Martin Seligman
(b. 1942)
Biography
American psychologist known as the father of positive psychology. Originally famous for research on learned helplessness, he redirected psychology toward studying what makes life worth living. His PERMA model identifies five pillars of well-being: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Demonstrated empirically that meaning is essential to flourishing — and distinct from mere happiness.
Key contribution
Founded positive psychology as a scientific discipline and proved that meaning is a distinct, measurable component of well-being separate from pleasure or achievement.
Key works
- Authentic Happiness
- Flourish
- Learned Optimism
Perspectives on purpose
The Science of Flourishing
foundationalWell-being is not a single thing but five measurable elements — Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment — and purpose comes from cultivating all five.
Well-being is not just happiness — it's a five-dimensional construct where meaning is essential but not the whole story.
“Well-being cannot exist just in your own head. Well-being is a combination of feeling good and actually having meaning, good relationships, and accomplishment.”
Gratitude as a Way of Life
supportingPurpose is not something missing that you need to find — it's something present that you need to notice. Gratitude is the lens that reveals the meaning already in your life.
Empirical evidence confirms that gratitude interventions produce lasting increases in well-being and meaning.
“Gratitude can make your life happier and more satisfying.”