James Bailey: What gives life meaning? And how do we find purpose when life doesn’t go to plan?

After finding himself unemployed, heartbroken and questioning his own purpose, Bristol-born author James Bailey began writing to extraordinary people from every walk of life with one simple question: What is the meaning of life?

Over the next decade, responses arrived from presidents and prime ministers, astronauts and adventurers, scientists, philosophers, bestselling authors and world-famous musicians.

The remarkable responses are brought together in James’s latest book, The Meaning of Life. Drawing on insights from contributors including Dame Jane Goodall, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, Dame Hilary Mantel and President Jimmy Carter, this conversation will explore purpose, resilience, happiness and what truly matters in our brief time on earth.