The Quest for Significance

“Under the deft guidance of one of America’s great psychologists, this book explores a question that, at one time or another, enters the minds of most human beings: What’s it all about? The answer is Significance. And in making the case, Kruglanski and Raviv cover – in a delightfully accessible way – material from modern psychological research to the ancient philosophies of Rome and Asia. Stunning insights never stop coming. You can’t read this book without understanding your life and society more deeply…and without experiencing an inspiring sense of both challenge and reassurance.”

Claude Steele, Lucie Stern Professor Emeritus in Psychology, Stanford University, USA.

“What matters most to all of us? Simply, and profoundly: for our lives to matter and that we be treated with respect. This fundamental insight in Arie Kruglanski and Dan Raviv’s landmark new book, The Quest for Significance, is the foundation for a penetrating rethinking of where human choices come from, from choosing friends and lovers to choosing to become a terrorist. This scholarly, beautifully written, and fascinating book tells us what it means to be human. It is a need to know.”

E. Tory Higgins, author of Shared Reality: What Makes Us Strong and Tears Us Apart

“By weaving together engaging accounts from history, politics, and psychology, Kruglanski and Raviv offer compelling evidence for a remarkably encompassing assertion: that almost all of human expression, practice, and goal formation can be traced to the need for personal and social Significance. It’s a tour de force.”

Robert Cialdini, author of Influence and Pre-Suasion

“In this groundbreaking exploration of human motivation, Arie Kruglanski and Dan Raviv reveal how our universal need to feel significant shapes everything from our most intimate relationships to world-changing historical events. By illuminating this fundamental drive, the authors provide a master key that unlocks deeper insights into relationships, parenting, careers, leadership, mental health, social movements, and even the roots of extremism – empowering us to navigate life’s complexities with greater wisdom, empathy, and effectiveness. This book will change the way you view yourself and others, offering a powerful lens through which to understand human behavior in a rapidly changing world.”

Michele J. Gelfand, author of Rule makers, Rule breakers…

Arie W. Kruglanski is a globally esteemed authority on human motivation, goal systems, cognitive closure, and terrorism. A Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland, his many awards include the American Psychological Society honoring “his lifetime of significant intellectual contributions to the basic science of psychology”.

Dan Raviv is a bestselling author and covered war, espionage, diplomacy, and politics for CBS News for 40 years.