What does it mean to matter, to loved ones, to your community, at your job?

Research tells us that feeling we have value and purpose in life is something humans inherently crave.

But recent work on the topic takes it a step further, arguing that it is critical to our very existence.

As critical is our need for sleep, food, and air.

I'm Jen White. You're listening to the 1A podcast.

Today we ask, so why does it matter if we matter?

That's just ahead right after the short break.

Stay with us.

Welcome back to the 1A podcast.

We're talking about what it means to matter and why that feeling of mattering is central

to our lives and existence.

Here to lead us through this exploration is Jennifer Wallace.

She's the journalist behind the book, Mattering, the Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and

Purpose. It was released this year, and she joins us from the studios of NPR, New York.

Jennifer, welcome. Oh, thanks for having me, Jen.

And as always, you're our guest this hour, too.

Hi, this is Lynn.

For 40 years, I worked as an RN.

And when I stopped working, I was asked to volunteer at a shelter with men in recovery.

So I started dispensing meds to the men.

And initially, I just thought that's all I was doing.

But it turns out I'm like a big sister.

...