What if the most human thing about us isn’t happiness, survival, or even love but the relentless need to feel we matter? In this profound installment of the You Matter series on Passion Struck, MacArthur Fellow and National Humanities Medalist Rebecca Newberger Goldstein joins the show to unpack her groundbreaking book The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides Us (Liveright, January 13, 2026). A philosopher and novelist celebrated for Plato at the Googleplex and The Mind-Body Problem, Goldstein argues that this primal instinct is uniquely human. Rooted in self-reflection and our resistance to entropy, it propels our greatest achievements and darkest conflicts. Through vivid stories—from William James overcoming depression to a neo-Nazi skinhead’s redemption, Scott Joplin’s tragic devotion to his opera, and an impoverished Chinese woman rescuing abandoned babies—Goldstein reveals how “mattering projects” shape identity, relationships, culture, and even atrocities. She distinguishes true mattering (an inward justification of our existence) from mere connectedness (belonging to others), explores four “continents” on the mattering map (Transcenders, Heroic Strivers, Socializers, Competitors), and offers a moral boundary: align with life and flourishing against disorder and entropy. This conversation probes a crisis at the heart of modern life: In a world of metrics, performance, and isolation, how do we answer the question “Do I really matter?” and live with mercy toward one another’s vulnerable longings? If you wrestle with purpose, dignity, meaning, leadership, or why humans create beauty and harm, this episode delivers a clarifying, compassionate framework for understanding ourselves and our divided world. Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health podcast and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web, recognizing the show’s commitment to thoughtful, human-centered conversations like this one. Caraway’s cookware set is a favorite for a reason—it can save you up to $190 versus buying items individually. Plus, if you visit Carawayhome.com/PASSIONSTRUCK, you can take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Check out Kalshi and use my code SB60 for a great deal: https://kalshi.com Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/mattering-instinct-rebecca-newberger-goldstein/ Download a Free Companion Reflection Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dy59XSRcQgovN3N-KNbHILa9GO91Tou-/view?usp=sharing Connect with John Keynote speaking, books, and podcast: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles Pre-Order the Children’s Book You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/ Learn More About Rebecca Newberger Goldstein: https://rebeccagoldstein.com The Mattering Instinct: How Our Deepest Longing Drives Us and Divides UsAvailable wherever books are sold. Mattering is an indicator of organizational health: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-74409-001 In This Episode, You Will Learn Why the mattering instinct is the most peculiar and poignant thing about being humanHow self-reflection and entropy resistance turn biological survival into an existential question of justificationThe crucial distinction between connectedness (mattering to others) and true mattering (deserving our own attention)How the four continents of the mattering map—Transcenders, Heroic Strivers, Socializers, and Competitors—reveal our diverse responses to the same instinctWhy this longing fuels extraordinary creation (art, altruism, discovery) and profound harm (atrocities, zero-sum competition)Entropy as a real constraint on meaning: ways of living that sustain order, care, and flourishing vs. those that accelerate disorderThe vulnerability this instinct creates—and why it demands we treat one another with kindnessSupport the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
