Mattering

All living entities have a mattering instinct that drives them to make concerted efforts to survive and reproduce, promoting the survival of their genes. Alone of all living beings, however, humans have an interest in moving beyond this automatic instinct to ask why and in what ways we matter as individuals. We design and pursue mattering projects of varying nature, to try to demonstrate to ourselves and others that our individual lives do, in fact, matter. This course will examine some of the recently published theories regarding mattering instincts and their influence in our own and others’ lives.

Goldstein, Rebecca N., The Mattering Instinct (Liveright: 2026) ISBN: 978-1324096856

Mark Davies has taught from seventh graders through seniors in college, and four literature courses at MSC. He hopes students will join him in exploring the very diverse ways we try to create a fulfilling life of significance to ourselves and others, a life that matters.