Mentorship leaves an inheritance of values, connection, and belief carried forward by others. Education and leadership are ultimately relational, grounded in humanity and connection. Legacy lives through relationships, community, compassion, and the people we continue to shape.
"After the drive for food and shelter, it is the motivation to matter that drives human behavior," says Wallace. "It is this idea of feeling valued by our family, our friends, our colleagues, our community, and having an opportunity to add value back to the world around us." Studies show that when we have this, it is better for our overall health, especially mental health. "The research is finding that it is linked with lower depression, lower anxiety, reduced risk of suicide," says Wallace.
I was fortunate enough to have had Dr. Haidt as a lecturer during one of my classes at the University of Pennsylvania. For that class, we had read his book, The Happiness Hypothesis, another great read where Dr. Haidt (2006) shows that lasting happiness comes from balancing love, purpose, and personal growth. In The Anxious Generation, Dr. Haidt (2024) discusses how a shift has occurred in childhood and adolescence since smartphones have become constant companions, and how social media has replaced playdates and real-life friendships.
