Connection to concepts refers to the deep, personal resonance we feel with abstract ideas such as

• justice

• love

• freedom

• loyalty

• resilience

• faith

• beauty

• authority

These are not tangible things, but they shape how we see the world and orient our lives. When we connect to a concept, it becomes more than an idea; it becomes a source of direction, motivation, and identity. It grounds our sense of purpose and helps us make meaning of our experiences.

We build these connections through reflection, learning, storytelling, and action. For some, concepts like forgiveness or courage become real through lived experience. For others, connection arises through reading, conversation, spiritual practice, or artistic expression. 

Engaging with values-based frameworks, ethical dilemmas, or cultural narratives can bring abstract ideas into focus and help us internalize them. Over time, these conceptual anchors influence how we interpret challenges, navigate relationships, and shape our lives.

When we’re connected to a concept, we’re tethered to something enduring. Such connections foster:

• a sense of meaning

• moral clarity

• a stronger sense of self

• persistance in the face of adversity

• alignment between our actions and our beliefs

• coherence in complex situations

Concepts give structure to our inner world and connect us to communities of thought, tradition, or faith. Ultimately, they offer a pathway to transcendence, reminding us that we are part of something larger than ourselves.

The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth