unfolds. This is simply because the examination delves into areas that have always bothered us but seem too esoteric for us to contemplate.

You see, on the one hand, we can see ourselves as a blob of flesh, even a sophisticated fungus that lives as a complicated interaction of chemicals for a limited time. We are born, we interact with our environment at a variety of levels, and we die.

On the other hand, we think, individually and invisibly. We act out our thoughts and impact the world of things and others. We want to see ourselves as more than the blob of flesh but we do not know where to look, why it is important to look, and how to use that information if and when we get it.

In this book, the author attempts to tackle that apparently impossible task, not by making it a story, but by analyzing and examining the components and then putting them together with better insight. It uses an easily followed dialogue that dissects science, philosophy, modern medicine, history, and theology to achieve this end.

Therefore, though the topics discussed may seem at first glance to be a difficult read, that is only because they examine conditions many of us have not included in our regular life experiences. As we contemplate them, however, they will take what at first appears to be unnecessary information and make it an integral part of our vision and understanding. The important distinction in the way it deals with youth is that it encourages the reader to see the youth who is engaged in unhealthy behaviour or experiencing unhealthy moods, not as mentally sick or disturbed, but as insufficiently enlightened or guided to rise above their chaotic world.

Therefore, it focuses instead on how to help them build deductive reasoning by considering and understanding the different natures of physical reality and of mental or existential being. This leads them to strengthen resilience, reduce impulsive choices, and elevate mental health and mental strength. This allows them to do better because they know better and believe in their ability to build power of self rather than treat, suppress, or defend a behaviour that represents their past ignorance.

 About the Author

Albert de Goias

I am a physician recently retired. For the last forty years I have worked with people from all walks of life, from drug addicts to stressed executives, disenchanted physicians and disillusioned pastors helping them to see and understand their calling to live with insight and purpose despite the chaos and complexity inherent to their world. First working alone with adults then, through the Prometheum Institute, with youths to discontinue the use of cannabis and other experimental drugs, I was able to help them focus on better understanding and managing adolescent angst through a more enlightened approach to the maturity of adulthood. The majority of those I have seen were able to see life as a font of perpetual and unstoppable change we are required to examine, analyse and understand. They learned and applied the insight that our job is to use these challenges as food to build the power of self, not as obstacles that deplete us. I have thoroughly enjoyed my work with youth and this book is hopefully my legacy to youth everywhere to be able to see themselves as souls with the mandate to grow, not just bodies with the need to survive.

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Reviews

Reviews taken from Amazon
Sam Tsang- Canada
Sam Tsang

Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2025

Albert de Goias' A Meaningful Life offers readers a compelling and intellectually rigorous exploration of how to live with purpose in an often tumultuous world. Through careful examination of self, theism, and our physical reality, he encourages readers to confront the deeper questions of existence, pushing them beyond the conventional answers that are so often offered by society.

The book strikes a balance between philosophical depth and practical relevance. De Goias rejects the notion that purpose can be boiled down to simple rules or easy steps. Instead, he argues that true meaning arises from personal exploration and the disciplined application of logic. For de Goias, the search for meaning is an individual journey, and it is through this process of self-discovery, guided by thoughtful reasoning, that one can weather life’s inevitable storms with resilience.

De Goias taps into the existential void that many individuals, especially today’s youth, often experience—feelings of uncertainty, fear, and a pervasive sense of meaninglessness. In contrast to the fleeting comforts of escapism, he presents a path forward rooted in logic, critical thought, and philosophical engagement. As Friedrich Nietzsche famously stated, “If we have our own why in life, we shall get along with almost any how,” and de Goias’ book serves as a guide to helping readers find their own "why."

This is not a book about quick fixes or transient solutions. It doesn’t promise happiness or success through superficial methods. Rather, it provides a framework for understanding human existence, showing that we are more than mere creatures of survival. We are beings with a deeper, invisible essence—the soul—that carries the potential for growth and transformation.

For anyone looking to understand the nature of meaning in a world that often seems devoid of it, A Meaningful Life is a must-read. It challenges the reader to confront difficult truths, while also offering the guidance to rise above them. De Goias’ emphasis on the importance of reasoned thought, self-awareness, and personal accountability creates a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with those seeking a life of purpose beyond the noise of modern distractions.

2 people found this helpful
Helder Pacheco - Brazil

Reviewed in Canada on April 3, 2025

Verified Purchase
It is very nice when you read a book that makes you think beyond the obvious. Albert offers us this gift of reflecting more deeply about an important topic for us, our family and our society.
michelle - Canada
michelle

Reviewed in Canada on April 21, 2025

Through warm, conversational storytelling, Goias invites readers into an intimate dialogue on life’s most essential questions: Why are we here? What gives life meaning? How do we find purpose in the ordinary moments?

Each chapter unfolds like a quiet revelation, yet what makes this book especially powerful is its ability to meet readers where they are. Depending on your stage of life, your struggles, or your triumphs, different chapters will resonate more deeply. Some may find solace in reflections on love and loss; others might be stirred by the author's musings on time, legacy, or joy.

What sets this book apart is the author’s tone: never preachy, always honest. His prose feels like sitting with a wise friend over coffee, one who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions but does so with empathy and grace.

Whether you are searching, healing, evolving, or simply curious, A Meaningful Life is a good reminder that life's journey is the point, and meaning is often found in the quiet corners we least expect.

From Andrea del Sarto by Robert Browning

Ah! But a man's reach must exceed his grasp.  Or what's a heaven for?

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