The Existential Playbook

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was totally absorbing and fascinating. Eloquent and scholarly, yet still accessible and practical with a lightness of touch – playfulness, even – that allows Stephen’s personality to shine through!

Our notion of self – our identity – inevitably changes as we move through life. What were aspirations for an ambitious future become bleak memories of the past. In addition, the time horizons of past and future change during life as the choices we make for our future often become more concerned with long-term meaning and fulfilment than the short-term wins in a next career move. The Existential Playbook puts the reader on a trajectory of opportunities for life choices, reflections and personal insight to inspire how to ‘edit the past, curate the present and design the future’. It’s a cross-disciplinary view that draws upon established insights from the fields of philosophy, psychology, neurology and strategy, which are combined in compelling ways. The reader is left with plenty of opportunities for informed reflections that may inspire both small changes and bold moves into the future.

Insightful, surprising and engaging. I wish I’d had this book when I turned 40!

This book is essential for anyone seeking to address meaning and purpose in life. Drawing on the very best thinkers, developing powerful models and reflective processes, Bruyant-Langer guides the reader to embrace a deeper sense of self – a real self, an authentic self. It is a must-read for anyone at a crossroads; and who isn’t at a crossroads?

A thought-provoking book that draws inspiration from thinkers from Kierkegaard to Camus and from Freud to Frankl. It oscillates in a highly reflective manner between the theoretical and practical; intention and action; mind and body; thoughts and feelings; breakdown and breakthrough; survive and thrive; the personal and the universal; and the successful and the meaningful. Food for existential thought!

In a world defined by constant change and uncertainty, the ability to navigate transitions with grace and resilience has never been more critical. The Existential Playbook is a beacon of wisdom and guidance for those seeking to not only survive but thrive amidst the complexities of life’s ever-evolving journey. Drawing upon a rich tapestry of philosophical insights, psychological principles and real-life ‘hacks’ and tools, Stephen Bruyant-Langer helps the reader form a comprehensive roadmap for embracing change as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Through the book’s pages, readers will discover real-life case studies, anecdotes, practical strategies, profound truths and empowering exercises to navigate the inevitable transitions of life with courage, clarity and confidence. At its core it challenges us to reframe our perspectives on change, viewing it not as a threat to be feared but as a catalyst for personal and professional clarity. It furthermore invites us to lean into discomfort, embrace uncertainty and harness the power of resilience to emerge stronger and more fulfilled on the other side. The Existential Playbook isn’t just a book; it is a guide, toolkit and source for those navigating the turbulent waters of change.