A life of purpose | Rick Warren

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on the unexpected success of his book, which addresses the universal human quest for meaning beyond the routine of life. He delves into the concepts of living a life of significance, the importance of purpose, and the stewardship of wealth and influence. The speaker challenges the audience to consider their own 'SHAPED' identities and to use their unique talents and resources to serve others and improve the world.

Takeaways

• 😮 The speaker expresses surprise at having written a successful book and never considered themselves an author.
• 🌟 They attribute the book's popularity to a universal feeling of spiritual emptiness and a desire for more meaning in life beyond the routine.
• 🤔 The speaker challenges the audience to consider if they are truly living or just existing, suggesting that many are not experiencing life to the fullest.
• 🙏 A belief is expressed that everyone has a purpose, and that individuals matter to God, history, and the universe.
• 🧐 The difference between survival, success, and significance is pondered, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's life purpose.
• 💭 The speaker shares their own crisis upon achieving unexpected success and wealth, questioning what to do with these newfound resources.
• 💰 The speaker and their wife made a series of decisions about how to allocate the wealth generated by the book, including not using it for personal gain.
• 🌱 The concept of 'reverse tithing' is introduced, where the speaker and their wife give away a large percentage of their income to charity.
• 🗣️ The speaker discusses the 'stewardship of affluence and influence,' advocating for the responsible use of resources and power to benefit others.
• 🌐 The speaker encourages the audience to consider what they have been given and to use their talents and opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.

Q & A

What did the speaker initially express surprise about regarding the book they wrote?

The speaker was surprised that they got to write the book at all, as they never imagined doing so, not even in their wildest dreams, and they don't even consider themselves to be an author.

Why does the speaker believe the book continues to sell a million copies a month?

The speaker thinks the book continues to sell well because spiritual emptiness is a universal disease, and people innately seek more meaning in life than just existing through daily routines.

What does the speaker argue is the difference between living and merely existing?

The speaker argues that living involves more than just the routine of getting up, going to work, coming home, and watching TV. True living involves finding and fulfilling one's purpose and meaning in life.

According to the speaker, why do some smart and successful people still feel unfulfilled or like impostors?

The speaker suggests that the feeling of unfulfillment or impostor syndrome among smart and successful people stems from a lack of meaning, significance, and purpose in their lives.

What does the speaker believe about the existence of every individual?

The speaker believes that every individual is not an accident, that there are no accidental children, and that each person matters to God, history, and the universe.

What does the speaker suggest is the key to moving from a survival level to a significance level of living?

The key to moving from a survival level to a significance level of living, according to the speaker, is figuring out one's purpose on Earth.

Why did the speaker initially decide not to go on TV when starting Saddleback Church?

The speaker decided not to go on TV to avoid becoming a celebrity or televangelist, as they did not want fame or the associated ego that often comes with it.

What did the speaker do with the money and fame that came from writing the best-selling book?

The speaker and his wife made five decisions regarding the money: they didn't use it on themselves, the speaker stopped taking a salary from the church, they gave back all the money the church had paid him over 25 years, they set up three foundations to address global issues, and they became reverse tithers, giving away 90% and living on 10%.

How does the speaker view leadership?

The speaker views leadership as stewardship, meaning that leaders do not own their positions but are entrusted to manage them for the betterment of others, not for personal gain.

What does the speaker suggest is the purpose of having influence?

The speaker suggests that the purpose of having influence is to use it to speak up for and help those who have no influence, such as the marginalized in society.

What question does the speaker pose to the audience at the end of the script?

The speaker asks the audience, 'What's in your hand?', encouraging them to consider the talents, opportunities, and resources they have been given and to use them to make the world a better place.