The world paints a picture of Californians as superficial pleasure-seekers, interested in little more than themselves, but, as a native Californian, I can let you in on a little known secret: the situation is the perfect opposite. I grew up in an environment saturated with spirituality, where virtually everyone has a purpose—bookstores are brimming with literature on it, seminars are held to teach it, and everyone from the surfer to the accountant discusses it with verve. Try telling a group of Californians that your life lacks direction. They will not nod their agreement and pat you on the back; they’ll give you a tip, a book, a job, anything to help you get back on track. I have a confession to make: as a young man growing up in such a culture, the great song of purpose fell mute on my ears.