What Really Matters: Find Meaning Amid Upheaval

In an age of noise, weaponized misinformation, and frenzy for viral hype, Dr. Robert Saul and Emmy-winning journalist Michael Cogdill deliver a timely, most-needed compass for the soul. Inspired by the shooting at Columbine and refined through decades of civic engagement, professional courage, and frontline storytelling, What Really Matters: Find Meaning Amid Upheaval successfully conveys the message that a meaningful life is built not on viral influence or political victory, but on six interconnected pillars: truth, trust, science, civility, diversity, and faith. Blending a journalist’s narrative power and a pediatrician’s clinical empathy, the authors communicate these virtues, not as abstract ideals but as practical, daily prerequisites for social justice, personal fulfillment, and the survival of a modern democratic society.  

You will marvel at the way the book explores how moral courage sustains truth, why civility must never be mistaken for silent compliance in the face of injustice, and how trust functions as the social currency of democracy, fluidly moving from the operating room to the newsroom to the public square. Saul and Cogdill argue that faith and science are not enemies, but partners, and that America’s strength lies in its diversity, which should never be perceived as a wedge. Their arguments and discussions are grounded in vivid, often harrowing experiences, from the Mother Emanuel massacre to the COVID-19 infodemic, Chornobyl’s cascade of lies, and incredible acts of radical forgiveness. What Really Matters proves that the essential elements that fuel our humanity and help build meaningful connections with ourselves and those around us are in moments of crisis, not comfort. This book is essential reading for educators, parents, citizens, and faith leaders who are exhausted by the divisions and polarization and are looking for a path to heal, connect, and build. The authors successfully transform a philosopher’s question into a citizen’s rallying cry—bracing, timely, and deeply humane.