Purpose in the Eyes of an LDS Psychiatrist
This is a critique of the conversation between Michael Shermer and Samuel T. Wilkinson, around his book “Purpose” Purpose in the Eyes of a Psychiatrist. I feel like the youtube video is label is overly broad, the title being “Purpose in the Eyes of a Psychiatrist.” but really, it should be titled “Purpose in the Eyes of an LDS Psychiatrist. While many psychiatrists may approach the concept of purpose from a more secular or even hedonistic perspective, Samuel T. Wilkinson’s insights are enriched by his LDS background, offering a distinctively nuanced view that intertwines secular and religious understandings of purpose. This perspective is especially relevant in a discourse that often gravitates towards more universal, sometimes abstract, discussions of purpose, relationships, and fulfillment. Reflecting on the diverse and insightful conversation surrounding the notion of purpose, it becomes evident that Samuel T. Wilkinson’s approach, deeply rooted in his LDS background, provides a divergence from the conventional secular or hedonistic perspectives typically encountered in psychiatric discourse. His unique standpoint weaves together the secular and the sacred, offering a exploration of purpose that resonates with a broad spectrum of experiences and beliefs. Wilkinson delves into the complex interplay between individual fulfillment and the broader existential questions that encompass our lives, relationships, and intrinsic motivations. This blend of secular knowledge and religious belief facilitates a richer, more inclusive dialogue on what it means to live a purposeful life, inviting a more holistic understanding of human aspiration and resilience. By integrating secular and religious dimensions of