Dr. Laura Gabayan, a physician, scientist and author of the award-winning book "Common Wisdom: 8 Scientific Elements of a Meaningful Life," will speak at Barnes & Noble Santa Monica on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 2:30-4 p.m.
The free event at 1318 3rd Street Promenade will feature a 30-minute discussion about her book from 2:30-3 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing until 4 p.m.
Gabayan, who lost her home in the Palisades Fire, expressed gratitude for support from the Santa Monica and Los Angeles communities, firefighters and local businesses that donated items to fire victims.
The Los Angeles native and two-time valedictorian attended UCLA for all her education, including medical school and three additional years of research training. After being misdiagnosed with an autoimmune disease, she ended her career as an emergency room doctor and shifted to researching wisdom.
"I did not know what was wrong with me, and was frustrated by getting cookie cutter answers from doctors," Gabayan said. "I wanted to better understand 'the wise,' people who can think outside the box and find solutions to complex problems."
Her Wisdom Research Project involved interviewing 60 adults aged 50-79 across North America. The study identified eight elements that contribute to wisdom: resilience, kindness, positivity, spirituality, humility, tolerance, creativity and curiosity.
Gabayan said she used these wisdom skills, particularly resilience, kindness and positivity, to find inner strength after losing her home in the fire.
She recently soft-launched a Wisdom IQ Test, an online assessment for adults 18 and older that takes five to seven minutes and provides immediate results. The test helps users identify their natural strengths among the eight traits and areas for improvement.
The multiple-choice assessment is available at https://lauragabayan.com, where visitors can also purchase "Common Wisdom."
Gabayan's goal is to help others find more joy, happiness and success by learning about wisdom and mastering the eight life skills. Her book features insights from everyday people including librarians, teachers, CEOs, widows and cancer survivors.
The event is free and open to the public. More information is available at https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/event/9780062191456-0.
Edited by SMDP Staff