Kate Bowler
Duke Professor | Exploring the Meaning of Life in the Face of Illness
About
Kate Bowler is an associate professor at Duke Divinity School and the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir 'Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved'. Her research focuses on the history of the prosperity gospel, a movement that promises health, wealth, and happiness.
After being diagnosed with stage IV cancer at age 35, Bowler's perspective shifted, leading her to explore how people find meaning in the face of suffering. Her moving TED talk has been viewed over 6 million times, and her work offers audiences deeply human insights on resilience, mortality, and the power of community.
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"Everything happens for a reason" -- and other lies I've loved
In life's toughest moments, how do you go on living? Kate Bowler has been exploring this question ever since she was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at age 35. In a profound, heartbreaking and unexpectedly funny talk, she offers some answers -- challenging the idea that "everything happens for a reason" and sharing hard-won wisdom about how to make sense of the world after your life is suddenly, completely changed. "I believe that in the darkness, even there, there will be beauty and there will be love," she says.
Kate Bowler at Aspen Ideas Festival 2026
Kate Bowler at How To Academy 2021
Kate Bowler at Aspen Ideas Festival 2023
| Event | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Ideas Festival×2 | 2026 | 🇺🇸Aspen, United States |
| How To Academy | 2021 | |
| TEDMED 2018 | 2018 | 🇺🇸Palm Springs, United States |
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