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The Problem of Life
How to Find Identity, Purpose, and Joy in a Disenchanted World
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Narrated by:
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Mark Clark
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By:
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Mark Clark
About this listen
Read by the author.
Compelling answers to your biggest questions about life.
The Western world faces unprecedented levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Despite advancements in wealth, knowledge, and longevity of life, many feel their lives lack significance, leading to a deep longing for fulfillment and happiness.
In The Problem of Life, author Mark Clark recounts a pivotal moment when he mistakenly informed a woman of her husband's death. This profound mistake taught him invaluable lessons about existence and purpose. He argues that our relentless pursuit of money, family, and friendships—while important—often distract us from what truly matters, leaving us disenchanted.
What if we could address this inner ache? What if we could discover our true place in the world?
In this final book of a trilogy which began with The Problem of God, Clark presents 11 practical principles to help us flourish. He explores foundational topics like our origins, identity, and the meaning of suffering while drawing from biblical theology, psychology, and engaging stories, like:
- His battle with Tourette Syndrome and how it made him a better preacher and person.
- How he accidentally saved a woman from killing herself.
- Why scientists and tennis players agree that the cultural conversation about gender is all backward.
- Why your view on Sea World may predict your level of anxiety.
- What the dramatic events surrounding a false missile alert in Hawaii in 2018 have to do with you.
The Problem of Life illustrates how we may be looking in all the wrong places for joy, contentment, and satisfaction and points us toward God as the remedy for our brokenness.
©2025 Mark Clark (P)2025 ZondervanRelated to this topic
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What listeners say about The Problem of Life
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- Anonymous User
- 02-19-25
Wow!!!
Absolutely one of the most amazing books I have ever heard. Completely worth the read or the listen. Elite insight into eternal content!!!!
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- Jason
- 02-19-25
Fantastic book
Mark Clark’s The Problem of Life is one of those rare books that makes you think deeply while also giving you practical steps to change your life. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like Who am I? Why am I here? Why does life feel so hard?—this book is for you.
Clark doesn’t just throw out abstract ideas; he shares real, raw stories from his own life—like a moment where he mistakenly told someone their husband had died—to show how we all struggle to find meaning. He also opens up about his Tourette Syndrome and how something he once saw as a weakness actually made him a better communicator and leader. His honesty makes the book feel like a conversation with a friend rather than a lecture.
What makes this book so practical is Clark’s 11 principles for a thriving life. He tackles big issues—identity, suffering, success, and even modern cultural debates—but he always brings it back to what this means for you. Whether he’s talking about the anxiety epidemic, social media’s impact, or why our pursuit of happiness often leaves us empty, he offers biblical wisdom and actionable steps to help you live with more joy and purpose.
If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your perspective while giving you real tools to navigate life, The Problem of Life is a must-read. It’s engaging, thought-provoking, and—most importantly—deeply helpful.
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